Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Assassinated Citizens July, 2026

Assassination is normal in the Philippines not only for government officials but also for regular citizens. The most common method of assassination for both citizens and officials is a motorcycle duo riding up on the target and then blasting them away. This series will document the number of citizens assassinated on a monthly basis. These stories are to be distinguished from regular murder cases which happen on a daily basis. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/746425/dalaguete-tricycle-driver-shot-dead-by-unidentified-riding-in-tandem

A 58-year-old tricycle driver was shot dead by unidentified riding-in-tandem assailants along the national highway in Barangay Tapon, Dalaguete, Cebu, on Saturday morning, July 11.

Police have since launched a hot pursuit operation while investigators review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and pursue other leads to identify the gunmen and determine the motive for the killing.

According to Police Master Sgt. Reynaldo Vidas of Dalaguete Municipal Police Station, the victim died on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head.

Based on the station’s initial report, although responders transported the victim to the nearest hospital for medical confirmation, the victim had already succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Vidas said the victim was immediately identified by his live-in partner and his child at the crime scene.

Police identified the victim as a resident of Barangay Cawayan, Dalaguete.

Initial investigation showed that the victim was driving a tricycle with two passengers on board and was traveling southbound when two unidentified men riding a motorcycle, reportedly white in color, suddenly waylaid him around 10:40 a.m.

Witnesses told police that the suspects, who were wearing sweatshirts and full-face helmets, opened fire at the victim before fleeing.

As of this writing, investigators have yet to establish the motive for the attack.

Vidas said police personnel have been divided into separate teams to simultaneously conduct follow-up investigations, review available CCTV footage, and carry out hot pursuit operations.

Authorities are also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has information that could help identify the assailants to coordinate with Dalaguete Municipal Police Station.


https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/11/man-killed-son-survives-leyte-shooting

A 40-year-old man was killed and his 17-year-old son was wounded by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Balao, Burauen, Leyte on Friday, July 10.

The victims were both residents of Barangay Paghudlan in Burauen.

Initial investigation said that the victims were traveling from Barangay Balao to Barangay Paghudlan after attending Vesper night when they were attacked by the suspects wearing black jackets.

The father died on the spot, while his son, was wounded in the hand and leg and taken to the Burauen District Hospital.

Barangay Balao is about 15 kilometers from the town proper.

Authorities have identified persons of interest and cited personal grudge as possible motive for the attack. Police are pursuing the suspects.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/13/former-american-professor-shot-dead-in-negros-oriental

A 73-year-old former American professor was shot dead inside his home in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, Negros Oriental on Sunday, July 12.

Investigation said that the victim and his wife were watching television when three unidentified persons barged inside their house.

One of the suspects shot the victim in the head. The victim died on the spot while his wife was unharmed. The suspects fled.

Police Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental police, said the victim was a former professor at Siliman University in Dumaguete City.

A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) is probing the incident. People with information were urged to contact the police.

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2264004/broadcast-media-worker-slain-in-maguindanao-del-norte-gun-attack

A broadcast media worker of a Catholic-run radio station here was shot dead Tuesday afternoon by still unknown suspects in Maguindanao del Norte, with colleagues calling on authorities to bring swift justice to his violent death.

Killed was Dennis D. Pido, 56, a resident of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, and a broadcast media technician of the Catholic-run Radio Station DXMS-AM/DXOL-FM of the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC).

NDBC is owned by the missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Capt. Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson for Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), said Pido was driving his Honda CRF 300 motorcycle on his way to work when an unidentified gunman riding pillion on a motorcycle shot him in Barangay Limbo, Sultan Kudarat town at about 3:50 p.m.

“The motive of the attack remained unknown,” Salanguit said in a statement, noting that the investigation is still ongoing on Wednesday.

Police investigators said the still unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects were seen tailing Pido. Upon reaching Barangay Limbo, he was shot four times from behind, with three bullets piercing through his chest.

Responding police officers rushed him to the Cotabato Sanitarium and General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.  

Drema Quitayen Bravo, DXMS-AM/DXOL-FM station manager, condemned the attack against Pido.

“We are heartbroken that a hardworking media worker lost his life while simply on his way to work,” Bravo said.

“This senseless act of violence has robbed a family of a beloved husband, father, son, and brother, and has deprived our station of a loyal employee who dedicated (at least) three decades of his life to broadcast media,” she added.

“He was more than a broadcast media technician; he was a trusted colleague, a dependable teammate, and a cherished member of the NDBC family. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our station and in the hearts of everyone who knew him,” she said.

Oblate missionary Fr. Rockmoore Saniel, NDBC chief executive officer, urged the police and other concerned government agencies to conduct a prompt, impartial, and comprehensive investigation.

“We urge the authorities to pursue every available lead, identify all those responsible, and ensure that they are held fully accountable under the law,” Saniel said.

“Every life is precious, and every act of violence that takes an innocent life is an assault not only on the victim and their loved ones but also on the peace and security of our communities. BARMM is our home. Let us protect each other from all forms of violence and killings,” he added.

Various media workers covering the Bangsamoro Region have condemned the attack against Pido.

Bangsamoro Member of Parliament Omar Sema also assailed the attack on the radio technician.

“I consider the murder of Dennis Pido as an attack against the press and media. Justice must be served,” he said.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/17/father-fetching-child-shot-dead-outside-rizal-school

A 30‑year‑old construction worker was shot dead while reportedly picking up his child outside an elementary school in Teresa, Rizal, on Thursday afternoon, July 16.

The Teresa Municipal Police Station (MPS) said the victim was shot in the head by the suspect identified as “Carlo,” with whom he allegedly had a prior dispute.

Police said the suspect, a security guard assigned to the school, was on leave at the time of the incident.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities have launched an intensified manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The Teresa MPS appealed to the public to report any information that could aid in the suspect’s arrest, assuring that all tips will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Police said they are taking all necessary measures to bring the suspect to justice and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and peace of the community.

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2265465/woman-gunned-down-after-visiting-jailed-husband-in-cavite/amp

A 33-year-old woman was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding assailants after visiting her jailed husband in General Trias City, Cavite, on Thursday, the Calabarzon regional police office said.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Nadia,” was found with fatal gunshot wounds to the head beside a creek along Bagong Silang Road in Barangay Santiago at around 4:30 p.m.

Nadia, a resident of a subdivision in the village, had just exited a jail facility in the area where she had visited her detained husband. Police did not disclose the reason for his detention.

On her way home, the victim was reportedly intercepted by two unidentified men on a motorcycle. The back rider allegedly shot her twice in the head, killing her instantly.

The suspects fled immediately after the attack.

Witnesses described the motorcycle driver as wearing a black T-shirt, while the gunman was wearing a white jacket and a white helmet.

Investigators are reviewing available closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage in the area to help identify the assailants.

Police are conducting a further investigation to establish the motive behind the killing.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/17/vlogger-killed-partner-wounded-in-caloocan-shooting

A vlogger was killed while her live-in partner was wounded after two unidentified armed men shot them inside their rented house in Caloocan City before dawn on Friday, July 17.

The Northern Police District (NPD) identified the fatality as Alicia “Mima Alicia” Lipata, 24.

Her live-in partner, identified only by the alias “Tapong,” 25, was rushed to Camarin Doctors Hospital due to gunshot wounds.

Police said the shooting occurred at around 3:06 a.m. inside the victims’ rented house in Tierra Nova Subdivision, Barangay 171.

According to the NPD, the two armed suspects entered the house, shot the victims, and fled on board a motorcycle.

Investigators said the victims appeared to have managed to run outside after the attack.

Lipata was later found dead on the road, while her partner was taken to the hospital by the owner of the house they were renting.

The NPD and the Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS) formed Special Investigation Task Group “MIMA” to conduct a focused and thorough investigation into the killing.

NPD director Brig. Gen. Benliner Capili directed the task group to use all available investigative and intelligence resources to identify, locate, and arrest the suspects, as well as determine the motive behind the shooting.

Police are also reviewing closed-circuit television footage in the area to help identify and track down the perpetrators.

The NPD condemned the attack and appealed to anyone with information to coordinate with the Caloocan City Police Station or the nearest police station.

Police assured the public that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/17/man-shot-dead-in-zamboanga-city

A 32-year-old man was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Zambowood here on Friday, July 17.

Police identified the victim as Mohammad Dail Ismael.

Investigation said Ismael stepped out of his pickup truck and the suspects alighted from their motorcycle, approached the victim, had a short conversation with him, and opened fire before fleeing.

The victim sustained multiple bullet wounds and taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation and manhunt operations.

 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/748340/2-shot-dead-in-separate-cebu-incidents-on-same-day

A man and a woman were shot dead in separate incidents in Cebu City and Carcar City on Wednesday, July 15, police said.

A 50-year-old woman was killed by a gunman in Barangay San Nicolas Proper, Cebu City, in the early morning, while a motorcycle rider was fatally shot by two pursuing gunmen in Barangay Perrelos, Carcar City, later that night, according to separate police reports.

The Cebu City victim, a resident of Barangay Suba, was fatally shot at around 2:20 a.m. along B. Aranas Street in Barangay San Nicolas Proper, police said.

According to the report, she boarded an e-bike with a 32-year-old female companion, also a resident of Barangay Suba, and a 23-year-old e-bike driver, who was taking them to the area at the companion’s instruction.

While they were on the way, the driver overheard the companion talking to someone on her cellphone and describing the victim’s clothing, police added.

Upon arrival, the companion got off the e-bike and told the victim and the driver to wait, saying she would return shortly. Moments later, a man wearing a sky-blue long-sleeved shirt, khaki shorts, and a red helmet approached and shot the victim several times in the head, police said.

The gunman then boarded a waiting motorcycle driven by another man and fled toward N. Bacalso Avenue, according to the report.

The victim was rushed to a hospital in Cebu City aboard the same e-bike. Police said the driver was too shocked to drive immediately after the shooting.

The companion, however, reportedly showed no reaction to the shooting and left aboard another e-bike. She was immediately apprehended, according to the report.

She is now considered a person of interest in the case, police added.

Investigators recovered three spent .45-caliber shell casings at the scene.

Police Lt. Col. Franco Rudolf Oriol, deputy city director for administration of the Cebu City Police Office, said investigators are looking into the victim’s phone call before the shooting as part of the case build-up against the person of interest.

Authorities said the victim was allegedly involved in selling shabu and had unpaid debts to drug personalities, while the person of interest was allegedly linked to the same illegal activity.

Oriol added that the victim had a previous drug case and had been detained at the Cebu City Jail, but said police have not ruled out other possible motives.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage in the area to gather more evidence, according to the report.

The victim, a resident of Barangay Bolinawan, Carcar City, was traveling along the national highway from San Fernando, Cebu, to Carcar City with a companion at around 8:45 p.m. when he was shot, police said.

Upon reaching Barangay Perrelos, two suspects riding a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on the victim, according to the report.

Despite being hit, the victim was able to continue driving, police added.

The suspects allegedly pursued him and fired more shots, hitting him in different parts of the body before fleeing toward Carcar City proper, the report said.

The victim’s companion, who was also riding the motorcycle, told police he recognized the two suspects, both residents of Barangay Bolinawan, Carcar City, according to the report.

Police have not released additional information about the suspects as the investigation continues.

Personnel from the Carcar City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office administered first aid at the scene before the victim was rushed to Carcar Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, police said.

Responding police officers in both cities secured their respective crime scenes and launched follow-up operations to locate the suspects, according to the reports.

As of this writing, the gunmen in both incidents remain at large, and hot pursuit operations are ongoing.

The police stations handling the two cases have yet to provide updates on their respective investigations.


https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2269651/motorcycle-rider-wife-attacked-in-bataan-town

A man piloting a motorcycle, with his wife riding with him, was shot by a gunman driving a car on Friday morning (July 24) in front of a convenience store. 

Police said the victim, identified only as “Michael,” a resident of barangay Calungusan in this Bataan town, was bringing his wife to school when the unidentified assailant riddled him with bullets. 

Police said the victim died on the spot from four gunshot wounds in different parts of his body. The wife was spared by the attacker, who is now the subject of a manhunt. Orion police said the fugitive “was likely a hired gunman.”

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/25/ofws-son-shot-dead-in-pangasinan

The 24-year-old son of an Overseas Filipino Worker in Malaysia was shot dead in Barangay Barang, Malasiqui, Pangasinan, on Saturday afternoon, July 25.

The 47-year-old OFW aired a frantic appeal for help from authorities following the incident.

She said she received the heartbreaking news from one of her son's friends.

She appealed to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough investigation and give justice to his son.

"Sobrang sakit po nito, nagtrabaho ako sa ibang bansa para sa mga anak ko. Pero di ko matanggap na ganyan sinapit niya," she said.

(I am deeply hurt. I am working overseas for my children. It is difficult to accept this)

She is on her way home and expected to arrive anytime.

Police Regional Office 1 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jovencio S. Badua Jr. has directed Pangasinan Police Provincial Director Police Col. Dennis de Leon to investigate the incident.

Police said the victim and two companions were standing on a roadside when two unidentified men on a motorcycle appeared and shot them.

The 24-year-old victim and 23-year-old male companion were declared dead in a hospital. Their female companion, 21, is recuperating in a hospital.

The suspects fled and are the subject of a follow-up investigation and manhunt operations.

Police in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan, north of Malasiqui, led by Police Lt. Col. Michael Datuin, conducted a dragnet operation in connection with the incident.

The operation sought to track down the suspects, establish police presence, and prevent further untoward incidents.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/28/father-shot-dead-in-front-of-family-in-binondo

A 30-year-old father, whom police described as an alleged former drug user, was shot dead in front of his family in Binondo, Manila, early Saturday.

The victim, identified only as alias “Aldrin,” was with his partner and their children when two gunmen allegedly arrived and shot him at close range in Barangay 275.

A stray bullet also grazed their two-year-old daughter.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but later died of his gunshot wounds.

Police formed a special investigation team composed of personnel from the Delpan Police Station and the homicide section to probe the killing.

CCTV footage showed a man wearing a jersey allegedly asking residents about the victim minutes before the shooting. The man then entered an alley leading to the area where the victim lived.

According to police, the victim’s partner even asked the man what he needed, but he did not respond and eventually left.

Minutes later, the man in the jersey was seen leaving the alley with two armed men—one wearing a jacket and hat, the other in a black cap and yellow shirt.

Police later arrested the alleged lookout and identified the two gunmen, who remain at large.

Authorities are looking into the illegal drug trade as a possible motive. Police said the victim was allegedly a drug user and was also involved in the local drug trade.

They added that the victim had been released from detention more than two months ago after being arrested in connection with an illegal firearms case.

The arrested suspect is now in the custody of the Manila Police District and will be charged with murder, along with the two gunmen who remain at large.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/28/housewife-stabbed-to-death-in-kabankalan-city-home

A 33-year-old housewife was stabbed to death in her home in Sitio Dangalon, Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, July 26.

Police Lt. Nolly Gudaca, deputy chief of Kabankalan City Police Station, identified the victim as Ai-ai.

Investigation said the victim and her three children were sleeping when an unidentified person barged inside their house and stabbed her.

The victim resisted the attack which prompted the suspect to flee. One of her children was awakened saw her bring stabbed.

Her husband arrived from driving a tricycle at the city proper and she was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/30/bulacan-teacher-gunned-down

A 38-year-old teacher was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Barangay Poblacion, Santa Maria, Bulacan, early Thursday, July 30.

Police said the victim, Stephen Angelo Enriquez, known to colleagues and students as “Sir Gelo,” was attacked outside his home around 3 a.m.

His sister told investigators she heard a gunshot followed by his cry for help. She found him bleeding from a chest wound.

Family members rushed Enriquez to Bocaue Specialist Hospital, where he underwent surgery but later died.

Authorities said the suspect, described as wearing a white cap, fled on foot.

CCTV footage is being reviewed to aid the investigation.

The motive remains unclear, but Santa Maria police said intelligence monitoring and coordination with other units are underway to identify and arrest the gunman.

Relatives, friends, and fellow teachers mourned Enriquez’s death, remembering him as a dedicated educator whose kindness touched many lives.

“Paalam, Sir Gelo. Mananatili kang buhay sa alaala ng mga taong iyong naantig at napasaya,” they said.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Three More Tales of Dog Abuse In the Philippines

It's a hard bark life for dogs in the Philippines. Instead of kisses they get kicked and instead of treated they get tricked. Even if they have an owner it's a hard bark row they hoe. Here are two stories of dogs mistreated by their owners. The first one was mistreated for views on Facebook with the intent of earning money. 


https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/995286/negros-vlogger-apology-animal-cruelty/story/

An 18-year-old content creator in Cauayan, Negros Occidental is in hot water after hitting a dog on camera for content.

The local police said the content creator, identified as alias Jomond, is new to vlogging and reportedly wanted to make people laugh.

"Considering that he is new to joining such things (vlogging), for him, it was just for fun—just for kicks—to supposedly make people laugh," said Lt. Col. Norberto Barniso, chief of the Cauayan Municipal Police Station.

His video was viewed at least 600,000 times but the vlogger's choice of content did not sit well with authorities and animal rights advocates.

"That was really terrible because you can see the fear in the puppy's eyes and that in itself is already cruelty," said animal rights advocate Daniel Sam Salvatierra.

"Animal cruelty is not acceptable. That you are liable to the law. The LGU should reach out to small communities and have the people involved," Salvatierra said.

His group is eyeing at filing charges against the vlogger.

Under Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act, any form of animal cruelty is considered a criminal offense.

Cauayan Councilor Carlo Sumogat said the mayor has already summoned the content creator.

The council also wants to see him separately.

"That is not a joke. Regarding our next step, we will summon him. The mayor really wants him brought in. I would like to convey to him that aside from the mayor's call, we also want him to appear before the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) because we really condemn what happened," Sumogat said.

On July 17, 2026, the vlogger, together with his parents, faced the local government and an animal rights group together at the Municipal Veterinarian Office.

He said he is not aware that hitting an animal is wrong. He also admitted that he wanted the video to have many views because he wanted to earn from it.

Content creators earn from the social media platform depending on the kind of engagement their content generates.

"I didn't know it was wrong. It’s overwhelming; I haven't even been reading the comments because they hurt so much. I didn't realize how much anger there was from the people against me. We are just poor, and I wanted to earn a salary from Facebook," he said.

The captain of the barangay where the vlogger's family lives said that whatever his motivation is, hitting animals is never right.

The Cauayan LGU wants the vlogger to render community service as punishment.

The four-month-old dog in the video, as well as the vlogger's other dog, have been rescued and will be made to undergo a medical check-up.

Animal welfare advocate CJ Bertol said the dogs appear to have signs of trauma.

This is truly an amazing story. Apparently this 18 year old young man had no idea that one should not hit their dog. Furthermore he had no idea that hitting a dog is not funny. If this is his idea of comedy I'd hate to see his idea of tragedy. 

I like how he says "We are just poor, and I wanted to earn a salary from Facebook." As if being poor is an excuse for abusing one's animal. Did his parents never teach him how to behave towards animals? Both of his dogs have been rescued and hopefully will be rehomed rather than rot in the pound. In the meantime maybe this young man can find a real job.

In another story an owner tossed his 2 puppies onto the road!

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/09/animal-cruelty-2-puppies-die-after-being-tossed-onto-road-by-owner-in-gapan-city

Two puppies died after their owner, an elderly man in Barangay San Vicente here, allegedly tossed them onto a concrete road during an argument over dog feces and noise with his neighbor last week.

The suspect was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred.

The puppies sustained fatal injuries and died. The suspect reportedly disposed of the puppies' remains, preventing them from being recovered.

Bataan Animal Welfare Society volunteers rescued the surviving mother dog and her remaining puppy from the owner's custody.

They are now under veterinary observation and receiving initial treatment.

The rescue group has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover transportation and emergency veterinary expenses.

No formal complaint has been filed with the Gapan City Police Station against the suspect.

The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 8485 as amended by RA 10631 says intentionally harming or killing animals may constitute animal cruelty and carry criminal penalties.

Authorities have appealed for information, photos, or videos related to the incident to establish facts and ensure accountability.

Well, at least he buried the remains. But why did he do it? Did his neighbor complain of feces and noise and the man toss them as a result? Did he intend to blame the neighbor by saying, "Look at what you made me do?" 

Finally, we come to the most chilling dog abuse story for the month of July, 2026. A man was caught raping a Dachshund. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2258001/tacloban-vendor-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-abuse-of-pet-dog

A 50-year-old vendor was arrested late Saturday night after he was caught allegedly sexually abusing a pet dog inside a residence in Barangay 69 Anibong in this city, police said.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Doming,” of San Jorge, Samar, now faces charges for violation of Republic Act No. 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended, specifically its provisions prohibiting animal sexual abuse.

Police said the incident occurred at around 11:55 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, after the suspect had been invited by a member of the complainant’s family to join a drinking session at their house.

According to the initial police investigation, the suspect later excused himself, saying he would use the comfort room. Moments later, the complainant, identified only as “Nannie,” 43, and her daughters heard their brown female Dachshund crying loudly.

The family searched for the source of the cries and traced them to the comfort room. When they reached the already open door, they allegedly found the suspect holding the dog while engaging in a sexual act with the animal.

The complainant immediately confronted the suspect and ordered him to release the dog. Police said the animal sustained serious injuries to its genital area.

The complainant then sought assistance from the Tacloban City Police Office by reporting the incident to Police Station 2.

Responding officers immediately proceeded to the residence, arrested the suspect, and brought him to the police station for documentation and the filing of the appropriate criminal complaint.

Authorities said charges for violation of Republic Act No. 8485, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631, are being prepared against the suspect.

The dog is expected to undergo a veterinary examination to document its injuries as part of the evidence in the case.

What can be said about this incident? The sheer horror speaks for itself. 

Monday, July 13, 2026

Sara Duterte's Lawyers Admit She Is Guilty In Bizarre Defense

Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial has finally begun. With 92 scheduled days of testimony and only 3 days per week allotted for the trial it will be months before this is over. That is 30 weeks meaning this trial will likely last until next year. Perhaps it will be fun to take a look at the arguments of Sara's defense team which up until now has been all about protocol while ignoring the substantial issues at play.

In week one of the trial the prosecution began with Sara's threat to assassinate President Marcos and his wife. The witness they called is an NBI expert and the whole point of his testimony was to ascertain the authenticity of the video. Sara's defense team's arguments are mind blowing. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2260230/defense-argument-sara-dutertes-threat-not-a-high-crime

Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team on Wednesday sought to dismantle the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness in her impeachment trial, arguing that the charge arising from the “threats” she made in 2024 against President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez “are not ‘other high crimes’ contemplated by the Constitution as grounds for impeachment.”

On the third day of the trial before the Senate impeachment court, defense lawyers focused their cross-examination on National Bureau of Investigation senior agent John Mark Calilung, questioning the basis of the bureau’s investigation and pointing to what they described as major gaps in the evidence linking Duterte to an alleged assassination plot.

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan argued that House prosecutors failed to present evidence that Duterte had hired an assassin to kill the Marcos couple and Romualdez.

So, they admit the video is real and a threat was made but it does not rise to the level of a "high crime" because there is no evidence she hired an assassin. Nevermind the fact that proving the existence of an assassin was not the point for this witness. Also, do Sara's threats amount to a low crime?

“When VP Sara uttered those words, she was not responding as Sara Duterte, the Vice President, but as Sara Duterte the wife, mother, daughter and sister, who only sought to protect herself and her family. Operation Romanov is in place, and the threat against their lives is real,” Vinluan told the impeachment court.

He claimed Duterte had been subjected to “unauthorized intelligence and surveillance operations by government agents that exposed her family to security threats, thereby causing intense trauma and uncontrollable fear.”

“Her homes in Davao and Manila were profiled, and this is proven by classified gazing reports. Her trusted security personnel were removed,” Vinluan added.

The proceedings centered on Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of issuing grave threats against Marcos, the first lady, and his cousin Romualdez during an online press briefing on Nov. 23, 2024.

Operation Romanov? What proof is there that such a plot was enacted against the Duterte family? The argument here is that because Duterte felt threatened she was justified in threatening to kill the President! 

“There is no proof of any contracting of an assassin. The prosecution admitted that the video does not prove any fact other than its existence. The prosecution has no other competent evidence to prove that VP Sara contracted an assassin,” Vinluan told the court.

He argued that the prosecution itself had acknowledged that Duterte’s remarks did not “100 percent” establish that she had hired an assassin, and that those statements alone could not be considered a high crime or an impeachable offense.

The phrase “other high crimes” is contained in Article XI, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution as part of a list of impeachable offenses. Also on the list are culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.

Vinluan said Duterte’s remarks should instead be viewed in the “proper context” of the threats against her and her family.

“And while her response (to the threats) was unconventional, it was justified,” Vinluan said.

There it is! The defense ADMITS Sara made grave threats to the lives of the President, his wife, and the Speaker of the House. The defense is that these were justified because she felt threatened and because no assassin has been produced these threats do not rise to the level of a high crime and thus are not an impeachable offense. 

More than that, the defense claimed she was echoing the sentiments of ordinary Filipinos!

The defense lawyer also said that the alleged grave threats and inciting to sedition falls under the jurisdiction of the metropolitan trial court and first level courts, and should not be considered as high crimes under the Constitution.

She never incited sedition. She merely echoed the voice of ordinary Filipinos. Her message that day only reflected what was already in their hearts and minds. There was no betrayal of public trust. She actually upheld the people’s trust as she spoke for and behalf of the people,” Vinluan said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/09/news/witness-on-assassin-to-testify-at-impeachment-trial-prosecutors-say/2381093/amp

Is there really a desire to kill the President and his wife in the hearts and minds of ordinary Filipinos? What an incredible way to dump on your constituency. What a horrible defense. 

Threatening to kill the President or anyone else is a grave threat and is a crime in the Philippines whether or not one has procured a hitman. 

Grave threats, A282 Revised Penal Code

1. Concept

Grave threats – refers to the crime of threatening another with the infliction upon the person, honor or property of the latter or of his family of any wrong amounting to a crime.

a. Legal basis

Art. 282. Grave threats. – Any person who shall threaten another with the infliction upon the person, honor or property of the latter or of his family of any wrong amounting to a crime, shall suffer:

1. The penalty next lower in degree than that prescribed by law for the crime he threatened to commit, if the offender shall have made the threat demanding money or imposing any other condition, even though not unlawful, and said offender shall have attained his purpose. If the offender shall not have attained his purpose, the penalty lower by two (2) degrees shall be imposed.

If the threat be made in writing or through a middleman, the penalty shall be imposed in its maximum period.

2. The penalty of arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000), if the threat shall not have been made subject to a condition. (As amended by R.A. 10951) Article 284. Bond for good behavior. – In all cases falling within the two next preceding articles [Articles 282 and 283], the person making the threats may also be required to give bail not to molest the person threatened, or if he shall fail to give such bail, he shall be sentenced to destierro.

https://legalresource.ph/grave-threats-a282-revised-penal-code/

Here are Sara's exact words:

"Don't worry, Ma'am, about my security, because I have already talked to someone. I told him, if they kill me, kill BBM [President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.], Liza Araneta [the First Lady], and Martin Romualdez [former House Speaker]. No joke, no joke. I have already given my instructions, Ma'am. If I die, I said, 'do not stop until you kill them.' And then he said yes."

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2260041/sara-dutertes-kill-threat-vs-marcos-absolute-says-witness

It appears from her words that a hitman has already been hired and is waiting for the exact time. She even reiterates twice that it is not a joke. It's a necessary and warranted pre-supposition that she has hired a hitman. Either way the prosecution says they will be presenting additional evidence regarding the existence of this alleged hitman. 

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/09/news/witness-on-assassin-to-testify-at-impeachment-trial-prosecutors-say/2381093

THE prosecution has confirmed to the Senate impeachment court that it will present a witness on the supposed hitman allegedly hired by Vice President Sara Duterte to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

It's not over and yet the defense has already leaped to the conclusion that no proof for the existence of a hitman has been given when that was NOT the point of John Mark Calilung's testimony. With a shoddy defense like this things are not looking up for Sara Duterte. 

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Assassinated Citizens June, 2026

Assassination is normal in the Philippines not only for government officials but also for regular citizens. The most common method of assassination for both citizens and officials is a motorcycle duo riding up on the target and then blasting them away. This series will document the number of citizens assassinated on a monthly basis. These stories are to be distinguished from regular murder cases which happen on a daily basis. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/06/02/2532358/2-men-killed-6-hurt-cotabato-gun-attack

Two men were killed while six others, including minors, were wounded when gunmen shot them with M16 rifles on Tuesday morning, June 2, in Barangay Malingao in Kadayangan town in Cotabato province.

Local executives and Capt. Steffie Salanguit, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, separately told reporters at noon Tuesday that the incident left two Moro residents of Barangay Malingao, Musalik Balang and Haron Boliongan, dead.

Six others, among them the non-Moro Romeo Lombo, a resident of Barangay Glad in nearby Midsayap, Cotabato, sustained bullet wounds in different parts of their bodies, according to Salanguit and municipal officials who helped transport them to different hospitals.

Kadayangan is one of the eight newly-created Bangsamoro towns in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, located in the territory of Cotabato province in Administrative Region 12.

Lt. Julito Gonzalez, officer-in-charge of the Kadayangan Municipal Police Station, and Salanguit separately told reporters that Balang, Boliongan and the six residents hurt in the attack were together at one area in Barangay Malingao when men, armed with M16 assault rifles, came close and opened fire.

Their attackers immediately scampered away after they felled the victims with rifle shots, according to barangay officials and police investigators who responded to the atrocity, which caused panic among villagers in Barangay Malingao.


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/733966/talisay-shooting-body-found-along-shoreline-in-brgy-tangke

A 39-year-old man was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head along the shoreline of Sitio Ratan in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City, early Wednesday morning, June 3.

Hours after authorities recovered the body, the victim was identified as Julius Cabradilla. His 29-year-old common-law partner arrived at the scene and confirmed his identity based on the clothes he was wearing.

In an interview with reporters, Cabradilla’s partner, a resident of Barangay San Roque, Talisay City, said she last saw him on Tuesday evening before going to sleep.

She said she was unaware that Cabradilla had left their residence that night.

The woman also confirmed that the clothes he was wearing when his body was discovered were the same ones he had on the last time she saw him.

However, she stated that she had no knowledge of where Cabradilla went after he left their residence.

Early Wednesday morning, at around 3:00 a.m., residents of Sitio Ratan reported hearing several gunshots. Approximately two hours later, Cabradilla’s body was discovered along the shoreline of Sitio Ratan.

He was believed to have died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators also recovered three spent shell casings near the scene. However, authorities have yet to determine the type of firearm used in the incident.

As of this writing, the Talisay City Police Station has yet to release an official report regarding the incident.

Personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) are currently processing the area and collecting possible evidence.

Investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding Cabradilla’s death.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing, identify any suspects, or ascertain whether the victim was shot at the same location where his body was discovered.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2241265/man-shot-dead-by-motorbike-riding-assassin-in-laguna

A 44-year-old street vendor was shot and killed by a motorcycle-riding gunman in Cabuyao City, Laguna, on Friday night.

In a report released Saturday, the Police Regional Office 4A said the victim, identified only as “Sammy,” was in a tricycle with his live-in partner prior to the incident in Barangay Banay-Banay at 7:50 p.m.

Police said two men aboard a motorcycle approached the tricycle, and one of the suspects repeatedly fired at the victim and sped off.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Cabuyao City Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

His partner was unharmed.

Investigators said the suspects were wearing red jackets, blue jeans, and helmets. They were reportedly riding a red Honda Click motorcycle bearing plate number DO 52135.

Authorities have launched a manhunt operation and are continuing their investigation to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the killing.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/07/woman-shot-dead-after-visiting-detained-live-in-partner

A 41-year-old woman was gunned down following a visit to her detained live-in partner at the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, June 6.

Police identified the victim as Lowela, a resident of Barangay 2, Manapla, Negros Occidental.

Police Lt. Col. James Latayon, Bago police chief, said the victim had just visited her live-in partner in jail for a drug offense and was about to leave the facility with her two friends on board a rented tricycle when two unidentified persons on a motorcycle appeared and shot her with a caliber .45 pistol in the body. 

The victim died on the spot. Her companions were unharmed.

The motorcycle driver was wearing a yellow-gold sweatshirt and a black bonnet while his back rider was wearing a black T-shirt and a black bonnet. Both were not wearing helmets.

The suspects fled after the shooting.

Latayon said the victim may have been monitored by the suspects.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation and manhunt operations.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/08/barber-shot-dead-while-cutting-customers-hair-in-bacolod

A 50-year-old barber was gunned down while cutting a customer’s hair in his house in Barangay Vista Alegre here on Sunday, June 7. 
Police identified the victim as Carlito. 
Investigation showed that an unidentified person suddenly entered his house and shot him. The victim died on the spot and the gunman fled along with an unidentified companion on a motorcycle. 
The victim's customer, a student was unharmed.  
The victim’s wife said that her husband decided to go home early as he was expecting more customers in preparation for the class opening on Monday, June 8. 
The victim’s wife said that she could not think of any motive behind the killing and sought justice for his death. 
“It's too painful. He suddenly left us,” she said. “What was he done that they attacked him?” she asked. 
Follow-up investigation and manhunt operations are ongoing.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/08/vendor-gunned-down-in-laguna

A 43-year-old vendor was shot dead in Barangay Maulawin here on Sunday morning.

Police identified the victim as Gian.

Investigation said the victim was inside his room eating fruits when an unidentified individual called his name from outside.

He looked out the window and was shot. The suspect wearing black hooded jacket, red backpack, and driving a black motorcycle fled towards the town of Santa Cruz, Laguna.

The victim was taken to the Laguna Medical Center in Santa Cruz where he was declared dead.

Follow-up investigation and manhunt operations are ongoing. 

Meanwhile, a fraternity member drowned in a resort in Barangay Libjo, Infanta, Quezon on Sunday afternoon.

Police said the victim Darwin was seen floating face down in a swimming pool following a drinking session with colleagues.

Darwin was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2246395/2-dead-3-wounded-in-leyte-ambush-cops-launch-hot-pursuit

A deadly shooting incident in Barangay Salvacion, Albuera, in Leyte, left two persons dead, and three others wounded on Monday morning, prompting a police manhunt in the mountainous area of the barangay.

Based on initial police reports from the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO), the victims were onboard a Toyota Wigo en route to the población of Albuera when they were attacked upon reaching an uphill section of the road around 7 a.m.

The suspect or suspects, whose identities and motive remain unknown, reportedly used an unspecified firearm.

Authorities identified the fatalities as Maria Noya Velos, 51, and Sherwin Villones Gumop-As, 23, both residents of Brgy. Salvacion. Velos was reportedly the common-law wife of Walter Taripe, village chairman of Salvacion.

Police said both victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and neck, resulting in their immediate death at the scene.

Three others were injured in the attack, including Daniel Gumop-As, 56, a 17-year-old minor, and 18-year-old John Carlo Israel Porneto. The wounded victims were rushed to Ormoc District Hospital for treatment.

After the shooting, the suspect fled toward the mountainous portion of the barangay, triggering a hot pursuit operation led by Police Major Franklin Romeo Parangan Jr., along with personnel from the Albuera Municipal Police Station, SWAT teams, and other responding units.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were also deployed to process the area and collect forensic evidence.

LPPO Director Col. Celerino Sacro Jr. said all efforts are underway to identify and arrest the suspect. Authorities are also coordinating with residents for any information that may help resolve the case.

At present, the motive for the attack is still under investigation, police said, adding that all possible leads are being pursued.

The provincial police office extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public of a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.

The next guy actually survived.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/22/capiz-broadcaster-ambushed-in-roxas-city

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) condemned the ambush on radio broadcaster Jay Lavapiez in Roxas City, the capital of Capiz province. 
“We condemn all acts of violence and intimidation against journalists and assert that such actions have no place in a democratic society,” said PTFOMS in a statement. 
Initial reports said that Lavapiez, station manager of Baskog Radyo, was on his way to the station when two unidentified men on a motorcycle blocked him on a street corner in Barangay Cagay at around 5:40 a.m. on Monday, June 22. 
The suspects fired four times at the vehicle of the victim who survived unscathed. 
“This incident highlights the urgent need to protect journalists, who play an important role in informing the public and upholding democracy,” noted PTFOMS under Executive Director Undersecretary Jose “Joe” Torres Jr. 
“We stand in solidarity with Mr. Lavapiez and all media professionals, reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding their rights and security. The freedom of the press is essential to our democracy, and we will continue to advocate for measures that protect those who strive to uphold this freedom every day,” added PTFOMS. 
Local officials also condemned the incident. 
“Such reprehensible acts are not only attacks against individuals, but also constitute direct assault on the freedoms of speech,” said Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas. 
Lavapiez is the husband of India “Mamang India” Lavapiez, a controversial radio commentator. 
The couple is facing several cyber libel cases over their alleged below the belt commentaries.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/24/septuagenarian-shot-dead-in-ilocos-sur

A 70-year-old woman was gunned down before noon on Wednesday, June 24, in Barangay Puerta Real, this town. 
Police said the victim was a married resident of Barangay Pussuac here. 
Investigation said was standing on a road shoulder when two men on a motorcycle passed by. 
The suspects stopped several meters away from the victim and the back rider disembarked, approached, and shot her once in the head. 
The suspects fled and the victim was taken to the Ilocos Sur District Hospital (ISDH) in nearby Magsingal where she was declared dead on arrival. 
Authorities recovered a spent shell casing from a caliber .45 pistol in the area. 
Police are conducting follow-up investigation.

This student survived an attempted assassination. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2252816/fwd-shooting-incident-occurs-outside-pantukan-college-local-govt

A student who just graduated was wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him shortly after attending a graduation ceremony in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on Thursday afternoon, police said.

The shooting happened along the National Highway in Purok Gemelina, Barangay Kingking, according to a report from the Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO 11).

Police said the victim was with family members and was about to board a yellow minivan after attending a graduation ceremony at Kolehiyo ng Pantukan when the suspects arrived in a gray minivan without license plates.

“Without any apparent reason, the suspect/s repeatedly shot the victim using a suspected .45 caliber firearm. Thereafter, the suspect/s immediately fled towards an unknown direction,” the police report said.

The police did not identify the victim, who was rushed to the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital-Pantukan for treatment.

The victim is now in stable condition, according to the report.

In an interview with DZMM later on Thursday, Pantukan police chief Lt. Col. Irish Herzon Parangan identified the victim as a newly graduated student.

Investigators recovered four spent cartridge cases and one fired bullet believed to have come from a .45 caliber firearm.

Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to identify and arrest the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Pantukan local government unit said it was closely coordinating with law enforcement authorities to support the investigation.

“The LGU assures the public that it is committed to extending all necessary assistance and support to the victim and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his loved ones,” the local government said.

It also urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information, adding that the safety of students and residents remains a top priority.