Retards in the Government 453

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/15/iloilo-village-chair-yields-p65-m-shabu

A barangay captain in northern Iloilo province was caught with nearly P 6.5-million worth of suspected shabu in an anti-drug operation on Wednesday.

Authorities identified the suspect as Matt, captain of Barangay Poblacion Tuble in San Dionisio town.

Seized from the 39-year-old barangay official was more than 955 grams of suspected shabu when he was arrested in the neighboring town of Sara.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) led by Police Major Dadje Delima conducted surveillance against the suspect for a month after receiving information from an informant in Sara.

Matmat reportedly sourced his supply from Estancia town and distributed it in other parts of Iloilo.

Iloilo police chief Police Col. Bayani Razalan lauded operating units for the suspect’s arrest.

“I congratulate our PDEU on this successful anti-illegal drug operation and the arrest of this high-value target, an incumbent punong barangay. Regardless of position or status in society, as long as it is involved in drugs, we will not hesitate to arrest any individual,” said Razalan in a statement on Thursday, Jan. 15.

The suspect is facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002.

A barangay captain in northern Iloilo province was caught with nearly P 6.5-million worth of suspected shabu in an anti-drug operation.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/15/ex-cop-wanted-for-murder-arrested-in-cavite

An ex-police officer wanted for two counts of murder and who has been in hiding for over a year, was arrested by the joint forces of the Bulacan, Navotas, and Cavite police in Brgy. Tres Cruces, Tanza, Cavite, at around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14. 

Lt. Col. Russel Dennis E. Reburiano, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), identified the suspect as Ulysses Hernani Castro Pascual, 46, of No. 628 Governor Pascual St., Brgy. San Roque, Navotas City. 

The arrest was made following the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 11, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Feb. 20, 2025, in connection with Criminal Case Nos. 988-M-2025 and 989-M-2025 for two counts of murder, with no recommended bail. 

The operation was led by the Tracker Team of the Bulacan PIU in coordination with the personnel of the Bulacan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Malolos City police station, Navotas City police station, CIDG Cavite, and Tanza municipal police station of the Cavite PPO, under the supervision of Municipal Mayor Archangelo Matro and village officials. 

At the time of his arrest, a Glock 9mm 43X pistol with an optic sight, chamber load, and a loaded magazine with 15 bullets were seized from him. 

The suspect is believed to be behind the murder of former Board Member Ramil Capistrano, ABC President of Bulacan, and his driver Shedrick S. Toribio, which occurred in Brgy. Ligas, Malolos City on Oct. 3, 2024. 

"The arrest of one of the main suspects in the murder of Capistrano is a result of the close coordination between the units of the Bulacan Police and our partner agencies. We will continue our campaign to ensure that criminals are held accountable and to maintain peace and justice in the province of Bulacan," said Col. Angel L. Garcillano, Bulacan police director. 

Governor Daniel R. Fernando lauded the Bulacan police force for their arrest of Pascual. He appealed to the people of Bulacan to cooperate in maintaining peace and order in the province. 

An ex-police officer wanted for two counts of murder and who has been in hiding for over a year, was arrested.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/973118/bong-revilla-ombudsman-malversation-flood-control/story/

The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday filed malversation and graft charges against ex-Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez and five others over the alleged P92.8 million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. 

"The Ombudsman will pursue these cases without fear or favor," Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a press conference after filing the charges before the anti-graft court.

The criminal charges filed against Revilla are the second batch of flood control-related criminal cases filed by the Ombudsman prosecutors before the Sandiganbayan.

Cases against public officials under Salary Grade 27 and higher are filed before the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court.

The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday filed malversation and graft charges against ex-Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., former  DPWH Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez and five others over the alleged P92.8 million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/19/sk-councilor-nabbed-in-bacolod-drug-sting

A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor and two others were arrested and 105 grams of suspected shabu valued at P714,000 was seized in a buy-bust operation in Purok Sigay, Barangay 2 here on Monday, Jan. 19. 

Police identified the suspects as Jess, 19, SK Councilor; SK Kagawad Jov, 23, and JM, 18.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said Jess was reportedly involved in illegal drug activities in Barangays 2, 10, and 12. 

Following intelligence reports, police conducted surveillance and, with the help of a confidential informant, arranged a transaction that led to their arrest. 

Authorities said Jess’ two companions were allegedly purchasing illegal drugs when they were arrested. 

Jess and Jov were classified as high-value individuals while JM was tagged as a street-level individual. 

The contraband was submitted to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination. Suspects are detained at Police Station 2. 

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said the operation underscored their firm enforcement of the law regardless of an individual’s position or status. 

He said that public officials and drug offenders will be held accountable and reiterated their commitment to combating illegal drugs through intelligence-driven and lawful operations. 

A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor and two others were arrested and 105 grams of suspected shabu valued at P714,000 was seized in a buy-bust operation. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2171179/trillanes-on-plunder-graft-complaints-vs-sara-duterte

Former Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV and members a civil society group have filed plunder and graft complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte over the alleged misuse of her office’s confidential funds and other anomalies during her stints as education secretary and Davao City mayor.

Trillanes and members of The Silent Majority (TSM) lodged the complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday. 

In a statement released to the media during the filing, TSM founder Jocelyn Marie Acosta explained that the newly filed complaint builds on an earlier case involving the alleged misuse of confidential funds submitted by civil society groups in December 2025.

She said the new complaint covers alleged irregularities during Duterte’s terms as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and as mayor of Davao City, including claims that she received money from individuals linked to the illegal drug trade.

The complaint alleged the large-scale misuse of public funds, including P650 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, as well as P2.7 billion in confidential funds during Duterte’s term as Davao City mayor.

It also flagged alleged irregularities in the P8-billion laptop procurement at DepEd, along with billions of pesos in audit disallowances and unliquidated cash advances under her watch.

The complaint further claimed that only 192 classrooms were built despite a target of more than 6,000, raising accusations of graft and gross incompetence, as well as Duterte’s alleged failure to declare more than P2 billion in assets in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, which complainants describe as ill-gotten wealth.

Additional allegations include bribery and corruption, citing claims that she received money from a drug personality while serving as mayor of Davao City, and that she is unfit to hold public office and guilty of betrayal of public trust, pointing to two public incidents in which she allegedly threatened President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We appeal to the Ombudsman to act decisively on these complaints. Vice President Duterte must immediately answer for these crimes against the Filipino people,” Trillanes said. 

Former Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV and members a civil society group have filed plunder and graft complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Retards in the Government 452

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

 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/01/08/2499524/ex-pnp-officials-ghost-procurement-get-40-years

The Sandiganbayan has sentenced five former ranking officials of the Philippine National Police to up to 40 years of imprisonment for graft in connection with the fictitious or “ghost” repair and procurement of spare parts for the PNP’s armored vehicles from 2007 to 2008.

In a 265-page decision promulgated on Dec. 11, 2025 but uploaded on the Sandiganbayan website only on Tuesday, the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division found five former officials of the PNP Logistics Support Service-Bids and Awards Committee (LSS BAC) guilty of four counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Sentenced to six up to ten years of imprisonment for each count of the offense or a total of 24 to 40 years were:

former LSS BAC chairman Col. Emmanuel Ojeda; former vice-chairman Col. Reuel Leverne Labrado; former assistant chief for Administrative and Resources Management Division (ARMD) and LSS purchasing officer Lt. Col. Josefina Dumanew; and LSS BAC members  Maj. Analee Forro and MSgt. Victor Puddao.

Meanwhile, found guilty of two counts each of graft were former LSS inspection officer Lt. Col. Warlito Tubon and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) supply accountable officer Eulito Fuentes.

Also found guilty of one count each of graft were former LSS BAC member Lt. Col. Henry Duque and former property inspector for the Directorate for Comptrollership NUP Alex Barrameda.

They were likewise sentenced to six up to ten years of imprisonment for each count of the offense.

All of those convicted were also perpetually disqualified from holding public office and to indemnify the government a total of P83.897 million in civil liability.

The court, on the other hand, acquitted former PNP chief Avelino Razon Jr., former Directorate for Comptrollership Management Division acting chief Lt. Col. Rainier Espina, former PNP Accounting Division chief Antonio Retrato and several private suppliers of graft and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents “for failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2013, the cases stemmed from the allegedly anomalous transactions amounting to P397.58 million relating to the supposed repair and maintenance of 28 units of V-150 light armored vehicles of the PNP in 2007 to 2008.

The ombudsman said the accused PNP officials made it appear that they purchased spare parts, engines, and transmission assemblies for the repair and maintenance of the vehicles when in fact there was no actual purchase nor delivery of the items.

Instead, the accused PNP officials, in collusion with the suppliers, falsified supporting documents such as the invitation to bid, minutes of bidding, recommendation of award, purchase order, delivery receipts as well as certifications of inspection and acceptance, the court noted.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) is investigating retired Brig. Gen. Jezebel Imelda Medina, former director of the PNP Health Service for possible corruption – which surfaced as a result of other issues being linked to her.

The Sandiganbayan has sentenced five former ranking officials of the Philippine National Police to up to 40 years of imprisonment for graft in connection with the fictitious or “ghost” repair and procurement of spare parts for the PNP’s armored vehicles from 2007 to 2008.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1266548

Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete on Friday ordered the immediate relief of a senior officer who allegedly withdrew his "personal support" for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through a social media post.

"By the direction of Commanding General, PA, Col. (Audie) Mongao was immediately relieved from his post and put into A/U (attached/unassigned) status to give way for a thorough investigation by Training Command, PA," Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a message to reporters.

Mongao reportedly withdrew his "personal support" for President Marcos "effective Jan. 9". He did not give a specific reason for action but said the "Filipino people is worth fighting for."

In a Facebook post, Training Command head Maj. Gen. Michael Logico confirmed that Mongao is assigned to his unit and is currently on "New Year's Break status."

"My command has exerted all efforts to reach out to him but has so far been unsuccessful. Effective last night, I have relieved him from his post as Commander Training Support Group and is now placed (in) the attached/unassigned Office of the Commander Training Command. Investigation is underway to determine possible administrative and legal charges that may be imposed upon him in relation to his online statement," he added.

Despite this, Logico said they are still reaching out to Mongao so they can extend emotional support.

"He is still my responsibility. The PA remains professional and steadfast behind our mandate, loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command," he added. 

Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete on Friday ordered the immediate relief of a senior officer who allegedly withdrew his "personal support" for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through a social media post.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1266551

loilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Col. Kim Legada was relieved of his post effective Thursday due to lapses in the conduct of investigation and assessment related to the death of Dueñas, Iloilo Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan.

Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) deputy regional director for operations, Col. Roland Bulalacao, temporarily assumed as officer-in-charge, while Legada has been recalled to the regional headquarters, PRO-6 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan announced in a press conference on Friday.

Also relieved from post and reassigned to the regional headquarters was ICPO Station 2 commander, Capt. Jeffrey Delgado.

"As a matter of procedure, because we saw that there were lapses indeed, it is incumbent upon me to replace and relieve the city director and the station commander, pending investigation," Ligan said.

He said the fact that there was an "order" for the scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) not to proceed to the place of the incident is already a lapse in the procedures.

In every crime scene, especially a shooting incident, Ligan emphasized that there has to be a SOCO team to process the crime scene.

“Yet, on that day, there was no processing,” he noted.

"As to the duration, we don't know yet. Right now, we have to determine the responsibility in the withdrawal, cancellation, or the holding off of the SOCO," he added.

On Wednesday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla visited the wake of Lamasan and conducted a case conference with law enforcement officers.

In a press conference, he said the death of the local official was considered due to accidental firing, based on their recreation of the scene, investigation, financial transaction, and testimonies from the family.

During the conference, Remulla said the local police committed a mistake because they waited for the official to die before the investigation was conducted.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is now leading the Special Investigation Task Group.

Lamasan died a day after undergoing an operation at the Iloilo St. Paul's Hospital, where she was rushed following the accidental firing incident on Dec. 30.

She was laid to rest on Wednesday.

loilo City Police Offic director Col. Kim Legada was relieved of his post effective Thursday due to lapses in the conduct of investigation and assessment related to the death of Dueñas, Iloilo Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/06/ex-soldier-hacks-septuagenarian-to-death-in-cagayan

A 77-year-old man was hacked to death by a former soldier in Barangay Mala Weste, Buguey, Cagayan on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 4. 

Police identified the victim as Dencio. 

Investigation said the suspect Juan allegedly hacked the victim using an approximately 18-inch bolo multiple times in the head and body until he collapsed. 

A concerned citizen reported the incident to the Buguey Police Station. Responding police officers found the body of the victim. 

The suspect fled on a motorcycle and was arrested during a follow-up operation in his residence. 

Police recovered the bolo used in the attack. 

The suspect was a soldier who went Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) and has a warrant of arrest for rape case which was served when he was apprehended. 

He is detained at the Buguey Police Station and facing a murder charge. Follow-up investigation is ongoing.

A 77-year-old man was hacked to death by a former soldier.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/07/mandaue-village-chair-in-hot-water-for-driving-motorcycle-without-helmet

A barangay captain in Mandaue City found himself in hot water after he was caught driving a motorcycle without a helmet in a busy street.

The Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO-7) has issued a show-cause order against Basak Barangay Captain Felipe Diano, who was also seen in a viral video disregarding a traffic light.

LTO-7 chief Glen Galario also ordered the suspension of Diano’s driver’s license for 90 days.

The issue stemmed from a video that has gone viral on social media showing Diano driving a motorcycle on a busy street in Mandaue without a helmet on Jan. 5.

The traffic light was red when Diano reached an intersection. While other vehicles stopped, Diano drove off, disregarding the traffic signal.

When the video widely circulated, Diano issued a public apology through a Facebook video. He also paid his fine at the traffic office of Mandaue.

Despite the barangay official’s admission of committing a traffic violation, the LTO-7 still opted to look into the matter.

Failure to wear a prescribed motorcycle helmet and reckless driving while proceeding through a red traffic light were among the violations cited by LTO-7.

“The official has been directed to appear personally and submit a written explanation/comment before the LTO 7 Operations Division at N. Bacalso Ave., Cebu City on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026,” the LTO-7 said in a statement.

Diano was required to show cause why his driver's license should not be suspended or revoked for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle pursuant to Section 27(a) of Republic Act 4136.

He  has also been ordered to surrender his driver's license and present the Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of the subject motor vehicle on the date of the hearing.

Diano’s driver’s license and motor vehicle registration have been placed under alarm status, preventing any and all transactions while the case is under investigation.

“The order warns that failure to appear and file the required explanation/comment at the stated time and place shall be construed as a waiver of the right to be heard and will result in the office resolving the case based on available records,” the LTO-7 said.

A barangay captain in Mandaue City found himself in hot water after he was caught driving a motorcycle without a helmet in a busy street.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2166376/cop-kills-three-police-officers-civilian-in-negros-oriental-town

A policeman killed three police officers and a civilian in Barangay Tubtubon, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on Friday evening (Jan. 9), the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported.

Those killed were Sibulan Police Station chief Capt. Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, Senior Master Sgt. Tristan Chua, Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor, and Sheila Mae Dinanao.

A police report said that at around 9:35 p.m. Friday, Dinanao was allegedly shot by Staff Sgt. Bonifacio Saycon, a member of the Sibulan Police Station, inside SAB Resto Bar.

Saycon was then arrested by three responding police officers, but while en route to the police station aboard a vehicle, he reportedly shot them.

They were onboard a Mitsubishi Lancer with plate number JDP 808, owned by Cimafranca.

The suspect later fled but voluntarily surrendered at 10:40 p.m. at the Tanjay City Police Station.

He is currently under police custody and undergoing custodial investigation, inquest proceedings, and administrative processing.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, has directed the activation of a special investigation team to handle the case and ensure that the probe is thorough, evidence-based, and free from undue influence.

“There will be no whitewash. This investigation will be conducted with full transparency, and anyone found liable will be held accountable under the law,” he said.

The PRO-NIR assured the public that it remains firmly committed to accountability, professionalism, and the rule of law, especially in incidents involving police personnel.

A policeman killed three police officers and a civilian in Barangay Tubtubon, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on Friday evening (Jan. 9), the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/686555/tabogon-cop-faces-criminal-admin-charges-after-alleged-assault-on-pwd

A police officer assigned to the Tabogon Municipal Police Station has been taken into custody and is facing possible criminal and administrative charges after allegedly assaulting a person with disability.

The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) confirmed that the officer was involved in a reported mauling incident in Tabogon, Cebu, involving a person with a disability.

The case later drew public attention after videos and posts related to the incident circulated on social media.

In the viral CCTV footage, both parties were riding motorcycles when they reached the area where the incident occurred.

The Tabogon cop stopped his motorcycle in front of the victim, disembarked, and allegedly punched the victim several times, causing him to fall from his motorcycle.

The officer continued to assault the victim even after he had fallen to the ground and attempted to walk away from the scene.

Police said responding personnel immediately conducted verification upon receiving information about the incident, proceeded to the hospital where the victim was brought, and coordinated with the victim and the victim’s family to document the case.

The police officer involved is now under the custody of the Tabogon Municipal Police Station.

Authorities also took custody of his issued firearm and other police equipment as part of standard procedure while the investigation is ongoing.

In a statement, CPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Abubakar Mangelen Jr. said the officer’s actions are being treated seriously, noting that acts of abuse or violence, particularly against vulnerable individuals, will not be tolerated.

Police said both criminal and administrative proceedings will be pursued against the Tabogon cop based on the results of the investigation, which remains ongoing.

The CPPO added that the case will be handled with transparency and due process, stressing that accountability applies to all members of the police force regardless of rank or assignment.

A police officer assigned to the Tabogon Municipal Police Station has been taken into custody and is facing possible criminal and administrative charges after allegedly assaulting a person with disability.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2166430/tabuk-police-chief-relieved-after-detainees-escape

The Tabuk City police chief, who previously gained public attention for paying for milk taken by a father accused of shoplifting, was relieved from his post after two detainees escaped from the city police detention cell last week.

Police Lt. Col. Jack Angog was removed from his position on Tuesday, January 6, and replaced by Police Lt. Col. Domingo Gambican, the deputy provincial director for operations of the Kalinga police, who was designated officer in charge.

In a statement, Police Col. Gilbert Fati-ig, Kalinga provincial police director, said Angog was temporarily relieved to ensure an “impartial investigation” into the escape of detainees Andres Benito Jr., 35, and Michael Macagne, 39, both farmers from Barangay Bulanao in Tabuk City. The two were earlier arrested for alleged violations of anti-drug and firearms laws.

The suspects reportedly escaped on Jan. 2, between 2:30 a.m. and 4:15 a.m., from the city police detention facility in Barangay Laya West.

Investigators said the detainees allegedly cut the iron bars of their cell using a hacksaw blade, squeezed through the railings atop a concrete wall, passed through a narrow opening, and slipped into an alley leading to the station’s first floor before exiting through a rear door toward the provincial road.

Probers recovered a wooden-handled hacksaw blade from a toilet, cut iron bars, and a bolt cutter found in a nearby field.

Police have appealed to residents to report any information that could help in the re-arrest of the suspects.

The Tabuk City police chief, who previously gained public attention for paying for milk taken by a father accused of shoplifting, was relieved from his post after two detainees escaped from the city police detention cell last week.

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/01/11/mpd-cop-faces-rape-raps

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation into a Manila Police officer accused of raping and physically abusing a 27-year-old woman in December.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday ordered the National Capital Region Police Office to relieve the officer of his duties and place him under restrictive custody.

“Any complaint against our personnel is taken seriously to send a strong message that we do not condone actions that compromise the integrity of the PNP,” Nartatez said in a statement.

He added that the officer faces both dismissal from the service and criminal charges if found liable.

The victim sought assistance from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption following the alleged assault on 4 December 2025. According to the victim, she lost consciousness after consuming a drink at a bar in Tomas Morato.

Closed-circuit television footage from the establishment reportedly shows the victim being wheeled out of the bar and into the suspect’s vehicle. Additional footage from a motel in Sampaloc allegedly shows the officer carrying the unconscious woman into a room at approximately 6 a.m.

The victim, who identified the officer as a long-time family friend and a childhood acquaintance, said she awoke to find the suspect pinning her down.

“I tried to fight back, but I couldn’t because I was gasping for air,” the victim said. She noted that she feared for her life during the encounter, worried the officer might use his service firearm if she became hysterical.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation into a Manila Police officer accused of raping and physically abusing a 27-year-old woman in December.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2166949/cop-faces-raps-for-shooting-fellow-officer-in-cavite-drug-bust

A police officer is facing a criminal complaint for allegedly shooting a fellow cop during an anti-drug operation in General Trias City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

Operatives were arresting a street-level drug suspect over suspected shabu (crystal meth) worth P45,560 on Thursday night in Barangay Santiago, General Trias, when the implicated officer shot at them, wounding a police corporal.

“A criminal complaint for direct assault and frustrated murder was filed on Jan. 9, 2026, before the Office of the City Prosecutor of General Trias,” Cavite Provincial Police Office Director Col. Ariel Red told reporters during a briefing at Camp Crame.

He further noted, “The Cavite PIAS (Provincial Internal Affairs Service) is now conducting a motu proprio investigation against all PNP personnel involved in the incident.”

Red identified the implicated officer as a patrolman under the PNP Maritime Group. The Inquirer opted not to name him until it is able to reach him for comment.

According to the Cavite police chief, the patrolman was at his parents’ house, about 200 meters away from the site of the anti-drug operation.

“During the initial investigation, he heard some noise. He saw some people away from his parents’ residence,” Red explained.

“So he went there. Approximately, the distance from which he fired was 34 meters from the incident,” he added in Filipino.

Red later stressed that the patrolman and the drug suspect were unrelated.

The police corporal was hit in the lower back, prompting the operatives to return fire, Red said.

The patrolman was reportedly sent back to his parents’ house, where police later tracked him down and arrested him.

Asked whether the patrolman fired multiple shots, the Cavite police chief said they recovered only one slug from the scene.

In a separate statement, the Cavite police said they recovered the patrolman’s Taurus 9mm pistol with PNP markings.

Red said the patrolman is detained at the General Trias Component City Police Station.

Meanwhile, the wounded police corporal was taken to the Gentri Doctors Medical Center for treatment.

The Cavite police chief said the wounded officer has since received P50,000 in financial assistance from the regional police.

A police officer is facing a criminal complaint for allegedly shooting a fellow cop during an anti-drug operation in General Trias City.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/687238/dole-7-director-files-ombudsman-complaint-vs-legal-officer-prosecutor

The regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against a legal officer of the City Traffic Management System (CTMS) and an associate city prosecutor in Lapu-Lapu City.

The complaint includes grave misconduct, gross negligence, gross ignorance of the law, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, violation of Republic Act No. 10173, violation of Republic Act No. 3019, and violation of Republic Act No. 6713.

The complaint stemmed after Lawyer Roy Buenafe’s daughter, Ma. Emilia Teofista Buenafe, was involved in a vehicular accident in Lapu-Lapu City on February 7, 2025.

Buenafe’s daughter was held liable in the accident, based on the affidavit of Sherwin Tampus, the traffic enforcer of CTMS. A complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in property damage was then filed by Emie Vidal Matuog, the complainant, against the other party involved in the vehicular accident.

In his affidavit, the DOLE-7 director argued that Lawyer Hans Daniel Sinugbuhan, the legal officer of CTMS, had enticed Tampus to execute an affidavit and notarize it. Buenafe said that such an unlawful notarial act of Sinugbuhan caused unwarranted benefits to Matuog; hence, it should be considered as a corrupt practice punishable under the law.

“The holding of office of a notary public in one of the local government unit’s properties constitutes blatant disregard for the norms of personal conduct that public officials and employees must observe as part of the standards in the discharge and execution of official duties, one of which is to uphold public interest over and above personal interest,” Buenafe said in his affidavit.

These acts, according to Buenafe, constitute grave misconduct, gross negligence, and violation of R.A. No. 3019 and R.A. No. 6713.

Buenafe also filed a separate complaint against Lapu-Lapu City Associate City Prosecutor Lawyer Irish Claire Cantillas-Salva before the Ombudsman for grave misconduct, gross ignorance of the law, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violation of R.A. No. 10173.

Buenafe’s complaint against Salva stemmed after the prosecutor dismissed the criminal complaint for violation of R.A. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act, filed by his daughter against Matuog on April 16, 2025.

Buenafe claimed that the photo of his daughter’s driver’s license, attached to the reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property complaint, was illegally obtained by Matuog.

He said that Matuog took a photo of the driver’s license of his daughter using her mobile phone without consent while they were being investigated by the traffic investigator.

Buenafe’s daughter filed a motion for reconsideration on May 28, 2025, but was eventually denied by Salva on June 16, 2025.

In her resolution, Salva said that the driver’s license photo was “necessary for the establishment of a legal claim.”

The regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against a legal officer of the City Traffic Management System (CTMS) and an associate city prosecutor in Lapu-Lapu City.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/01/13/2500603/11-key-dpwh-execs-relieved-under-probe

Eleven regional and district executives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been relieved, as part of an ongoing cleanup of the agency at the center of investigations on massive anomalies in flood control projects.

At a press briefing yesterday, Secretary Vince Dizon said the 11 comprise the “initial batch” of officials dismissed for “various reasons,” as his leadership team in the DPWH continues its house cleaning.

“We are officially relieving (them) today (Monday) for various reasons, specifically because there are ongoing investigations here which I cannot fully disclose to you. But suffice it to say we are investigating a lot of people in the department,” Dizon said.

He said he would be signing the official orders for their relief “in the next day or so.”

Of the 11 officials sacked, four were regional directors: Ronnel Tan of Region 1, Jovel Mendoza of Region 4-A, Virgilio Eduarte of Region 5 and Danilo Villa of Region 7.

Also relieved were assistant regional directors Neil Farala of Region 4-B and Annie dela Vega of Region 5, along with district engineers Ruel Umali of the 3rd district of Metro Manila and Manny Bulusan of South Manila District Engineering Office.

Ordered dismissed after being found ineligible by the Civil Service Commission were district engineers Sheryl­ann Gonzales (La Union), Roy Pacanan (IloIlo City) and Peter Scheller Soco (Leyte), “because they have not met CSC qualification standards,” Dizon said.

He said the DPWH has new “merit requirements” for all officials, specifically district engineers, assistant district engineers, regional directors and assistant regional directors.

“We will make requirements for qualifications of officials in the department tougher and stronger. This will come in the next few weeks. This is the initial batch of those relieved,” he said.

With the dismissal of 11 regional and district officers, a reshuffling in the department will follow, according to Dizon.

Eleven regional and district executives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been relieved, as part of an ongoing cleanup of the agency at the center of investigations on massive anomalies in flood control projects.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2167297/cop-stabs-co-accused-colleague-while-in-custody-over-p13-45-m-theft-case

A police officer stabbed his co-accused colleague on Tuesday morning while they were both in restrictive custody at Camp Crame, Quezon City, over a P13.45-million theft case, a police report said.

The report noted that the incident occurred in the facility’s kitchen, where both officers and four other co-accused cops were being held ahead of their preliminary investigation before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office later scheduled on Tuesday.

According to the police report, the victim—an executive master sergeant—first entered the kitchen, followed shortly by the perpetrator—a senior master sergeant.

“[The senior master sergeant] suddenly drew a kitchen knife. Upon noticing this, [the executive master sergeant] rushed toward [him] and embraced him in an attempt to restrain him,” the report explained.

“However, while in that position, [the senior master sergeant] stabbed [the executive master sergeant] in the back,” it added.

The victim was rushed to the nearby PNP General Hospital for medical attention and is currently under observation due to blood loss, the police report noted.

An initial investigation showed that the officer on duty overseeing the cops in restrictive custody reported the senior master sergeant’s “sudden change in behavior” earlier on Tuesday morning, according to the police report.

All six police officers were members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Anti-Organized Crime Unit (CIDG AOCU). The Inquirer opted not to identify them until it can reach them or their legal counsel for comment.

Authorities secured the crime scene and preserved the kitchen knife for forensic examination, while the senior master sergeant was kept under custody awaiting a possible criminal and administrative case for the incident, the police report said.

It added that the senior master sergeant will be medically and psychologically evaluated.

The six CIDG AOCU officers are accused of taking P13.451 million from cash confiscated during an October 2024 raid of an alleged Philippine offshore gaming operator in Bagac, Bataan.

A police officer stabbed his co-accused colleague on Tuesday morning while they were both in restrictive custody at Camp Crame, Quezon City, over a P13.45-million theft case, a police report said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2167798/9-cops-arrested-over-missing-sabungeros-cidg-ncr

Nine cops were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the abduction and killing of cockfighting aficionados (sabungeros), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group National Capital Region (CIDG NCR) said.

The police officers were already in restrictive custody at the CIDG NCR in Camp Crame, Quezon City, its chief Col. John Guiagui told reporters.

“We are hoping there will be more of them. We expect some to come to us,” he added.

While the CIDG NCR chief declined to identify the cops arrested, Guiagui said the highest-ranking officers in their custody were police lieutenant colonels.

The arrest warrants were dated Jan. 13 and issued by the Santa Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court Branch 26.

Nine cops were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the abduction and killing of cockfighting aficionados (sabungeros).

Retards in the Government 451

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

 

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2161939/cop-gunned-down-in-zamboanga-sibugay-minutes-before-new-year

What was meant to be a festive countdown turned into a tragedy after a policeman was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Diplahan town, Zamboanga Sibugay, just 36 minutes before the New Year.

Police Staff Sergeant June Ray Estallo Gamones, 37, was on his was to visit his family when he was ambushed at 11:24 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, in Barangay Poblacion.

Captain Mary Joy Necesario, Diplahan police chief,  identified Gamones as a resident of Barangay Danlugan, Pagadian City. He was an active member of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company  under the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office.

Initial investigations revealed that Gamones, who was in full field service uniform, had earlier asked permission from his team leader to travel to Barangay Mabini in Malangas town to see his family for the holidays.

He was ambushed while traversing a dimly lit portion of the national highway leading to Malangas.

Responding police officers, alerted by local residents, found Gamones lying beside his motorcycle. He was rushed to the Wilfredo Palma Memorial Hospital in Diplahan where he was declared dead despite a 20-minute effort to revive him.

Four fired5.56mm cartridges were found at the crime scene while the victim’s issued firearm was missing, beleived to have been carted away by the gunmen.

Citing initial accounts of witnesses, police said the victim was reportedly tailed by two unidentified men on a yellow-green Yamaha Mio motorcycle. Both men were wearing black jackets and brandished long firearms.

Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the killing. 

Diplahan police are currently conducting “backtracking” of CCTV footage from nearby establishments to identify the suspects, who were last seen fleeing toward Malangas.

A cop was assassinated just before the New Year began. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/684262/4-cops-involved-in-15-indiscriminate-firing-cases-during-holidays-pnp

Four police officers were among those involved in 15 cases of indiscriminate firing recorded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) between December 16, 2025, and January 1, 2026, during the holiday festivities.

Data shared by the PNP with reporters on Thursday showed that two of the indiscriminate firing cases each occurred in Ilocos Sur and Iloilo, while one each took place in Abra, Batangas, Benguet, Cagayan de Oro City, Catanduanes, Isabela, Manila, Negros Occidental, Pampanga, Parañaque City, and Surigao del Sur.

The PNP’s latest tally also noted that six of the cases occurred on Christmas Day, three early on New Year’s Day, two on Dec. 22, and one each on Dec. 18, 19, 21, and 31.

PNP’s data also detailed that the incidents resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals, while three more remain at large.

The cases also led to the confiscation of six caliber 9mm pistols; five caliber 45 pistols; two caliber 22 revolvers; a caliber .38 revolver; and a caliber 5.56 rifle.

Regarding the cases involving police officers, PNP data showed that the incidents involved a police master sergeant in Surigao del Sur, a police senior master sergeant in Iloilo, a patrolman in Parañaque City, and a patrolman in Cagayan de Oro.

The first three officers were arrested in connection with the indiscriminate firing incidents, while the fourth remains at large, according to the PNP.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. had previously warned police officers against using their service firearms during holiday festivities, saying they could face criminal and administrative sanctions, including possible dismissal from the police force.

Four cops have been involved in indiscriminate firing over the holidays. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/684617/bulacan-councilor-surrenders-after-new-year-shooting-wounds-neighbor

A 54-year-old village councilor who allegedly shot and wounded a neighbor during the New Year’s Day revelry surrendered to authorities on Thursday.

According to Col. Jayson San Pedro, chief of police of the City of Baliwag, the victim was a 45-year-old man who was celebrating the New Year with his family under a tree in Pinagbarilan at around 12:45 a.m. when a stray bullet hit him in the neck.

The victim was rushed to the nearest hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.

San Pedro said the bullet’s trajectory was traced to a residential area beyond a vacant lot about 1.5 kilometers away, which pointed to the suspect’s house.

Police seized more than 20 spent shells from a .22-caliber firearm and a 9mm pistol.

The suspect, who was not named in the report, surrendered at around 6 a.m. after the victim’s family reported the incident to the police.

A village councilor who shot a neighbor has surrendered to authorities. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/684970/police-dismissed-over-3000-personnel-in-2025

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it dismissed over 3,000 personnel in 2025.

This developed as it resolved 4,203 administrative cases against 6,527 personnel in 2025.

PNP records showed that the involved personnel included 1,101 Police Commissioned Officers, 5,229 Police Non-Commissioned Officers, and 197 Non-Uniformed Personnel.

Of the 6,529 affected personnel, 3,124 were dismissed. Another 3,403 faced penalties ranging from demotion to suspension following due process and careful review of the evidence.

“These figures show that accountability in the PNP is not selective and not superficial,” PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a news release.

Nartatez said discipline is a foundation of police service.

“Wearing a uniform is a privilege, not a right. Those who betray public trust will be held accountable, while those proven innocent are clearing their names. That balance is essential to a professional police force,” he said.

He said, meanwhile, that internal cleansing efforts will continue alongside reforms aimed at strengthening ethics, professionalism, and public trust. 

This, he said, is anchored on the principle that discipline within the organization directly translates to better service to the people.

The Philippine National Police dismissed over 3,000 personnel in 2025.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2163031/retired-gen-poquiz-arrested-over-inciting-to-sedition

Retired Air Force General Romeo Poquiz was arrested Monday at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) over an inciting to sedition charge, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.

Fresh off a family trip to Thailand, Poquiz arrived at Naia at 8:11 a.m. when police arrested him on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 77, CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) chief Col. John Guiagui told reporters in an interview at Camp Crame.

Poquiz is the convenor of the United People’s Initiative, a group of retired military officers that has called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down amid the corruption scandal.

The arrested retired general was brought to the CIDG–NCR headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, at around 9:50 a.m.

According to Guiagui, Poquiz was undergoing standard booking procedures — fingerprinting, mugshots, and a medical exam — before being brought before the RTC, which set his bail at P48,000.

Poquiz’s legal counsels, Ferdinand Topacio and Virgilio Garcia, accused the police of initially preventing them from conferring with their client.

“We were insistent. We wanted to talk to our client. They wouldn’t let us through… We wanted to make sure that our client would be transported safely and to know where he would be brought. We were practically chasing after them,” Garcia said in Filipino in a chance interview at Camp Crame.

He added that their camp plans to file administrative and criminal cases against the arresting police officers.

Topacio also said in Filipino, “We blame the executive branch for weaponizing the Department of Justice to persecute and attack those whom they view as enemies of the government.”

“Instead of jailing the corrupt, he jailed those going after the corrupt,” he added.

Guiagui maintained that Poquiz’s legal counsels were unable to immediately confer with their client because they arrived late and had not yet secured clearance to pass through airport security.

In a separate press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, Acting Philippine National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. likewise maintained that the police observed due process in Poquiz’s arrest.

Asked whether the arrest signaled a crackdown on anti-administration sentiments among retired uniformed personnel, Nartatez said in Filipino, “It’s not personal.”

Retired Air Force General Romeo Poquiz was arrested over an inciting to sedition charge.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/01/07/2499246/pnp-general-faces-raps-over-p70599-footwear

For allegedly refusing to follow lawful directives and wearing expensive footwear, a retired Philippine National Police (PNP) general is facing administrative cases, the National Police Commission announced yesterday.

The Napolcom’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service filed cases of less grave neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against former PNP-Health Service chief Brig. Gen. Jezebel Imelda Medina.

Medina allegedly failed to comply with repeated directives from the Napolcom to submit the psychiatric and psychological report of a patrolman assigned with the Quezon City Police District.

The QCPD officer, a vlogger, posted seditious remarks online when Medina was Health Service director.

The second basis for the filing of the complaint was Medina’s alleged display of a luxury item, particularly a pair of footwear valued at P70,599.75 or nearly equivalent to one month’s basic salary of a brigadier general.

The act, according to Napolcom, raised concern about modest living and ethical conduct required of all public servants, most especially senior PNP officials.

Medina reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 last Dec. 25.

She is a respected member of the PNP, being the first Igorot woman general in the police force.

A dentist by profession, Medina entered the PNP in 1993 and rose from the ranks.

A graduate of the University of Baguio, Medina has received numerous awards, including dental officer of the year and best regional administrative unit chief.

She spearheaded programs, which provided quality health services not only to PNP personnel but also the marginalized service.

Among these is the Kalinga ni Ina, Abot ng Makakaya and One-Time, Big-time Pangkalusugan Program, which improved access to health services of the poor.

For allegedly refusing to follow lawful directives and wearing expensive footwear, a retired Philippine National Police general is facing administrative cases.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/06/pcg-launches-parallel-probe-vs-personnel-accused-of-groping-waitress-in-pasay-restorer

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday, Jan. 6, that it has launched an administrative investigation against one of its personnel accused of sexually harassing a waitress at a restobar in Pasay City. 

According to initial investigation, the incident reportedly happened around 1 a.m. on Jan. 5 at a restobar in Pasay City. The victim was performing her duties as a waitress when the suspect allegedly touched her buttocks before entering the comfort room of the establishment. 

The PCG said the victim immediately sought help from security personnel and when the suspect came out of the comfort room, the victim identified him as the one who sexually harassed her. 

The suspect was then brought to a police station and placed under police custody for possible violation of Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos Law.” 

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the Coast Guard does not tolerate any form of misconduct by its personnel, whether committed on duty or off duty. 

“Such behavior runs counter to the core values of the organization and undermines public trust in the service,” Cayabyab said. 

The PCG personnel involved was off duty and not in uniform at the time of the incident. He entered the service in 2023, according to Cayabyab. 

While the suspect is facing civilian legal proceedings, the PCG has opened a separate administrative case. Cayabyab said the penalty could be severe if the accusation is proven. 

“If it is proven that our personnel committed a violation of the Safe Spaces Act, it is possible that he will be removed from the service or dishonorably discharged,” she said. 

Cayabyab stressed that the PCG leadership will not tolerate misconduct among its ranks. 

“The leadership of the PCG will not condone this kind of misconduct by our personnel, whether inside or outside the performance of their duties,” she said. 

She added that the PCG is fully cooperating with authorities to ensure justice for the victim.

“We reaffirm that the PCG will give its full cooperation so that justice may be served for the victim,” Cayabyab said. 

Asked about the suspect’s explanation and whether alcohol was involved, Cayabyab declined to give details. 

“We are conducting an ongoing investigation and continuous inquiry so we cannot disclose details at the moment,” she said.

The Philippine Coast Guard has launched an administrative investigation against one of its personnel accused of sexually harassing a waitress at a restobar in Pasay City. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2164383/eastern-samar-village-exec-stabbed-to-death

A village official of Barangay Tiguib in Oras town, Eastern Samar was killed in a stabbing incident on Tuesday, January 6, police said.

The victim, Arnel Montallana, 56, the incumbent chairman of Barangay Tiguib, was declared dead on arrival at Oras Doctor’s Hospital after sustaining multiple stab wounds.

According to the Oras Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident occurred at around 7:50 a.m.

A concerned citizen reported the stabbing to police, prompting responding officers to rush to the area.

The victim was found lying bloodied on the side of the road with visible stab wounds and was immediately transported by the Emergency Response Team to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead by the attending physician.

Initial police investigation revealed that the victim was on his way home aboard his motorcycle after bringing his wife to their store in Barangay Tiguib. Upon reaching an intersection about 40 meters from his residence, he was suddenly attacked and stabbed by the suspect, identified as Erick Lorot, 45, of Brgy. Butnga, also in Oras.

Police said the suspect used a short-bladed weapon locally known as a “dipang,” stabbing the victim in different parts of his body. Despite managing to dismount his motorcycle and seek help, the victim was chased by the suspect and stabbed again, sustaining a fatal wound to the chest.

The suspect initially fled on foot toward the mountainous area of Barangay Camanga, Oras.

A hot pursuit operation was immediately launched, leading to his arrest at an isolated house belonging to his younger brother in the same barangay. The suspect and the weapon used in the incident were brought to the Oras MPS for proper disposition.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack. 

A village official of Barangay Tiguib in Oras town, Eastern Samar was killed in a stabbing incident.