Assassinated Citizens April, 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://mb.com.ph/2026/04/04/laborer-gunned-down-on-good-friday

A 53-year-old laborer was gunned down on Good Friday in Barangay Bignay 1 here.

Police identified the victim as Jose.

Investigation said the victim was having a drinking session outside his house with neighbor Narciso at 10 p.m. when the suspects wearing black jackets, denim shorts, and face masks and riding an unregistered motorcycle arrived and shot him.

The victim died on the spot. The suspects fled and the subject of a manhunt operation.

Follow-up investigation is ongoing.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/26/company-consultant-killed-in-ambush

A 53-year-old company consultant was killed in an ambush in Barangay Barandal here on Thursday.

Police identified the victim as Jerwin from Las Piñas City.

Investigation said the victim was driving a car when two men onboard a vehicle appeared and shot him. The car sped towards Barangay Batino here.

Jerwin sustained multiple bullet wounds and declared dead in a hospital.

Manhunt operation for the suspects and follow-up investigation is ongoing.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/23/mother-toddler-shot-dead-in-sipalay-city

A 27-year-old woman and her three-year-old child were gunned down and three other family members were wounded in their house in Barangay Nabulao, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, April 22.

Investigation said four victims were in the living room when two unidentified persons barged inside and shot them with an M-16 rifle.

The woman and child were killed. Wounded were a nine-year-old child, her 62-year-old grandmother, and their 46-year-old relative who responded upon hearing gunshots.

Recovered from the house were 36 spent 5.56 mm cartridge cases.

“It was a senseless act of killing. The gesture of the shooter showed to kill anybody,” Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, Negros Occidental police spokesperson, said.

The gunmen fled and the subjects of a manhunt.

Among the possible motives is personal as the victims were known merchandise financiers.

Hours later, a farmer was shot dead in Barangay Manlucahoc, Sipalay City.

Catalogo said follow-up investigations are ongoing.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/30/man-gunned-down-while-playing-mobile-game-in-cavite

A man was shot dead while playing a mobile game with his friends in Barangay Sta. Cruz 1, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, on Tuesday night, April 28.

A report from the Police Regional Office 4A said the victim, identified as alias Renz, was hanging out with peers when a black motorcycle stopped in front of them.

The male rider, wearing a black helmet, black jacket, and denim pants, drew a firearm and shot the victim in the chest before fleeing.

Alias Renz was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police have launched follow-up operations to determine the motive behind the shooting and to track down the suspect.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/01/laborer-shot-dead-in-batangas

 A 48-year-old construction worker found dead with a bullet wound in the head in Barangay Santo Nino here on Thursday night, April 30.

Police said the body of the victim Allan was found in a creek. Recovered near the victim were five 12-gauge shotgun shells. 

In Tanauan City, this province, a 32-year-old four-months pregnant businesswoman was shot and wounded on Thursday night in Sitio Bucluran, Barangay Darasa. 

Police identified the victim as Pauline. 

Investigation said the victim was tending to her bakery when two men onboard a motorcycle arrived and shot her in the neck. 

She was taken to the Healthway Medical Center and the suspects wearing black helmets and black t-shirts escaped. 

Follow-up investigation is ongoing on these two cases.

Hi, My Name is...70

Animals attack! Animals attacked!  It's an all out war between Filipinos and pets and wild animals. 

Hi, my name is dog. I saw a guy on an e-bike and chased after him barking wildly as he sped away. His name is Ivan. He later returned with an airlift gun and in revenge he shot me a few times. He was arrested for violating the COMELEC gun ban and for harming me.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/20/man-arrested-after-firing-airsoft-gun-at-dog-that-chased-him

A man was arrested after allegedly firing an airsoft gun at a dog that chased him in Naic, Cavite, on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

The Cavite Police Provincial Office identified the suspect as Ivan Paul R. De Guzman.

Initial investigation says the suspect was driving an e-bike when he was chased by the dog. A few moments later, he returned to the area with an air gun pistol and reportedly shot the dog, causing alarm in the vicinity.

Barangay officials immediately responded to the scene and sought the help of Naic Municipal Police Station (MPS).

Naic MPS Chief Col. Resty E. Soriano told the Manila Bulletin that the dog survived the attack but sustained red marks on the skin. Authorities are still waiting for the official medical report.

Recovered from the scene was a black air gun pistol loaded with 22 pellets.

The police stated that an air gun is not classified as a firearm because it uses air compression to propel the bullet rather than burning gunpowder or other combustion methods. 

However, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban covers “air gun, airsoft guns, and their replica/imitation in whatever form that can cause an ordinary person to believe that they are real.”

The suspect is now under the custody of Naic MPS and is facing charges for alarm and scandal and violating the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 and the Comelec gun ban.

Hi, my name is Gene's pet dog. We were both asleep on Gene's bed when all of a sudden there was a flood due to high tide. An electrical extension cord as plugged in next to the bed and the water caused it to electrocute both of us. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/02/man-dog-electrocuted-while-sleeping-in-bulacan

A 28-year-old man and his dog were electrocuted while sleeping after floodwaters from a high tide reached a plugged-in extension cord in Hagonoy, Bulacan, on Saturday, May 31.

The Hagonoy police identified the victim as Gene Darel Aguilar, a resident of Barangay San Isidro. 

According to the victim’s mother, her son was sleeping with his pet dog when the riverside water near their home suddenly rose due to high tide. 

He was later found unresponsive by his brother, lying beside his lifeless dog. 

He was immediately rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Initial police investigation revealed that an electrical extension cord was plugged in near Aguilar’s bed. 

The family believes he may have underestimated the risk of rising water levels, not realizing the tide would reach the cord and result in electrocution.

At the time of the incident, Aguilar was reportedly alone in the house.

The victim’s mother appealed to both the national and local governments to provide a lasting solution to the flooding problem in their area—an issue residents have faced for decades, especially during high tide or heavy rainfall.

Barangay San Isidro village chief Nene Balatbat also called on concerned agencies to construct a durable barrier or dike to protect the community from frequent flooding.

Authorities reminded residents, particularly those living near rivers or low-lying areas, to be extra cautious during high tides or floods, warning that floodwaters can become deadly conductors of electricity—especially when damaged or exposed electrical lines are present.

Hi, my name is stray dog. I was just going about my business when I was dognapped by two men named Manny and Lawrence. They burned me and then tossed me into a toilet. But someone saw them and reported them.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/23/2-laborers-nabbed-for-burning-dog

Police apprehended two construction workers for allegedly burning a dog in Barangay Pinmilapil here on Sunday, June 22.

The suspects were identified as Manny and Lawrence, both 23.

They were arrested after a concerned citizen reported the incident to the police. The burnt dog was found in an abandoned comfort room.

The suspects and the dog were turned over to the police with assistance from barangay officials.

A complaint for violating the Animal Welfare Act (Republic Act) 8485 as amended by RA 10631 is being prepared against the suspects.

Hi, my name is Boy's Cat. Boy is my owner and one night he was inside the house drinking with his brother-in-law. Meanwhile the neighbor had snuck inside the yard and stabbed me.  I meowed in pain and Boy came out to see what was the matter. He espied the knife stuck in my leg and followed a trail of blood which led to the neighbors house. He admitted he stabbed me because I often came into his yard.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/11/79-year-old-man-arrested-for-stabbing-neighbors-cat-in-valenzuela

A 79-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly stabbed his neighbor’s cat in Barangay Lingunan, Valenzuela City on Monday, March 9.

The Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) said the cat’s owner, identified only as “Boy,” 33, was drinking with his brother-in-law at their house when they heard the loud cries of the cat outside.

When they checked, they found the cat bleeding, with a knife still stuck in its hind leg.

The two followed a trail of blood and discovered that it led to the house of the suspect.

The cat’s owner immediately brought the injured animal to a veterinarian and reported the incident to Police Sub-Station 6.

Police later responded to the report and arrested the suspect, who allegedly admitted to stabbing the cat.

Authorities said the suspect told the owner that the cat often entered his property, which prompted him to attack the animal.

The suspect is now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by Republic Act 10631.

Hi, our names are "Rojim,; "Jojo," and "Tony." Our gamecocks went missing so we went on the hunt for the perpetrator. When we found him we beat the stuffing out of him. He later died at the hospital and we turned ourselves in to the PNP. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/28/3-men-wanted-for-killing-man-over-gamecocks-in-antipolo-surrender

Three individuals wanted for the brutal killing of a 45-year-old construction worker over missing gamecocks surrendered to police on May 26, the Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) said.

The suspects, identified as "Rojim,; "Jojo," and "Tony," were listed as the No. 2 most wanted persons at the city level.

Police said the suspects turned themselves in at the Police Community Precinct 2, Antipolo Component City Police Station in Sitio Langhaya in Barangay Dela Paz.

Authorities presented them with their warrant of arrest for the crime of murder, issued on Nov. 14, 2024, no bail recommended.

Investigation revealed that on July 11, 2024, the victim was forcibly taken by the suspects to Barangay Mayamot, where they confronted him about the missing gamecocks. There, they brutally beat up, stabbed, and struck him with various objects.

The victim was rushed to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City where he was declared dead on arrival due to his injuries.

Rojim, Jojo, and Tony were placed under the custody of the Antipolo Component City Police Station.

Hi, my name is Al-Mariel Calvario. I was riding on a motorcycle with my husband Karl. All of a sudden a dog ran out into the street. My husband swerved to miss the dog but he still hit it and I fell off the motorcycle and died. The dog's owner fled the scene after the accident. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/924581/woman-pangasinan-dies-motorcycle-dog/story/

A 28-year-old woman died after she fell off the motorcycle she was riding with her husband when they hit a dog that reportedly crossed the street suddenly in Barangay Sang Miguel, Calasiao, Pangasinan.

The woman was identified as Al-Mariel Calvario. She was with her husband, Karl, who was driving the motorcycle at that time.

The incident happened on October 21, 2024, while the couple was on their way to buy milk for their two-year-old child.

"Suddenly the dog crossed. I avoided it, but it still met me. My wife suddenly fell," Karl said.

Karl suffered minor injuries, including scratches on his right arm. He also felt pain in his shoulder.

Al-Mariel hit her head on the pavement. She was rushed to the hospital but died during treatment.

Authorities are searching for the owner of the dog, which fled the scene after the accident.

“What we are doing now, Sir, is tracking down the owner of the dog,” PCPT. Anthony Doctolero, Deputy Chief of the Calasiao Police Station, said.

Rony Basa, a barangay councilman in San Miguel, emphasized the need for pet owners to follow local regulations.

"Barangay members, we need to tie up our dogs. There is an ordinance there, there is a penalty attached," Basa said.

Under the local "Aso Mo, Itali Mo" ordinance, offenders can face fines ranging from P500 to P1,000, depending on the severity of the violation.

Hi, we are 20 dogs and cats loaded on a boat bound for the Visayas. During transport we all died from heatstroke. It appears the shipping company did not provide air-conditioning. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/948046/cebu-city-vet-to-investigate-deaths-of-over-20-dogs-cats-on-visayas-bound-boat/story/

The Cebu City Veterinary Office will investigate deaths of no fewer than 20 dogs or cats on a boat bound for the Visayas.

According to a report on 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday, video showed the animals in their cages or carriers on the boat. According to Cebu City veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang, the animals may have possibly died of heat stroke during the journey.

They will ask the shipping company for the details of the voyage and if it had declared the cargo of animals. According to the report, transporting animals requires proper documentation and care; and there must be air-conditioning.

Hi, my name is Oyong Miranda. I waded into a river to wash my feet when I was attacked by a crocodile. He wasn't very big so I wrestled him and pulled myself free from his jaws. I ended up having to get some stitches but am otherwise ok. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211633

Village officials in Barangay Sumbiling in Bataraza town warned residents, especially children, to avoid swimming in the river that passes through the community while a rogue crocodile is on the loose.

Saramhel Armal, a barangay councilor in Sumbiling, on Wednesday told reporters that a village elder had been attacked by a crocodile as he waded in the river.

He reported that 71-year-old Oyong Miranda sustained bites in the leg and body soon after he went into the water close to where the apex predator was lying in wait.

Miranda was quoted as saying that he only went into the river to wash his feet when the attack took place around 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

The septuagenarian was able to break free from the animal’s jaws, as he reportedly “grappled” with the crocodile, which was described as not being very large.

After successfully extricating himself from the crocodile’s clutches, Miranda was rushed to the Rio Tuba Hospital where he received stitches for his wounds.

"He really didn't notice that there was a crocodile in the water he was lowering himself into. It just suddenly attacked him in the river behind their house," Armal said.

The victim is currently recovering from his wounds, the barangay official added.

Bataraza is a municipality located on the southernmost tip of Palawan Island, approximately 225 kilometers from here.

The municipality is known for having wild crocodiles roaming in its waters.

In January, residents of this town managed to capture a 15-foot saltwater crocodile but it died shortly after being shot at using a small-caliber firearm.

In July, a dead saltwater crocodile measuring 14.9 feet was found floating along the shoreline of Sitio Gunob in the town's Barangay Inogbong. 

Hi, my name is Johnmed Parungao. I shot my neighbor's cat in the head. It took her a year of securing CCTV footage to discover it was me and file charges. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/05/08/2353440/man-faces-raps-killing-neighbors-cat

A criminal case has been filed against a man who shot dead his neighbor’s cat in Manila.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the cat’s owner filed a complaint against Johnmed Parungao before the Manila prosecutor’s office on May 3.

Parungao is facing charges for violating Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act.

PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera said the cat was found dead by her owner with a gunshot to the head.

It took the cat’s owner nearly a year to identify Parungao as the culprit after she obtained closed-circuit television footage, which showed the suspect shooting the pet.

It was not determined what prompted Parungao to kill the cat.

If the complaint goes to court, the suspect is facing more than a year in prison and will be fined P100,000 if convicted.

Hi, our names are Leosette Canoy and Analyn Shurtliff Bartolome. We were out hiking in the backwoods of British Columbia when we were attacked by a black bear. While looking for a place to take some good pictures of the autumn leaves Analyn's son was confronted by a charging black bear. He acted in swift fashion by punching the bear as the British Columbia Parks Service advises. That did not stop it and we were all injured. Finally someone called 911 and the RCMP showed up and shot the bear dead. 

https://usa.inquirer.net/112968/two-filipinas-mauled-by-black-bear-in-canada

Two Filipino mothers are in critical condition after being mauled by a black bear while hiking on Oct. 3 in northeastern British Columbia.

Leosette Canoy, her friend Analyn Shurtliff Bartolome, her son and Canoy’s niece were walking on Monday on a cross-country trail on Bear Mountain,  south of Dawson Creek in the western Canadian province when the attack occurred.

Canoy has had more than six hours of surgery for the maiming she received to her arms, head, back, and ear. She is sedated and on a ventilator.

Her friend Analyn Bartolome may lose her left arm. She is at high risk of infection from the multiple lacerations on her body and her scalp.

The group “was looking for nice spots to take fall pictures with the autumn leaves,” Gary Hansen, Canoy’s husband, told told CBC News. Canoy, who arrived from the Philippines 15 years ago loves the Canadian wilderness, Hansen said.

As the group headed back home, Bartolome’s teenage son heard a noise and found himself facing a charging black bear.

He alerted the group, and as the British Columbia Parks Service advises when confronted with a predatory bear, he fought back, punching it. That didn’t stop the bear, and the boy suffered bad bruising around his ribs.

The bear then attacked Bartolome, and Canoy came to her defense, absorbing most of the injuries from the attack. The injured mothers lay on the ground as the bear circled around them.

Their companions tried to drive the bear away from them to no avail. They finally called 911. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers arrived and shot the bear dead.

Canoy was airlifted to a hospital 600 kilometers away in Edmonton, and Bartolome was flown to Vancouver and remains in critical condition at an ICU.

Encounters between bears and humans have risen in recent years in Canada due to habitat loss, but fatal attacks are still rare – one every 5 years in British Columbia, according to British Columbia Conservation Foundation.

As of Thursday afternoon,  Canoy’s fundraiser had collected over $10,000, more, and Bartolome’s had brought in more than $11,600.

Assassinated Citizens March, 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://mb.com.ph/2026/03/09/family-driver-shot-dead-in-zamboanga-city

A family driver was shot dead here on Monday, March 9.

The Police Station 5 identified the victim as Cesar Ivan Francisco.

The victim was walking with a companion in front of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative when two motorcycle-riding gunmen appeared and shot him.

The suspects fled and the victim died on the spot from bullet wounds. Six .45 caliber shell casings were recovered in the area.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation and manhunt operations.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/11/motorcycle-rider-shot-dead-by-riding-in-tandem-in-qc

A motorcycle rider was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects in front of a fast-food chain in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, on Tuesday, March 10.

According to the report, the shooting occurred around 5 p.m.

The victim’s body remained lying on the road beside his motorcycle until around 8 p.m., when it was finally retrieved by authorities.

Another man was also caught in the incident and suffered a gunshot wound to the hand.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police are conducting investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting and identify the suspects.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/14/public-school-teacher-shot-dead-in-pangasinan

A 53-year-old public school teacher was shot dead by two gunmen on a motorcycle in Barangay Carmay East here on Wednesday, March 11.

Police Capt. Eugene Romma C. Navalta, deputy chief of police of Rosales, identified the victim as Jun.

Investigation said the victim was driving his motorcycle on his way home from Santa Maria, Pangasinan when the suspects appeared and shot him.

The victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Police recovered empty .45 caliber shells and slugs in the crime scene.

Meanwhile, a 38-year-old tricycle driver was gunned down in Barangay Nungnungan 2, Cauayan City, Isabela, on Thursday, March 12.

Police discovered the victim Armando sprawled on the ground with bullet wounds in the chest following a report from a concerned citizen about a vehicular accident in the area.

Five empty shell casings and one deformed bullet were recovered in the area.

The victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Follow-up investigation and pursuit operations are ongoing in both incidents.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/18/couple-ambushed-in-zamboanga-sibugay

A couple from Tungawan municipality, Zamboanga Sibugay province was ambushed here on Wednesday, March 18.

Police said the victims, Joel and Rowena, were on their way home to Tungawan after purchasing goods here when they were ambushed by two men on a motorcycle.

Joel sustained six bullet wounds and was taken to the hospital. Rowena was unhurt.

Police are conducting manhunt operations and follow-up investigation.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/18/elderly-watchman-shot-dead-in-bago-city

A 68-year-old farm watchman who was formerly jailed for murder was gunned down in Purok Matam-is, Barangay Busay, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, March 15.

Police Lt. Col. James Latayon, Bago City police chief, said the victim Fred was driving a motorcycle on his way to work when he was shot by an unidentified motorcycle-riding gunman.

Latayon said the victim succumbed to bullet wounds in the head, back, and left arm.

The victim’s family said he had received threats and police are probing if the incident could be a possible retaliation linked to a murder case 20 years ago or previous involvement in two more fatal incidents.

Latayon said that no official complaints were filed against the victim over his alleged involvement in two other incidents reportedly triggered by personal reasons.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/20/community-radio-announcer-shot-dead

A 49-year-old community radio announcer was gunned down outside his house in Sitio Lapak Kawayanan, Barangay Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Friday, March 20. 

Police identified the victim as Julio Calo, also a job order casual employee in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. 

Investigation showed that the victim was standing in front of his house when a white Sports Utility Vehicle coming from the direction of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental stopped in front of him.  

An unidentified person appeared and shot the victim in the head. He died on the spot.  

Police Major Romulo Gepilango, La Castellana police chief, said they are probing the incident.  

Calo had a program in a community radio station based in Himamaylan City.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/23/man-shot-dead-in-quezon-by-riding-in-tandem

A 35-year-old man was shot dead by two riding-in-tandem gunmen in Barangay Malabanban Sur, this town, on Sunday afternoon, March 22.

Police identified the victim as Salbakuta of Barangay Malabanban Norte here.

Investigation said the victim was riding as back rider of a motorcycle driven by Vincent when the suspects appeared and shot him. 

He died on the spot due to multiple bullet wounds. Vincent was unhurt.

Recovered in the crime scene were two fired .45 caliber cartridge cases.

Police are conducting manhunt and follow-up investigation.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/24/bar-owner-gunned-down-in-batangas

A 60-year-old restaurant and bar owner was shot to death on Monday evening, March 23, in Barangay Laiya Ibabao, this town.

Police identified the victim as Dionisio de Castro of Sitio Hulo lI, Barangay Laiya Aplaya, here.

The victim was inside Danaya Bar and Restaurant when two men arrived on board a black motorcycle at about 7:50 p.m.

One of the suspects, wearing a helmet, approached the victim and shot the victim who died on the spot.

The gunmen escaped towards Barangay Bataan, this town.

Police are conducting follow-up and manhunt operations.

Hi, My Name Is...69

There are many foreigners in the Philippines. Some of them enter as tourists and leave in a body bag. Some of them come to live happily ever after in paradise but end up living in prison. Let's meet a few of these unlucky fellows. 

Hi, my name is Jealous American. I married a Filipina and moved to paradise. But paradise wasn't all its cracked up to be. After a misunderstanding my wife and I got into an argument which lasted a few days. It ended when I came home drunk and stabbed her in the stomach and face. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/03/jealous-american-stabs-wife-in-sipalay-city

A 47-year-old American allegedly stabbed and injured his wife in their home in Barangay 5, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, March 1.

Investigation said that the suspect arrived in their home intoxicated and visibly angry.

He grabbed a knife and attacked his 37-year-old wife following a misunderstanding that began a few days earlier.

A neighbor called authorities after the victim sought help. Responding officers found the woman with stab wounds in her stomach and face. She is recuperating in a hospital.

The suspect was arrested and faces charges for violence against women.

Police released no further details upon the request of the family.

Hi, my name is Joe Louis Camacho Romero. I'm from the great state of Texas. In 2024 I met a Filipina online. She is from Zamboanga del Norte but we decided to meet in Lapu-Lapu City for Valentine's Day. I promised her I would marry her after I return from the states. The next day we transferred to a hotel in Cebu City. That was when she accused me of raping her and threatening to kill her family. I was arrested, of course. However, through official proceedings it turns out there was no evidence to support her claims and she withdrew them. We are still engaged to be married. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/16/american-held-for-raping-filipina-gf-in-cebu-city

What was supposed to be a sweet and romantic Valentine’s Day date for an American and his Filipina girlfriend ended up in big trouble.

Joe Louis Camacho Romero, a 43-year-old native of San Antonio, Texas, was arrested for allegedly raping his 21-year-old girlfriend in a hotel Barangay Lahug here on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The couple met in 2024 through a dating app. The woman from Zamboanga del Norte told police that she arrived here a day before the incident after she and the American agreed to finally meet.

The woman said the foreigner promised to marry her once he comes back from the US.

The couple stayed for a night in a hotel in Lapu-Lapu City. In the afternoon the next day, they transferred to a hotel in Cebu City.

The victim said she was shocked that shortly after they settled in the hotel, the suspect started hugging her.

The victim said the suspect asked her to have sex with him but she refused. The suspect got mad. The victim said that the suspect threatened to kill her family. Out of fear, the woman said she gave in.

The victim reported the incident to the Mabolo Police Station. She said the suspect confronted her when she returned to the hotel. A security guard saw the commotion and called the police.

The suspect was apprehended and detained at the Mabolo Police Station. He faces appropriate charges.

Update: The woman who accused her American boyfriend, Joe Romero, of allegedly raping her in a hotel room here has decided to withdraw the complaint.

“During the official proceedings, the complainant recanted the allegation, and the case was discontinued due to lack of credible evidence. I was released without prosecution and no criminal case is pending against me,” Romero said in an e-mail to Manila Bulletin on Feb. 25, 2026.

Romero attached the woman’s motion to withdraw addressed to the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office. In her motion withdrawing the complaint, the woman from Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte disclosed that she and the American are already engaged. 

Hi, my name is 40-year old American man. My wife and I got into an altercation. Things got so heated I took a piece of broken glass and stabbed her 63 times. Then I slashed my wrists. HOowever, it was only she who died.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/31/pinay-stabbed-63-times-by-american-husband-dies

A 36-year-old Filipina stabbed 63 times by her American husband during an altercation in their house in Barangay Pinucauan, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental on Thursday, Jan. 29, died in a hospital on Friday, Jan. 30.

Police Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental police, said the  victim passed away at around 9 p.m.

Polinar said that parricide charges have been filed against the 40-year-old suspect who used a broken glass to attack the victim and slash himself in the wrist.

He was apprehended by responding policemen.

Follow-up investigation is ongoing.

Hi, my name is being withheld but I am a German national. I tired to sneak in drugs using Bibles but they caught me! They caught me through a routine inspection. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/976600/over-60m-worth-of-shabu-marijuana-seized-at-naia/story/

More than P60 million worth of illegal drugs were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on February 13.

According to a statement on Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that a German traveler’s luggage was flagged at NAIA Terminal 3 Customs International Arrival Area.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said that the contraband was found inside his luggage, which was flagged during a routine non-intrusive baggage screening.

Inspections revealed approximately 8,145 grams of "white crystalline substances"—identified by the BOC as shabu—hidden inside two hollowed-out Bibles and wrapped in layers of plastic and duct tape, then placed inside a false compartment in the luggage.

The contraband, which was seized immediately, was estimated at P55,386,000.

The suspect was immediately arrested.

“We are tightening our controls through technology, intelligence, and inter-agency coordination. Our message is clear—attempts to bring illegal drugs into the country will be detected, intercepted, and prosecuted,” said BOC Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

Hi, my name is "JD." I arrived in the Philippines on a flight from South Africa via Hong Kong. During a routine search authorities found 6,000 grams of shabu in my luggage along with assorted mobile phones, documents, and foreign currency.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1269090

A South African national was arrested after he was found in possession of about PHP40.8 million worth of illegal drugs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 over the weekend.

In a statement Monday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the 30-year-old suspect, identified only as "JD," arrived from Johannesburg via Hong Kong at around 10:50 a.m. on Sunday.

Recovered from the suspect were around 6,000 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of PHP40.8 million, along with non-drug items such as travel documents, identification cards, mobile phones, personal belongings and foreign currency.

PDEA said the seized evidence were turned over to its laboratory service for examination and proper disposition.

The suspect will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Hi, my name is 38-year old American. At a restaurant at NAIA my little eye spied a yellow tote. So I casually took it and walked unassumingly into a restroom on another level of the terminal. Unbeknownst to me a restaurant employee saw what I did and informed his supervisor who followed me. He caught me red-handed rummaging through the contents. They also found a bolo in my bag. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/309381/american-man-held-at-naia-for-allegedly-stealing-customers-bag

An American man was arrested for allegedly stealing a fellow customer’s bag at a restaurant at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEG) said on Monday.

In a statement, the police only identified the suspect as a 38-year-old man. It did not identify the victim.

According to AVSEG, the foreigner was seen taking a yellow tote bag from the victim’s table last Saturday.

“This prompted the employee to immediately inform his supervisor. The store supervisor observed the suspect carrying the bag and followed him as he walked towards the restroom on another level of the terminal,” the police explained.

“Inside the restroom, an airport employee confirmed the suspect was rummaging through the bag,” it added.

It was then that authorities brought the suspect to the Naia Police Station 3 for frisking, where the victim’s cash worth P26,200 as well as four bank receipts and a note handwritten by the victim were recovered from the suspect.

Authorities also recovered a 34.5-centimeter bolo from the suspect’s bag, AVSEG noted.

The suspect was taken into the custody of Naia Police Station 3, awaiting inquest proceedings for theft and violation of Batas Pambansa No. 6, which pertains to the illegal carrying of a bladed weapon outside one’s residence. 

Hi, my name is unnamed Polish tourist. I travelled to the Philippines for a warm winter vacation. At a beach resort I went for a swim. But the current was too strong and I got pulled under and drowned. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2182312/polish-tourist-drowns-in-surigao-del-sur

A Polish national died by drowning at Mahayag Beach Resort in Barangay Buenavista here.

Authorities recovered the foreigner’s body on Saturday afternoon after a joint search and rescue operation involving government responders and local fishermen.

According to Ensign Jobert R. Oslob, officer in charge of the Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station Tandag, their office received a call at past 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reporting about a drowning and requesting immediate assistance.

Coast Guard personnel immediately deployed and initiated search and retrieval operations, but strong ocean currents and limited underwater visibility hampered efforts throughout Friday and into Saturday morning.

Oslob said the operation was conducted in close coordination with CDRRMO Tandag, the Tandag City Emergency Response Team, Barangay Buenavista officials, and local fishermen who volunteered their boats and assisted in scanning nearby waters.

At past 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, responders located and recovered the lifeless body near the reported incident site.

The remains were secured inside a cadaver bag and turned over to the Tandag police.

Authorities are yet to release the identity of the victim pending proper notification of the family and completion of official procedures.

Reyveen John Geli, officer in charge of the CDRRMO-Tandag, reiterated safety advisories for beachgoers, stressing caution when swimming in open waters, particularly amid unpredictable and strong coastal currents. 

Hi, my name is Mike. After Sunday worship services ended I confronted the pastor, Lex, about the new church vehicle. I didn't much care for his answers and our discussion became heated. He tried to calm me but I struck the back of his head. I also pulled a knife in order to stab him and I swung it at the other parishioners. However, the other parishioners intervened and subdued me until the police arrived. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/303136/american-arrested-for-attacking-pastor-in-leyte

A 69-year-old American national was arrested on Sunday, Dec. 21, for allegedly assaulting a local pastor and threatening churchgoers during a violent incident at the Bible Baptist Church in Poblacion Zone 3, Mayorga town, Leyte.

The suspect, identified only as “Mike,” reportedly became agitated after attending worship services and confronted Pastor “Lex,” 54, over a casual question about the church’s new vehicle. Witnesses said the altercation escalated when the pastor attempted to calm the suspect, who then allegedly struck the back of the pastor’s head.

The situation intensified as Mike reportedly drew a handheld knife and attempted to stab the pastor, prompting intervention from church members. One witness, “Reo,” 36, narrowly avoided being hit when the suspect swung the knife in his direction.

Police from the Mayorga Municipal Police Station (MPS), responding to an alarm at 3:15 p.m., found the suspect holding the knife and immediately disarmed and arrested him. 

The suspect was brought to the Mayorga MPS along with the weapon for proper disposition and further investigation.

Authorities confirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

No fatalities were reported, and the pastor was unharmed aside from minor injuries. 

Hi, my name is Claudio. I am an old man but I am still up to my old tricks. Somehow I obtained nude photos of a man. Needing some money I blackmailed him for 80,000 pesos. He pays and I don't post the pictures. However, he told the police and they caught me in an entrapment operation. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/13/italian-national-nabbed-for-robbery-extortion-in-makati

An Italian senior citizen was arrested by the police for attempting to extort money from a 28-year-old businessman in Barangay San Antonio, Makati City, on Thursday, March 12.

The Makati City Police identified the suspect as alias "Claudio," 74.

The police said Claudio attempted to extort P80,000 from the victim in exchange for not leaking his nude photos on the internet.

Upon receiving the victim's complaint, an entrapment operation was quickly launched by the police against the suspect, which led to his arrest at a coffee shop inside a mall in Barangay San Antonio.

The police recovered the boodle money from the suspect as well as other items.

"Appropriate charges for violation of Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code (robbery-extortion) will be filed against the suspect through inquest proceedings before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office," the Makati City Police said.

Hi, my name is Hendrikus Gerardus Theodorus Maria Van Rossum. I went on a tour to visit traditional Ifugao houses and rice terraces. It was a fun time. On the descent down the terraces I began to feel dizzy. I sat down on the road to calm myself. Instead I collapsed and died on the spot. 

 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/309655/dutch-national-dies-while-on-ifugao-tour

A 65-year-old Dutch national died after he collapsed while touring Bangaan in Banaue town, Ifugao on Wednesday, February 18, police said on Thursday.

The fatality was identified as Hendrikus Gerardus Theodorus Maria Van Rossum, installation mechanic in Raalte, the Netherlands.

Investigators said Rossum was walking back to his hotel at about 1:45 p.m. when he collapsed and lost consciousness.

He went to the traditional Ifugao houses and rice terraces in the village, took photographs and recorded video clips for posterity.

However, as he descended in the terraces with his tour guide and other tourists in the group, he sat down at the roadside and claimed he was dizzy. He later collapsed.

Two nurses among the group tried to revive Rossum to no avail.

They placed him in the group’s car but he was later transferred to an ambulance for faster travel to Good News Clinic and Hospital in Banaue, the nearest medical facility.

However, doctors in the hospital declared him dead on arrival.

Police and doctors have yet to disclose the cause of death while his body will be turned over to his tour companions, after government documentation and clearance.