Insurgency: Fatalities Attribtued to Miscalculation

The AFP continues to go after IS in Mindanao. A recent encounter left 6 AFP soldiers dead. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1906500/six-soldiers-two-maute-fighters-killed-in-lanao-del-norte-clash

Six Scout Rangers and three alleged fighters of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group were killed in an encounter in Barangay Ramain in Munai town, Lanao del Sur, Munai on Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said in a statement issued on Monday.

Brawner said that four other soldiers were injured during its continuous pursuit operations against members of the DI-Maute Group, which perpetrated the bombing at Mindanao State University in December 2023, leaving four people dead and 50 others wounded.

“In continuation of this effort, an operation was launched last February 18, resulting in 2 more dead among the enemy and several others wounded based on intelligence information,” Brawner said.

“Six of our valiant soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while another four were wounded,” Brawner said in a statement.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said that the total number of killed Maute fighters climbed to three after another body was recovered.

An earlier report from Lt. Col. Palawan Moindas, spokesperson of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, put the number of soldiers killed at five, but another was declared dead on arrival, bringing the total to six.

Moindas said the encounter took place at past 2 p.m. on Sunday in Barangay Ramain. It involved a platoon of soldiers and about 15 members of the DI-Maute Group.

The AFP spokesperson, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, said 12 Maute Group members were killed in separate pursuit operations after the bombing.

Previously, Padilla said that the DI-Maute Group was on the “brink of collapse.”

The AFP says the deaths of these six soldiers are attributable to mistakes made on the battlefield. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/6-military-fatalities-attributed-to-miscalculation-in-lanao-del-norte-encounter

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) admitted there was a slight "miscalculation" on the part of their operating team during the encounter against the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group in Barangay Ramain, Munai, Lanao del Norte on Sunday, February 18, where six soldiers were killed.

Three fighters from the DI-MG were also killed.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. found out that there were techniques, tactics, and procedures that were not followed when he had a conversation with the commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion (IB), the operating unit where the slain soldiers were assigned.

The AFP chief would not elaborate when asked what these specific lapses were. 

“We reminded our troops, our commanders, battalion commanders, our company commanders, and platoon leaders to always observe the right techniques, tactics, and procedures,” Brawner said during his visit to the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in this city on Wednesday, February 21.

The 44th IB and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion clashed with the Islamic State-linked terrorist group believed to be behind the attack at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City last December in which four individuals were killed and injured at least 40 others.

Brawner recounted that the terrorist group almost vanished during the Marawi siege in 2017 and 45 members were left after the five-month-long battle. Their number was further reduced as the Army continued operations against them.

The DI-MG now has about 20 fighters, he added.

The AFP chief cited miscalculation as the possible cause of six fatalities during the encounter

He explained how they tend to miscalculate the movements of the enemy due to the unpredictability of the armed engagement. 

“Because you know it’s hard in war. You cannot predict everything because the enemy is moving and they also have firearms,” Brawner said, stressing that they can confidently address the lapses in order to prevent a repeat of the incident.

In effect the Chief of the AFP is blaming the soldiers for their deaths rather than Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group. Interestingly enough he claims DI-MG only has "about 20 fighters" left. 

An encounter in Bohol ended in the death of a top NPA leader. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/558204/top-npa-leader-four-others-killed-in-shootout-with-law-enforcers-in-bohol

A top leader of the New People’s Army’s Bohol Party Committee (BPC) and 4 other NPA rebel fighters were killed during an armed encounter with law enforcement in the municipality of Bilar in Bohol province on Friday morning, February 23, 2024.

The armed encounter began at around 6:52 a.m. in Purok Matinan-ao Dos, Barangay Campagao, Bilar, Bohol.

This was according to Lieutenant Colonel Norman Nuiz, spokesperson of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO), who spoke to reporters on Friday.

Nuiz said that military and police personnel were reportedly in the area at the time of the incident to serve a warrant of arrest.

The warrant of arrest was issued against the five alleged NPA members who were staying in the area.

The operation was conducted by combined elements of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and 47th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

When they arrived in the area, however, the involved persons fought back against the law enforcers and the government soldiers refusing to back down. 

This then lead to the two forces engaging in a violent shootout, leading to members from both sides being killed.

Consequently, residents of the barangay were alarmed when they heard the exchange of bullets near their houses.

According to Nuiz, one police officer was killed while another one was wounded during the encounter.

Police Corporal Gilbert Amper was shot on the head and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Police Corporal Gerard Rollon sustained a gunshot wound on his body and was rushed to the same hospital.

Furthermore, police personnel relayed that a total of 5 alleged members of the NPA were killed during the shoot-out.

One of the persons who was killed was alias “Silong,” described as a squad leader of remnants of BPC and the former commanding officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda (SYP) Platoon.

“Silong” had a bounty of P2.6 million and was wanted for several cases including rebellion, homicide, attempted homicide, multiple murder, frustrated murder, and robbery.

Also killed were the assistant squad leader alias “Aldrin” and squad members: “Darwin,” “Maya,” and “Juaning.”

According to Cahucom, there is a possibility that the NPA members have been hiding in the barangay because it is a mountainous area.

Bohol is an interesting case because it was previously declared insurgency free even when the AFP clashed with the NPA in 2021. But then lost its status. In 2022 the local police declared the local CTG dismantled. 

https://mirror.pia.gov.ph/news/2023/01/27/3-more-rebels-send-surrender-feelers-in-bohol

For his part, Bohol police provincial director Col. Osmundo Salibo said that the insurgency situation in Bohol is that the CTG here has been “dismantled”.

He said the CTG is no longer a threat to Boholanos, Salibo said during the same press conference.

He added there is no barangay in Bohol where government is having difficulty implementing projects or programs.

Thus, the CTG’s ability to cause trouble is no longer a concern among the state security forces.

“Is there a single barangay in the province of Bohol that the services of government has been hampered? Wala na!” Salibo quipped.

Bohol is in the Central Visayas and the AFP says they hope to end the insurgency in the Visayas by the end of the year. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219403

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. directed the Visayas Command (Viscom) to continue with their operations to eliminate the threat of communist insurgency.

Brawner made the directive after visiting the Viscom headquarters in Cebu and the 301st Infantry Brigade in Iloilo on Thursday, the AFP said in a news release Thursday night.

"And we are very hopeful and optimistic that by the end of the year 2024, ay talagang ma-achieve natin ang (we can really achieve) total victory and we can defeat the communists here in Viscom,” he said.

Brawner also lauded Viscom's officers and enlisted personnel for their accomplishments.

These accomplishments, he said, are aligned with the AFP's overall campaign strategy, which is focused on defeating the NPA remnants.

Bataan has recently been declared peaceful and stable. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/bataan-achieves-stable-internal-peace-and-security

The province of Bataan has been placed under a state of stable internal peace and security following the ceremonial signing of the declaration led by Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia III at the provincial capitol in Balanga City, Bataan on Wednesday, February 21.

Bataan is the third province under the jurisdiction of the Army 702nd Infantry Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Gulliver L. Señires put under SIPS. The two other provinces are Tarlac and Zambales.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan supported the declaration initiated by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) through the issuance of Resolution No. 4, Series of 2024.

Major Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, said that the declaration was a testament to the unwavering commitment and sacrifice of men and women in uniform, as well as the collaborative efforts of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and local government units.

“To the brave soldiers and police officers who have demonstrated exceptional courage and determination, I commend every one of you for your unwavering commitment to protecting our communities,” Costelo said.

Garcia said that the declaration was timely as it was in line with their strategic plan to be a highly livable province by 2030.

He thanked law enforcement agencies led by the Army for their unwavering commitment to sustain peace and security in his province that will lead to more progress and development.

Zambales is also set to be declared as SIPS on March 1.

Again we see that the declaration of being peaceful is less about there being no insurgents and more about a "strategic plan" to develop the province. 

Meanwhile in Escalante the AFP has launched airstrikes against the NPA.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/23/airstrikes-launched-vs-npa-remnants-in-escalante-city

The 79th Infantry Battalion launched precision airstrikes on Thursday night, February 22, against remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF)-D, following a series of clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental. 

Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that they used two Augusta Westland-109 Nighthawk Attack Helicopters (AW-109AH) from the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

A video of the air strike has been circulating on social media. 

Javines said that  they adhered to strict guidelines, emphasizing careful risk assessment to mitigate collateral damage, when they launched the airstrike. 

He added that various factors, such as the proximity of residential zones, utilities, and livestock, underwent a thorough evaluation. 

Javines said that this method underscores the importance of safeguarding civilian lives and limiting property damage, adding that such measures are integral to ensuring responsible and effective military operations while minimizing adverse impacts on communities.

Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, said the Army would remain steadfast in its commitment to completely eradicate armed groups in Negros and assured the public that no residents were harmed during the airstrike. 

“This effort reflects our commitment to decisively confront and neutralize the remnants of the insurgent forces, thereby safeguarding communities and promoting stable internal peace and security in Negros Island,” he added. 

It is a wonder the AFP does not launch airstrikes more often especially when they know where the NPA is located. 

Philippines One of Only 30 Countries With a Cholera Outbreak in 2023

The Philippines is number one in a lot of things. It is number one in online child sex trafficking. It is number one in social media users. It is number one in the amount of time spent on Pornhub. And now the Philippines is number one in cholera cases for the Western Pacific region.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/897390/philippines-only-country-in-western-pacific-with-cholera-in-2023-who/story/

The Philippines is one of only 30 countries that reported cholera or acute water diseases (AWD) cases in 2023, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The 2023 WHO Global Cholera and AWD Dashboard records 708,200 cholera cases worldwide, including in nine countries where at least 10,000 cases were monitored. 

More than 4,300 deaths were also reported.

"While data from 2023 cannot be directly compared to the more detailed official reports submitted to WHO for 2022—when there were 472,697 cases and 2349 deaths—the marked increase in preliminary figures for 2023 suggests a concerning escalation in global cases and deaths associated with cholera," the WHO said in its report. 

The Philippines is the only country in the Western Pacific Region to have a cholera outbreak last year.

Latest data from the Department of Health (DOH) shows 3,756 cholera cases reported last year, including 19 deaths.

According to the WHO, cholera is an “extremely virulent” disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhea due to ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

This infection affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated.

Being one out of only 30 countries to report a cholera outbreak puts the Philippines in an exclusive class. Here is a map showing the other 29 countries which reported a cholera outbreak in 2023. 

https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/multi-country-outbreak-of-cholera--external-situation-report--11---12-february-2024

The DOH says there was 3,756 cases and 19 deaths in 2023. But why does cholera continue to plague the Philippines? Because of the lack of access to clean water. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211483

The Department of Health (DOH) regional office in Eastern Visayas has reported 3,683 cholera cases with nine deaths from January to September this year, slightly higher at 4 percent than the 3,556 cases recorded in the same period in 2022.

Of the total cases, 2,996 were treated in hospitals, and the rest recovered through home treatment, DOH regional information officer Jelyn Lopez-Malibago said in a phone interview Tuesday.

Of the nine deaths, Eastern Samar and Samar provinces recorded three each, Leyte had two, and Northern Samar had one. Most patients who died of cholera were children.

The youngest fatality was a seven-month-old boy, while the oldest was a 93-year-old woman. The latest death was recorded on July 13.

The DOH report said 1,390 cases were in communities that lack access to safe drinking water in Eastern Samar.

Malibago said the DOH has intensified its information drive to prevent the spread of cholera.

They also strengthened their technical assistance to local government units to end the outbreak in some areas, she said.

“To prevent the possible surge of these diseases, especially during the rainy season, the Department of Health recommends the practice of good personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food, after using the toilet, after clean-up activities, and handling particles coming from public places and after attending to a sick person,” Malibago added.

The DOH urged the public to clean all utensils, equipment, and surfaces before and after cooking; thoroughly wash and cook all meat, seafood, and vegetables; eat properly prepared food; and eat food while it is still hot.

Drinking water from known sources, boiled or treated with chlorine is highly recommended.

“By undertaking these tasks, we will be able to attain better health outcomes in Eastern Visayas and reduce the number of food and water-borne diseases cases and deaths,” Malibago said.

While the people do bear a responsibility for their health and well-being it is the government's mandate to provide the people with clean water and proper sewage systems. Much of the pollute water people are using is fouled by human waste. 

The fact that the Philippines made this exclusive list is a testament to the dysfunctionality and ineptness of the government. Let us congratulate the corrupt politicians who run this nation for this accomplishment.

The God Culture: Take Up Your Fence

Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture has once again taken up his anti-cross video series to give us more "proof" that Jesus was not crucified on a t-shaped cross but staked on a vertical pole. This time Tim says Jesus did not tell His followers to "take up their cross" but rather to "take up their fence."

"Take Up His FENCE And Follow Me..." in UNDER 20 MINUTES

Tim's proof for his claim is twofold.

The first proof is Jesus says "take up your cross" much too early in His ministry for his followers to understand cross as an implement of torture.

1:04 Yahusha for us to said, you know, for us to take up our cross and follow him, right? Actually wrong. He never said that. This is written in Greek which is the word stauros or upright stake or fence post and not cross and it actually then makes sense. As cross it makes no sense whatsoever because it's long before Messiah's execution. Long before. It's ridiculous.

The second proof, built upon the first, is that His followers would have to have been familiar with what Jesus is talking about and since it cannot be the cross it must be a fence since no one owned a cross but everyone owned a fence.

9:44 You have the same problem in Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Mark 10:21 these are way too early to invoke the use of a cross. Most people had fences back then and they understood what he meant. No one owned crosses. Duh. 

Your boundary of your property was set largely by a fence not a cross. If you're selling your property and following him selling all your possessions and following him you're breaking down your fence, you're, you, you know, you're coming out, uh and that's what it's all about. You're coming out and you're giving everything to him and has nothing to do with a cross. This is very obvious 

Again a whole lot of problematic uses here if it was cross. Luke 9:23 still 14 chapters too early to invoke a cross for execution. Nonsense. No one would have even understood and he wasn't being cryptic. This is a Salvation topic folks. He didn't project such definition for understanding at a later date. He was teaching a principle he wanted understood then and there and it was. Now, remove your fence, remove your boundaries and follow me.

What is Tim's source that "most people had fences back then?" He does not say. He is likely making it up.

All this means the passage about taking up one's cross is not about self-sacrifice but about "giving all you have" and living outside of your fence. 

3:56 The passage is really about giving all you have to Him. Uh, in one case the Rich Young Ruler which we covered He says this as well there. Uh, and he's telling him go sell all you possess and that includes your land. Then take up your fence, your boundary, your fence post and follow me. Have no boundaries. Have no borders. Come out of your yard and your comfort zone and follow me. This is incredible now this passage makes sense. Take up your cross? Hm. Nonsense.

The first proof is easily dismantled by looking at John 6 where Jesus says we must eat his body and drink his blood. 

51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

What can Christ possibly mean here by eating his body and drinking his blood except for the Eucharist? 

Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

John 6 is long before the Last Supper yet here we see Jesus Christ talking of the very sacrament He would inaugurate during the Last Supper. It should be noted that when the crowd heard Him say they must eat His body and drink His blood many of them stopped following Him because the saying was too hard.

60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

This is important because Jesus Christ is not clear about everything he says. He told the Apostles that He spoke in parables not to make his teaching easily understandable but to hide it from the masses to whom it was not given to understand. Tim is dead wrong when he says Jesus never spoke cryptically. 

Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with theireyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

There is no problem with Jesus speaking to His disciples of a future event in a cryptic manner especially when He promised to send the Holy Spirit to bring these things to their remembrance.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The second proof is easily done away with by the testimony of ancient writers who testify that criminals did in fact carry their cross to the scene of execution. 

The first testimony is from Dionysius of Halicarnassus who writes the following in book seven of his Roman Antiquities. 

A Roman citizen of no obscure station, having ordered one of his slaves to be put to death, delivered him to his fellow-slaves to be led away, and in order that his punishment might be witnessed by all, directed them to drag him through the Forum and every other conspicuous part of the city as they whipped him, and that he should go ahead of the procession which the Romans were at that time conducting in honour of the god.​  

The men ordered to lead the slave to his punishment, having stretched out both his arms and fastened them to a piece of wood which extended across his breast and shoulders as far as his wrists, followed him, tearing his naked body with whips.

https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Dionysius_of_Halicarnassus/7C*.html

The second testimony is from Plutarch who writes the following in his Moralia in Book 8 section 9. 

And as every malefactor about to pay the penalty of his crime in his person bears his cross, so vice fabricates for itself each of its own torments, being the terrible author of its own misery in life, wherein in addition to shame it has frequent fears and fierce passions and endless remorse and anxiety.

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/23639/23639-h/23639-h.htm#Page_331a

It is simply a fact that criminals carried their cross to the place of execution. There is no doubt the people would be familiar with that grisly sight and understand exactly what Jesus meant by carrying your cross. It is not a fence. That is preposterous.  

Finally, and what really undoes all of this nonsense, is the Greek word for fence is not stauros.  It is phragmos.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5418/kjv/tr/0-1/

If Jesus wanted people to "take up their fence" he would not have used a word with two meanings but a word with one meaning. While stauros can mean a fence post it also means a cross as an implement of torture. However, phragmos means fence with no ambiguity. Didn't Tim say Jesus did not speak cryptically and wanted everyone to know what he was saying? 

As Tim would say, BOOM!

This third video is simply more unhistorical and unbiblical garbage from Timothy Jay Schwab. But Tim does not care that he is in error or that I continue to point out his errors. In the comment section of this video he left the following tirade calling me a "demon blogger" and once more threatening me with legal prosecution for exposing his lies. 

Anyone attempting debate without watching all 3 of these, will be muted. We know by your comment you have not watched so don't play the fool trolls and demonic blogger. Let's be clear. When we say demonic, we refer to the intellectual rapist who can't even read a sentence and never makes points except how poorly he is able to read and he is even worse of a listener. The idiot even takes positions against himself in a stream and no one can be more of a failure as the perhaps 2 views he gets proves. Talk about the definition of insanity... demonic indeed. And the eBook he downloaded free, he lied and told Amazon the pages fell out when he opened it yet he did not order from Amazon who does not send such poor quality nor do they ever not accept a return in that case but not this idiot... The eBook pages fell out on his screen. In the words of Bugs Bunny: "what a maroon." He'll now likely write a blog about how one is supposed to spell moron in which he'll also tell us that Bugs Bunny didn't actually say it and is not the origin as if that would ever even matter... because he has the understanding of a toddler only foaming out of the mouth like a demon indeed. He has committed many infractions in cyber libel, gross negligence, fake news, misrepresentations consistently, harassed  family including minors, and in time, he will be prosecuted for his illegal acts. He tries to comment here under a different usernames each time in complete insanity thinking we will ever allow his dull nonsense here on our channel. Even when caught and muted he gets more views than months on his pathetic platforms no one wants to view. When caught, he doubles down and turns dumb into dumber and then, dumberer... Perhaps there is a movie about him. We will never tolerate such illiterate ignorance here. Yah Bless.

Will Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture ever own up to his misrepresentations and outright lies? Will he ever deal with the hard evidence I present in all these articles that he is wrong? Likely not but that will not stop this blog from continuing to expose him for all to see. 

Retards in the Government 353

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

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1905266/sc-ex-pnp-saf-chief-liable-in-choppers-deal

The Supreme Court has found former police general and Special Action Force (SAF) chief Leocadio Santiago Jr. administratively liable for the anomalous purchase in 2009 of two brand new police helicopters that later turned out to be secondhand. In a 14-page resolution published on Thursday, the high court granted the writ for certiorari filed by the Ombudsman Field Investigation Office against Santiago and reinstated a previous ruling that convicted him for serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

In its resolution dated May 30, 2012, the Ombudsman found the former SAF chief and several other police officers administratively liable for the irregular acquisition of the secondhand helicopters for the Philippine National Police, resulting in their dismissal from the service plus the forfeiture of retirement benefits. They were also barred from holding public office.

The high court’s latest resolution effectively overturned a 2013 ruling from the Court of Appeals clearing Santiago of the said charges.

In 2009, the PNP ordered three standard helicopters worth P105 million from the Manila Aerospace Products and Trading (Maptra) that should be brand new, air-conditioned and with a minimum of three hours’ endurance.

However, Maptra delivered only one brand new Robinson Raven II while the two standard Robinson Raven I were found to be pre-owned by former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, according to the Ombudsman.

In reversing the appellate court’s decision, the high tribunal said that Santiago was guilty of the said administrative liabilities when he executed resolutions attesting that Maptra was “legally, technically, and financially capable” of supplying the helicopters despite documents showing otherwise.

“That said misrepresentations resulted in serious damage and grave prejudice to the government is also undeniable, considering that the government was defrauded into procuring ‘brand new’ [Light Police Operational Helicopters] with certain specifications that turned out to be secondhand units that were far from the PNP’s specifications,” the high court said.

“Worse, the contract price amounted to over a hundred million pesos,” it added.

According to the court, the findings were substantial grounds to elevate the guilt of Santiago to “serious dishonesty,” which is defined by Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 06-0538 as a dishonest act that causes “serious damage and grave prejudice to the government.”

The court said it was also convinced the police official’s actions tarnished the image and integrity of the public office he occupied, citing his “flimsy defense” that he merely relied on the representations of other committees and his superior.

Santiago’s argument that it would also be “impossible” to require him to examine every process of the procurement when he was busy with police operations reflected the “unacceptable standard” he applied to his public office, it added.

“To the court, there is no basis to hold public officers to such a low standard when no less than the constitution commands that public officers ‘must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice and lead modest lives,’” it said.

The SC has held the ex-PNP SAF Chief liable for an anomalous helicopter deal. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/17/village-chair-shot-dead-kagawad-wounded-in-ormoc

A lone gunman shot and killed a barangay chairman and wounded a barangay kagawad or councilor in Ormoc City, Leyte on Friday night, February 16.

Police identified the fatality as Patricio Laude, 60, chairman of Barangay Catmon, Ormoc, and the wounded as Christopher Casimong, 45, kagawad of Barangay Catmon.

Initial investigation said that the victims were having a conversation in front of Casimong’s house regarding a meeting about the barangay cleanliness campaign and segregation of waste materials when an unidentified person arrived and greeted them.

The suspect suddenly drew a gun and fired at the victims, killing Laude on the spot and wounding Casimong who was taken to a local hospital.

Suspect fled to unknown direction and police are conducting follow-up investigation and pursuit operations.

A barangay chairman has been assassinated and a barangay chairman wounded. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/19/bir-employee-nabbed-for-extorting-kids-bike-shop

A Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) employee was arrested for allegedly extorting money from an establishment selling kids’ bikes.

The BIR, along with elements from the Philippine National Police (PNP), conducted a joint operation last Thursday, Feb. 14 that led to the discovery of the employee’s extortion.

Based on the agency’s reports, the employee was extorting money under the guise of an official BIR tax compliance verification drive.

It was revealed that being in the taxpayer’s place of business was not part of the employee’s official functions.

The employee is set to face criminal cases of robbery (extortion), grave coercion and usurpation of official function or authority, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which were filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor.

“Pinangako ko ang integrity and professionalism of the institution and employees. Kaya hindi natin palalagpasin ang mga ganitong gawain. Walang lugar sa Bagong BIR ang mga ganitong empleyado”, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. stated.

[I promised the integrity and professionalism of the institution and its employees. So we will not let such activities pass up. Such employees have no place in the New BIR.]

“All BIR officials conducting enforcement activities must be armed with the proper authority either a Letter of Authority or Mission Order. Taxpayers can always ask and verify the authority by which a BIR employee is visiting their office or business,” Lumagui said.

“You can report any individual, whether a BIR employee or a stranger, if he or she cannot show any official document that warrants his or her presence in your business establishment,” he reiterated.

The BIR has yet to disclose the amount of money that was extorted from the bike establishment.

A BIR employee has been arrested for extortion. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/19/cop-drug-pusher-fall-in-pangasinan-buy-bust

A 42-year-old policeman and a 31-year-old drug pusher were apprehended in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Domanpot, this town, on Sunday afternoon, February 18.

Police said they were monitoring the drug pusher, alias Puto, when the police officer with the rank of police corporal assigned to the Santa Maria, Pangasinan police station, arrived.

The police officer, who had been tied to illegal drug activities, purchased suspected shabu from Puto, prompting lawmen to accost him but he fled on board a Toyota Tamaraw FX bearing license plates UNZ-665.

Puto was nabbed and seized from him was shabu worth P3,400 and a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet.

Lawmen chased and caught up with the police officer who yielded the car, a cellphone, and a handgun.

Inventory and markings of pieces of evidence were done on-site in the presence of mandatory witnesses. 

A cop has been busted for drugs. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/20/village-chief-shot-dead-in-ilocos-sur-1

A barangay chairman was gunned down in front of the cockpit arena here on Monday night, February 19.

Police Capt. Rodel Ragasa, town chief of police, identified the victim as Lawrence “Larry” Angco, chairman of Barangay Poblacion, Santo Domingo, this province.

Ragasa said the victim was driving his motorcycle on the way out of the cockpit arena at about 8 p.m. when he was shot by a lone gunman.

Six empty caliber .45 shells were recovered by responding police officers at the crime scene.

Angco died on the way to the hospital from multiple bullet wounds.

The suspect fled and police are pursuing the suspect.

A barangay chairman has been assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/20/silay-city-gov-t-employee-busted-for-drugs

A city government employee and his companion were arrested by the police in a buy-bust operation in Bonifacio Extension, Barangay 4, Silay City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, February 20.

Police identified the city government employee as Romeo Dicto, 61. His companion was a 26-year-old man.

The suspects were arrested after they sold suspected shabu worth P2,800 to a police poseur-buyer. Suspects allegedly yielded 12 grams of suspected shabu valued at P81,600.

Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, Silay police chief, said that Dicto had been working in the city as street sweeper. He is considered a high-value individual because of his government-related work, Darroca said.

Darroca said that Dicto’s companion was tagged as a street-level individual.

A Silay City government employee has been busted for drugs. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/village-dad-killed-in-leyte

A barangay kagawad or councilor was shot dead in Sitio Banahaw, Barangay Tugas,  Tabango, Leyte, on Tuesday, February 20.

The victim was identified as Ronald Palacio, 50,  of Barangay Santa Rosa, Tabango.

Initial investigation disclosed that the victim was driving his motorcycle on his way home from Tabango Proper  when he was shot in the uninhabited area by unidentified persons using an unknown caliber of firearm. 

                    

Police found the victim lying on the road beside his motorcycle. He was bathing in his blood and had multiple bullet wounds in the back.

Gunmen fled and police are pursuing them and conducting follow-up investigation.

Another barnagay councilor has been assassinated. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/898135/gov-t-worker-in-naga-cebu-detained-over-loss-of-p12m-from-city-coffers/story/

A worker of the City Treasurer's Office in Naga City, Cebu Province was detained at the City of Naga Police Station female custodial facility for alleged loss of around P12 million from the city coffers.

She was detained at about 6 p.m. on February 19, 2024.

The 44-year-old liquidating officer allegedly started her illegal activities toward the end of 2022. She was entrusted to collect taxes and deposit the money in the bank.

However, in a report made by the Commission on Audit, the liquidating officer failed to present documents on a so-called money trail, or the series of connected financial transactions and exchanges.

Police Lt. Col. William Homoc, Naga Police Station chief, said that the liquidating officer's lifestyle changed indubitably, including frequent out-of-the country travels.

Homoc confirmed to GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak that the woman admitted taking a sum from the total collection five days a week.

The news team sought comment from the suspect in her detention cell, but she refused an interview. Workers at the City Treasurer’s Office also refused to be interviewed when the team tried also to reach for comment.

Mayor Valdemar Chiong said that the incident saddened him as the loot, upon initial investigation, is quite a sum already.

He said he will wait for further reports from COA on the exact amount lost from the city coffers while the City Legal Office is studying the appropriate charges to be filed against the suspect.

The City Legal Office, Office of the Mayor, and the City Treasurer's Office are expected to file charges against the liquidating officer.

He vowed that the incident will not affect city government services to constituents.

A worker of the City Treasurer's Office in Naga has been arrested for losing 12 million pesos. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/pcg-probes-personnel-in-cavite-shooting-spree

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday, Feb. 21, said it will cooperate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) after one of its personnel allegedly went amok and engaged in a shooting spree in Naic, Cavite.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant, directed the Coast Guard Internal Affairs Service (CGIAS) to work with the PNP in probing the arrested personnel who is serving under the Coast Guard Sub-Station Rosario with a rank of Seaman Second Class.

According to the PCG, the suspect went to Barangay Latoria in Naic, Cavite around 2:40 a.m. last February 18 where he met his live-in partner. 

Suddenly, the suspect, who was still wearing the Coast Guard's battle dress uniform (BDU), began shouting due to a heated altercation with his live-in partner. 

This attracted public attention and at the height of the confrontation, the suspect "pointed his PCG-issued firearm to the ground and fired indiscriminately." 

Witnesses called for assistance from the PNP-Naic personnel which led to the arrest of the suspect.

The police also recovered 18 spent shells of caliber 5.56 cartridge. 

The suspect yielded his PCG-issued firearm (Galil ACE) for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 11926 or "An Act Penalizing Willful and Indiscriminate Discharge of Firearms."

Gavan reminded the PCG personnel to exercise maximum tolerance and comply strictly with gun safety regulations.

""Committing such crime while wearing the PCG uniform affected his unit's reputation and the public image of the entire Coast Guard organization," he furthered. 

The PCG commandant said that the suspect shall face the consequences of his actions, which include being dishonorably discharged from the Coast Guard service, if proven that he is guilty of indiscriminately firing his gun.

"The PCG has zero tolerance for public servants who violate the very rules and regulations they must uphold," Gavan said.

A member of the PCG has been arrested for indiscriminately firing his gun during an argument with his live-in-partner.