Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Hi, My Name is...48

 Let's say hello to a few deranged foreigners and several crazy Filipinos. 

Hi, my name is being withheld because I am a minor. My younger half brothers and I were out swimming one day. All of a sudden I hit my younger brother on the head with a rock and drowned him while my other brother watched. He is the one who told on me. I killed my younger brother because I was angry that his father always told me to leave his house. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/572773/lapu-lapu-city-drowning-5-year-old-drowned-by-own-half-brother

A 5-year-old boy died after he was allegedly drowned by his own half-brother while they were swimming in the seawaters of Sitio Lawis, Brgy. Suba-Basbas in Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, May 10, 2024, at around 9 a.m., police said.

Before drowning his stepbrother, the 14-year-old suspect allegedly hit the head of the victim with a rock.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), said that the 5-year-old victim and the 14-year-old suspect have the same mother but have different fathers.

They were joined in their swimming excursion by their 7-year-old sibling who witnessed the whole tragic incident and who told police what really happened..

According to Torres, the suspect in the Lapu-Lapu City drowning incident killed the victim out of his anger towards the father of the child for allegedly always asking him to leave their house.

Torres added that the suspect was ill-mannered and a trouble-maker.

He said that the incident was reported to them at around 1:00 p.m. yesterday by the mother.

The Lapu-Lapu City drowning incident was not reported immediately since the mother had no idea yet of what really happened to the victim. Until the 7-year-old witness spilled the beans.

"They have no idea about the real incident because they believe that they just drowned. That's why the other brother told the story that he saw the incident where the head was hit on a rock because some guy injured the child's face. Then that's it, the boy also saw that the younger brother was really tired and dry," Torres said.

The suspect was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for proper interventions. Authorities are also investigating if the 14-year-old suspect is into drugs.

Hi, my name is Marilou Tabugara Tumangquiz. I asked my grandson to help me pick up some coconuts on our farm. All of a sudden I grabbed him, tied up his hands and feet, and hacked him to death with a bolo. The family called the police and the came right away which is good because they were about to hack me to death. No matter that I am old and suffer from mental illness.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1858387/granny-kills-grandson-in-basilan

Angelito Sunajo Olis, 12, was picking coconuts on the family farm in Barangay Bohe Sapa, Lamitan City in Basilan when he was allegedly attacked with a bolo by his grandmother.

Police Colonel Arlan Delumpines, city police director of Lamitan, said the incident happened around 7 p.m. on Friday but they were able to respond about two hours later after a report from Jojo Manuel, the barangay chair of Bohe Sapa.

He identified the alleged attacker as Marilou Tabugara Tumangquiz, 53.

In their initial investigation, Delumpines said that Tumangquiz requested her grandson to accompany her to pick up coconuts which is why they went to the farm.

“We found the lifeless body of the young boy with both hands and feet tied with a rope and he sustained multiple hack wounds on his head, body, hands, and feet that resulted [in] his instantaneous death,” Delumpines said.

The grandmother admitted to the crime and family members claimed the old woman was suffering from mental illness.

“We are still filing a murder case against the woman. If we were late in responding, the old woman would have suffered the same fate as her grandson as the infuriated family was planning to kill her,” Delumpines said.

Hi, my name is Sergio Corbalan. I am an American. At the annual Christmas festival in Naga City I got real drunk. I was so drunk that I threw stones at a guy and I hit him in the shoulder. The cops arrested me right away.  


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/544592/american-jailed-for-causing-trouble-during-pasko-sa-naga-launch

An American national landed in jail for causing trouble Friday night, December 8, during the opening program of “Pasko sa Naga” in Naga City, Cebu.

The suspect, who was identified as Sergio Corbalan, 52, allegedly threw stones at a spectator before punching him on his left shoulder, Naga City police said in its report.

Corbalan is temporarily residing in Barangay Tunghaan in Minglanilla town.

According to the police report, Corbalan was drunk while he was at the Naga City plaza to witness the official launch of “Pasko sa Naga.”

Without apparent reason, he allegedly threw stones at Julius Reuyan Salidaga, 36, and his sister, Andrea, 28.  Both are from Barangay Ilaya in San Fernando town.

After that, Corbalan alleged punched Julius, hitting him on his left shoulder.

Policemen who secured the celebration immediately responded and arrested Corbalan.  They brought the American national to the hospital for a liquor test before they brought him to the police station.

Naga City police said complaints for alarm and scandal and slight physical injury may be filed against the foreign national.

Hi, my name is being withheld and so is my nationality. I am a foreigner living in Mandaue City. The dogs here are very noisy especially at night making me unable to sleep. So, I fed them rat poison. Seven dogs and five cats died and I was finally able to get some peace. But everyone found out it was me and they wanted to file a case. But they did not because I asked for forgiveness.  


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/545298/poisoned-pets-owners-settle-case-with-foreigner

The owners of dogs and cats killed in AliƱo Compound, Barangay Cabancalan, Mandaue City on December 2 have withdrawn their complaints against the foreigner accused of killing the pets using rat poison.

The complainants and the wife of the foreigner met at the Barangay Hall on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

The foreigner was summoned by Barangay Captain Francis Karlo Remedio after they received complaints about seven dogs and five cats allegedly killed in the compound.

But Remedio said that the foreigner was unable to attend the meeting because of medical issues.

However, one neighbor and owner of one of the dogs that died wants to pursue and file a case against the foreigner, which is why Remedio scheduled another meeting in January.

"The complainant is the only one, he is the only one, because he is concerned about the dog, he is said to have been close to it because it is said to be cheap and will deliver it to him as soon as they are taken away from them. He really wants to file with PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society). If he files a complaint with him, we will support him, we will give him a notice to proceed," said Remedio.

Remedio said that the other pet owners decided to forgive the foreigner after he asked for their forgiveness.

"Even though it was Christmas, they were forgiven because there was nothing they could do. They don't have a dog," said Remedio.

Remedio said that, according to the wife of the foreigner who is already 60 years old, he poisoned the pets because they were very noisy, especially at night.

"Supposedly because of the resentment towards the foreigner, because he is sick, he is said to be very noisy at night. That's why he's angry, he's dizzy," he said.

Hi, my name is Gerald Balsa. I am jobless, live with my mom, and depend on her to give me money. One day I was very hungry and was served boiled pork soup to eat. But it was awful. It was so awful I lost my mind and ended up burning my house down. My mother's leg was burned as a result of the fire I set. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/546550/balamban-father-who-did-not-like-soup-served-on-him-burns-house-down

A 39-year-old man, who was angry because he was not satisfied with how the boiled pork soup (linat-ang baboy) that was served to him was cooked, set his house on fire and burned it down.

The incident happened last Sunday, December 17, in Sitio Sam-ang, Barangay Pondol, Balamban town in western Cebu.

Police later arrested Gerald Balsa, 39, a resident of Sitio Sam-ang.

Investigation showed that Balsa, who got so angry for being served a boiled pork soup that was not to his taste and liking, caused him to go over the edge and set his house on fire.

According to FO2 Gerald Fritz Desierto, investigator of the Balamban Fire Station, that Balsa allegedly started the fire by burning his foam mattress on his bed.

Desierto said that Balsa’s mother was burned in the leg and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Balsa’s house was razed leaving his live-in partner, 60-year-old mother, his stepfather and his stepbrother homeless this Christmas.

According to the Balamban Fire Station, the damage to property was estimated at P400,000.

The displaced family members are now staying at Gerald’s stepsister’s house.

Desierto said that Balsa, who has no job, allegedly depended on his mother to give him money.

Gerald Balsa was detained at the Balamban Police Station pending the filing of charges.

Desierto said that Balsa would face the charges of arson and physical injury.

No casualties were recorded during the incident.

Hi, my name is Lars Flemming Heding Nielsen. I am a Danish national. I was found guilty by the courts of sexually abusing two minors from 2014-2015. My defense was that I did not do it but they said that was not enough and my innocence was something impossible for me to prove. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1880021/tagbilaran-court-finds-danish-guilty-of-abusing-2-minors-in-bohol

A 63-year-old Danish national was convicted for sexual abuse of two minors in 2014 to 2015 in a resort in Panglao, Bohol.

Lars Flemming Heding Nielsen was found guilty for seven counts of acts of lasciviousness by Judge Leo Moises Lison of the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Tagbilaran City on Dec. 19.

Nielsen was meted a penalty of eight years and one day as minimum to 17 years, four months and one day as maximum.

He was also ordered to pay each victim P50,000 in civil indemnity and P50,000 in moral damages.

In its decision, the court observed that the victims provided detailed accounts of the lascivious acts committed against them by Lars.

Their consistent and affirmative testimonies also remained uncontroverted during cross-examination.

“Lars admitted that he had no categorical denial of the charges against him. He further explained in re-direct examination that he is not guilty of the charges and did not do the acts for which he is accused. That constitutes his defense. However, he cannot prove it because it is impossible,” Lison said.

“The state shall defend the right of the children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.”

A hold departure order had been issued against Lars on January 25, 2021.

Private prosecutor Esther Gertrude Biliran said the victory was an affirmation of their advocacy for women and children.

“It is really true that it takes a community to raise a child. We may have all the laws for women and children but if the victims remain silent, if the parents are not supportive or will just settle the case, if the advocates easily give up, or if the government does not cooperate, all these laws would remain futile,” she said.

“I commend these two survivors and their parents for their perseverance. May this victory inspire us to continue to bring to justice these perpetrators for the safety of our women and children,” she added.

Hi, my name is Mary Evelyn Dolor Neuen. Though I am a Dutch national I was traveling on a German passport with my family on holiday. While airport security was looking through my bags I said, "There is a bomb." I was promptly arrested. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216355

A 70-year-old female passenger bound for Manila is facing charges for making a bomb joke while her luggage is being screened at the departure area of the Laoag International Airport (LIA) Wednesday night.

Police Captain Nelson Fantonia, team leader of LIA’s office of transport security, identified the passenger as Mary Evelyn Dolor Neuen, a Dutch national and holder of a German passport who came with her family to Santa Maria town in Ilocos Sur for a holiday.

As of press time, Neuen is still in police custody while awaiting preliminary investigation at the Fiscal’s Office here. The passenger has also availed the service of a lawyer.

Fantonia said the screening officer suddenly stopped screening the passenger’s luggage when he heard her said: “There’s a bomb.”

The screening officer then alerted the Aviation Security Group as part of the standard procedure.

“Upon receiving the report, the K9-OED unit immediately conducted paneling and upon thorough inspection, the result was negative of explosive,” Fantonia said.

He said this was the first time that they encountered such an incident and that this would serve as a lesson to everyone. 

Hi, my name is Kim Sunmin and I am a Korean national. In the early morning around 4 am I saw a beautiful 21-year old college girl walking home form her shift at a bar. We took a taxi to my house where I had invited her to eat. But there was no food. Instead I consumed a bottle of alcohol and instructed the girl to go into the bathroom. When she emerged I was fully naked. I then forced her on the bed, stripped her clothes off, threatened to kill her and her family if she continued to resist, and raped her. Later she left and told the police. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/555038/korean-national-nabbed-for-rape

A 38-year-old Korean National landed in jail after being accused of raping a woman he allegedly brought to eat inside his apartment on early Monday morning, February 5, 2024.

The suspect was identified as Kim Sunmin, 37, who is currently residing at an apartment complex in Barangay Kasamabagan, Cebu City.

Meanwhile, the victim, who sought help from authorities, is a 21-year-old female college student.

The incident reportedly took place in the suspect’s apartment at around 4 a.m. on Monday.

According to a police report, at around 11 a.m., a woman came to the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Mabolo Police Station to report an alleged rape incident.

The victim told police that after her shift at a bar in the area, she was walking home when she passed by a bakery and saw the suspect. They then took a taxi and went to Kim’s house.

When they arrived at the suspect’s residence, the victim hesitated, but the suspect answered, “Trust me, let’s just eat.”

After this, Kim allegedly took the college student to his room, where he retrieved a bottle of alcohol and consumed it.

After realizing there was no food, the victim announced that she would be going home. The suspect then instructed her to go to the restroom before leaving, and she complied.

However, upon emerging from the bathroom, the victim told police she was surprised to find the Korean national completely naked.

Kim then allegedly pulled her and forced her to lie on the bed with him and stripped her.

According to the report, the suspect allegedly became angry when the victim resisted and threatened to kill her along with her family.

He then reportedly covered the victim’s mouth and proceeded to rape her.

After receiving the report, police personnel in Mabolo immediately went to the alleged crime scene and apprehended the suspect.

As of this writing, Kim is detained at the custodial facility of the Mabolo Police Station pending the filing of appropriate charges against him. He will be facing charges of rape, stated the report.

Hi, my name is Nardito Pakuan-kuan Acbo. My family saw me hitting my head with a rock and took me to the hospital. After receiving treatment I returned home and everybody left. They found me lifeless not long afterwards due to my injuries.


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/555104/man-dies-after-striking-his-own-head-with-rock

A senior citizen died after striking his head with a rock inside his own house in Barangay Antipolo, Medellin, Cebu, on Monday, February 5, 2024.

The victim, identified as Nardito Pakuan-kuan Acbo, 62 years old, was a resident of the said place.

According to Police Executive Master Sergeant Mamerto Gastador, deputy station commander of Medellin Police Station, before the incident, the victim had attended the birthday party of a relative’s husband in the same place on February 3.

However, at around 12:30 p.m. yesterday, his relatives saw him striking himself with a rock on his head several times.

His relatives stopped him and brought him to the nearest hospital for treatment.

After receiving immediate treatment, the victim was brought back to his residence.

But at around 3 p.m., when they checked on him, they found him lifeless inside his house.

They brought him again to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Based on the investigation, the victim was alone in his house since his wife was working in Cebu City, while his children already had their own families.

Gastador added that the victim was allegedly suffering from depression.

Hi, my name is being withheld because of what I did to my daughter. See, she is only three years old. Her mother, my live-in partner, is an OFW in Europe. She used to send us money but then all of a sudden she blocked me on Facebook and stopped the payments. So, to get her attention I made a video  choking, slapping and threatening to hack with a knife my 3-year-old daughter inside my cab. I then posted it online. But my partner did not see it. How could she when she has me blocked? Instead an old classmate of mine who is also a cop saw the video. It was he who put the word out for my arrest.


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/559077/taxi-driver-nabbed-after-posting-video-of-him-choking-slapping-3-year-old-daughter-inside-cab

A desperate taxi driver was arrested on February 26 after he went online and showed a video of him choking, slapping and threatening to hack with a knife his 3-year-old daughter inside his cab on February 26.

All this to allegedly catch the attention of his estranged live-in partner, who was in Europe and whom the driver claimed to be allegedly in a relationship with a foreigner there.

The driver told authorities after he was arrested that his live-in partner left for Europe eight months ago and had since cut communications with him by blocking him in her social media pages and had allegedly stopped sending financial support to him and their daughter.

Initial investigation showed that the taxi driver, who drove his cab around Cebu City and eventually ended near the city of Naga allegedly went online and showed him maltreating his 3-year-old daughter inside his cab.

The online posts caught the attention of the classmate of Police Lieutenant John Paul Galacio, deputy chief of Police of Waterfront Police Station in Cebu City, who informed him about the disturbing post.

Galacio then contacted the taxi operator, who helped them locate where the taxi cab was by sending to the police officer the GPS location of the cab, which was later found to be in Naga City in southern Cebu.

Galacio said that he then informed Police Lieutenant Colonel William Homoc, Naga City Police Station chief, of the situation. 

Homoc then issued an order directing all police officers of the station to look for, pursue and arrest the taxi cab driver and rescue the 3-year-old girl.

He was later located in the city and arrested and the child was rescued.

The arrested taxi cab driver later told police during the investigation that he did that to his daughter and posted what he did online to get the attention of his estranged live-in partner, who was in Europe for eight months now.

He said he was desperate after his live-in partner blocked him from her social media pages.

He also said that she allegedly had cut financial support to him and their daughter.

The taxi driver, who is from Liloan town in northern Cebu, was turned over to the Waterfront Police Station in Cebu City by the Naga City Policemen because the taxi driver committed the crime in Cebu City, particularly, in the area under the jurisdiction of the Waterfront Police Station.

He was detained at the Waterfront Police Station detention cell pending the filing of child abuse charges or for violation of RA 7610 (Physical abuse).

The child is now under the custody of a relative of the driver in a Cebu City barangay.

Hi, my name is Honeylyn Tamayo. While I was breastfeeding my brother-in-law stabbed me several times until I was dead. He refused to tell anyone why he did it but everyone knows he is "cursed after he cut down a tree believed to house a spiritual being." 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/551613/mom-stabbed-dead-by-bro-in-law-in-malabuyoc

A 31-year-old woman did not survive after her brother-in-law allegedly stabbed her several times while she was breastfeeding her baby at home on the morning of Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

The incident occurred in Sitio Calugtugan, Barangay CerdeƱa, Malabuyoc town, southwestern Cebu.

The victim, identified as 31-year-old Honeylyn Tamayo, a mother of a 4-year-old and a 2-month-old, was fatally attacked. The suspect, Jobert Valera, a 53-year-old farmer and Tamayo’s brother-in-law, was apprehended after the incident.

An ongoing investigation aims to determine Valera’s motive in killing his wife’s sister.

According to Police Senior Master Sergeant Ronidilo Duerme, the brutal incident happened inside the victim’s house around 7:30 a.m. as she was breastfeeding her baby girl.

Valera allegedly entered the house with a 32-centimeter-long kitchen knife taken from his nearby residence. Without apparent reason, he reportedly began stabbing the victim multiple times, causing her to collapse on the ground.

A neighbor heard Tamayo screaming, prompting her siblings to rush inside the house. Valera allegedly used the victim’s 4-year-old daughter as a shield, but the siblings were able to stop him and rescue the child unharmed.

They then sought help from authorities.  Upon the arrival of responding personnel, Tamayo was rushed to the nearest hospital.  The attending physician declared her dead on arrival due to the six wounds on her chest and back.

The police said there was no prior history of conflict between the parties.  Valera, when questioned by the police, denied the accusations by shaking his head and refusing to speak.

Intelligence reports also suggest that Valera is not known to be a user of illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, there were speculations that Valera may be cursed after he cut down a tree believed to house a spiritual being.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Insurgency: Samar Island More Peaceful

President Marcos says Samar Island is more peaceful now that the NPA has been weakened. But he is also cautious enough to admit there are still encounters. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225152

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Samar Island is more peaceful now with the weakening of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In an ambush interview here Monday, the President said he had seen the progress report of the peace and order situation in Samar provinces.

He said it is “getting better and better.”

"It's not so much anymore, it's not as chaotic as it used to be and there are still encounters, but not because -- large numbers and their organization have been reduced to small groups. So, I think the progress is sufficient. And, I think we will be able to do it in the schedule that we have given ourselves," the President said.

The military earlier reported that about 1,000 communities in Eastern Visayas were influenced by the NPA before the formation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict under the Duterte administration in 2018.

Most of the areas are in the three Samar provinces.

According to previous military pronouncements, while there are still sightings of rebels in the tri-boundaries of Samar provinces, the villagers are no longer supporting them.

The government is targeting to make all areas in Samar completely free from NPA influence within the year.

In Samar province, Governor Sharee Ann Tan said insurgency is obviously weaker in recent years with the surrender of several leaders and fighters.

“In the 2022 elections, no politician in Samar received a letter demanding for revolutionary tax. That was the first election with no attempts from NPA to collect,” Tan said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan asked the national government to build a circumferential road in the tri-boundaries of Samar to ensure the sustainability of anti-insurgency efforts.

"We are the last bastion of insurgency and ending insurgency is a big challenge, especially in the boundaries of three Samar provinces," he said.

The proposed road will connect the towns of Silvino Lubos and Las Navas in Northern Samar to Matuguinao in Samar and Jipapad in Eastern Samar.

Only a week before making this declaration a soldier was killed in an encounter with the NPA. 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/20/soldier-killed-in-northern-samar-encounter-8th-ib-mourn-death

The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division mourned the death of a soldier in an encounter with the New People's Army in Barangay Lourdes, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on May 16.

Corporal Isagani Balmes from the 19th Infantry Battalion and a Taft, Eastern Samar native, died from fatal injuries during the 15-minute encounter.

Balmes led the Community Support Program which facilitated the provision of essential services to the community.

Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 8th ID, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of an outstanding soldier. 

Ligayo highlighted Balmes' unwavering dedication and service in the quest for peace in Eastern Visayas. 

“The Philippine Army extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Balmes. His heroism and dedication will never be forgotten,” Ligayo said.

Though the NPA is weakened in Samar that does not mean they are not a threat. 

The same goes for Negros. Despite the AFP claiming to have dismantled most of the fronts there are still remnants wandering around. One NPA remnant was recently killed in Central Negros. 


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225232

A remnant of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed during an encounter with troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB)  in a remote village of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental Tuesday morning.  

In a report, the 62IB identified the fatality as Richard “Rocky”  De la PeƱa, 50, from the dismantled Central Negros 1 guerrilla front.

First Lt. Mary Liza De Guzman, civil-military operations officer of 62IB, said in a statement that De la PeƱa died during a 10-minute clash that took place around 7 a.m. in Sitio Inangaw, Barangay Quintin Remo.

The soldiers launched focused military operations following reports of civilians about the presence of NPA remnants conducting extortion and forced recruitment, she added.

After the encounter, the troops recovered the body of De la PeƱa along with an M16 rifle, three magazines with live ammunition, a bandolier, and subversive documents.

According to the 62IB, De la PeƱa was involved in various crimes and human rights violations, among these the murder of Albert Navaro Goles, whom the NPA accused of being a military informant, last April 24.

It was also reported he was in the company of Marivic “Ivan” Ebarle, a communist rebel killed in an encounter on July 20, 2023, at Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, commended the operating troops and the locals of Barangay Quintin Remo for their concerted efforts that led to the neutralization of the NPA remnant and the recovery of a high-powered firearm.

“Our peace and security efforts in Negros will persist even as the achievement of a stable internal peace and security environment for all Negrenses is at hand. This is an integral part of our sustainment strategy to prevent any attempts at recovery and resurgence by the dismantled guerrilla fronts of the NPA,” he added.

Another NPA remnant was killed in Northern Negros. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225416

A remnant of the dismantled Northern Negros Front of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with joint government troops in Barangay Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental Wednesday afternoon.

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), in a report on Thursday, identified the fatality as Jeje Redobles, whose body the government troops recovered from the encounter site.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID, lauded the troops of the 79 Infantry Battalion and their counterparts from the Philippine National Police 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force for the successful joint enhanced military and police operations.

“This unity is evident in the series of encounters where information from local residents plays a crucial role in our combat operations, especially in locating and hitting the remnants of the communist-terrorist group with precision,” he added.

Sison renewed his call for the remaining NPA rebels in Negros to return to the fold of the law.

“Surrender now while you still have time. Negros is no longer a safe refuge for you,” he added.

Redobles died during a 10-minute firefight between government troops and seven NPA remnants in Sitio Manaysay just before 4 p.m., the 3ID report said.

During the clearing operation, the soldiers and police officers recovered weapons, including an M16 rifle, hand grenade, and magazines containing ammunition, along with subversive documents, medicines, food items, and personal belongings

In Northern Negros the NPA remains very active having killed several civilians in the past few weeks. The Army is partnering with LGUs to strengthen their alliance for peace. 


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225307

The municipality of Calatrava and the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Negros Occidental have strengthened their alliance for peace in the wake of the series of killings perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA) in the northern Negros locality.

First Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of 79IB, said on Wednesday that Mayor Marilyn Era, who chairs the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), condemns the atrocities of the remnants of the NPA.

“This is a manifestation of the mayor’s sincerity of protecting her constituents in line with her mandate as the head of the municipality’s TF-ELCAC,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

This year alone, five persons were killed by NPA assailants in Calatrava, as admitted by the communist terrorist group in their public pronouncements; the latest was Alexander Alquizar, a village watchman of Barangay Lagaan, who was gunned down on April 20.

In a meeting at the municipal hall on May 20, Era expressed her condemnation as she also appealed for the remaining NPA rebels in Calatrava to surrender to the authorities.

“I personally condemn the killing incidents that happened in my municipality without a valid reason. I am pleading to my brothers on the other side to please come and join the government that is ready to help you,” the mayor said.

First Lt. Kenn Brian Adesas of the 79IB, Lt. Artus Escuadra of the Calatrava Municipal Police Station, and representatives of other government agencies attended the meeting to assure the NPA remnants of support for their reintegration to their respective communities once they decide to surrender.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of 79IB, welcomed the mayor’s condemnation of the killings and her call on the communist rebels to surrender.

“This is a manifestation of our strong alliance towards the same goal and shared aspiration of making Calatrava a haven of peace and progress. We will remain steadfast in our commitment and support to the local government units to once and for all decimate this terror group,” he added.

The NPA also remains active in Mindanao. Two NPA rebels were slain in an encounter in South Cotabato. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225400

Two communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed as authorities served an arrest warrant against one of them in T'boli, South Cotabato on Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Army's 6th Infantry Division chief, said one of the soldiers backing up the local police was wounded when the suspects resisted and traded shots with law enforcers at about 10 a.m. in Barangay Talcon.

Citing a report from the Army's 5th Special Forces Battalion, Rillera, also the head of Joint Task Force Central, identified the slain rebels as Yasser Catacutan and Eizar Emam.

"Police and military forces were to serve an arrest warrant for Catacutan, who was facing murder charges when he resisted upon seeing lawmen near his home," he said.

The injured soldier belonged to the Army's 10th Special Forces Company.

And two ranking NPA rebels were killed in August del Norte and Misamis Oriental. 


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225387

Two ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and a member were killed in recent encounters that took place in Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said in a statement Thursday.

On May 21, the Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion (IB) engaged in a 10-minute skirmish with a group of NPA rebels in Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, which resulted in the death of two ranking leaders.

The fatalities were identified as Zaldy Galamiton, the secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee 1, and Johnjhon Ayuma Ramos, the commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Eagles, both under the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Recovered from the encounter site were two M16 rifles, bandoliers, magazines, ammunition, and personal belongings, the 4ID said.

On May 20, troopers of the Army’s 29IB on a pursuit operation in Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte also clashed with a group of communist insurgents.

The insurgents immediately abandoned their position after the five-minute firefight and left behind a dead comrade identified as Berto Dayong, a member of the NPA Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad West under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Government troops also recovered a 9mm pistol and a .45-caliber pistol at the clash site.

Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 4ID commander, commended the 29IB and 16IB for swiftly responding to citizens' reports of the presence of NPA guerrillas in their localities.

“These reports indicate the continuing support of the civilians to our government and our forces,” Cuerpo said.

The operations, he added, also thwarted the plans of the insurgents to conduct extortion and harassment of civilians in the area.

This means not only are the NPA active in Mindanao but they are not without leadership. 

San Pedro City in Laguna is set to be awarded the stable internal peace and security designation having had no significant rebel activity in over a year. In preparation the AFP "will soon be conducting peace and order-oriented seminars for first-time job-seekers in this city in hopes of steering them away from communist rebels’ influence."


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225435

Instructors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 2nd Civil Military Operations (2CMO) Battalion will soon be conducting peace and order-oriented seminars for first-time job-seekers in this city in hopes of steering them away from communist rebels’ influence.

This plan came together as San Pedro is poised to be awarded the stable internal peace and security (SIPS) designation, a seal the AFP confers on jurisdictions that have been without significant rebel activity for at least one year.

In an interview on Thursday, Lt. Col. Rolando Acido, commander of 2CMO, said the military looks forward to contributing to the city’s economic development by promoting constructive relations between the workforce tripartite, which is composed of the government, employers and the labor force by upholding industrial peace.

The Army officer said there was a meeting of minds when officers of the AFP and the Philippine National Police held an engagement meeting with local government leaders at the city hall on Wednesday.

He disclosed that San Pedro Mayor Art Joseph Mercado gave his support for the proposal to conduct AFP-led seminars for prospective entrants to the workforce in venues to be determined by the local leader.

"By fostering an environment of enduring peace within the community and becoming the pioneer city in Laguna to achieve SIPS status, Santa Pedro City can unlock its full economic potential for the benefit of all its constituents," Acido said.

He explained that his office hopes to leverage the participation of the human resource departments of the various hiring enterprises in the city to ensure they have access to as many applicants as possible.

Additionally, it was also agreed upon during Wednesday’s meeting that the military would conduct similar seminars for other community stakeholders, including village representatives and the youth of San Pedro.

“The local government has generously offered venues and other necessary support, while the PNP and CMO will contribute by providing speakers and moderators,” Acido added.

He noted that Santa Pedro has remained devoid of violent terrorist incidents for over a year, and as such, the SIPS seal should be forthcoming.

What does this even mean? Are the NPA now recruiting through jobs? Or is this a subtle way to red-tag unions and labor organizers? Are the AFP warning first-time job seekers to stay away from unions? It would not be inconceivable. 

Monday, May 27, 2024

First Woman of Color Makes Historic Win as Miss Universe Philippines 2024

In the Philippines beauty pageants are not only big business but also a source of pride for many. No beauty contest is more important to Filipinos than Miss Universe. So far the Philippines has brought home the Miss Universe crown four times. 

But apparently not a single Miss Universe Philippines winner has been "a woman of color." Until now.

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2024/05/23/2357317/woman-color-makes-historic-win-miss-universe-philippines-2024

Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024, besting 52 other hopefuls at the close of glitzy ceremonies in Pasay City.

Outgoing titleholder Michelle Marquez Dee passed on the beautifully crafted La Mer de Majeste crown to the dusky BulakeƱa as the first national winner of color, who won the title on her first try.

A dark horse, in the truest sense of the word, though not alluding to her skin color, Chelsea was beneath most of the prediction radars, probably because she was a first timer to the national stage. She came out of nowhere to win the most coveted title. 

Chelsea will be the country's representative to the Mexico pageant toward the end of the year. She will also be the country's first delegate who is a woman of color.

Excuse me but aren't all Filipina women women of color? From yellow Chinoy's to light brown mulattos to the dark Negritos and Igorots isn't every single Filipina a woman of color? Apparently not. Here are  two pictures of several Miss Universe Philippines winners over the years. 



To call Chelsea Manalo "the country's first delegate who is a woman of color" is bizarre. A woman of color, a person of color, is someone who is not White. 

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woman%20of%20color

a woman whose skin pigmentation is other than and especially darker than what is considered characteristic of people typically defined as white : a woman who is of a race other than white or who is of mixed race

Are Filipinas White? Catriona Gray, who was raised in Australia by a Scottish father, could be called White but look at the ladies in the above pictures. They are all women of color. 

What this dsignation really means is Chelsea Manalo is the first half-African American to represent the Philippines. 

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2024/05/23/2357300/bulacan-barbie-becomes-first-filipino-black-american-win-miss-universe-philippines

The 22-year-old stunner from Meycauayan, Bulacan is a Filipino-American who is not new in the pageant scene. 

In the comments section, fans have been supportive and even projected her as the next Miss Universe.

“Living black barbie," one comment said. 

The Bulakenya beauty is believed to be the first-ever Filipino-African American who will represent the country in Miss Universe in Mexico by the end of the year.

At least Chelsea, unlike Catriona Gray, is a native Filipina. The only thing American about her is her father who died a few years ago. But because she inherited his black genes she is now being touted as the first woman of color to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant. It's as dumb and untrue as when Jennifer Lawrence claimed she was the first female action star. It is also incredibly racist and denies that Filipinas are women of color.

Friday, May 24, 2024

Retards in the Government 366

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

 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/coa-flags-gapan-city-in-nueva-ecija-for-not-registering-insuring-its-vehicles-motorized-equipment

Only three out of the 54 vehicles and motorized equipment owned by Gapan City in Nueva Ecija are registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.

Also, COA said that on top of non-registration, most of the vehicles and motorized equipment were not insured with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

In its audit report, COA said that the registration of 41 units was not renewed while 10 units have no records of registration at all.

It said the non-registration of the vehicles and motorized equipment might result in possible loss or misuse of assets. Also, the city government would be exposed to possible penalties, fines, or sanctions from the LTO.

The city's vehicles and motorized equipment are compose of three fire trucks, a compactor, a cargo truck, 13 dump trucks, two transit mixers, an excavator, a crawler robex, a wheeler loader, two road graders, a bus, and several vans and cars.

Also, COA said it found that Gapan City failed to renew the insurance of 50 motor vehicles with the  General Insurance Fund (GIF) of the GSIS.  

The non-insurance, it said, was inconsistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 656, the Property Insurance Law, as amended by Presidential Decree (PD) No. 245. Gapan City's failure to do so exposed the government to risk of non-indemnification for any damage or loss due to possible casualties that may happen on the insurable assets, COA said.

Out of the city's 54 vehicles, only four units have an updated insurance, 39 units were not renewed, while the remaining 11 units lack any record of insurance with the GSIS, it said.

During the audit, COA said that the city government reasoned that the non-registration with the LTO was due to the absence of emission testing, while one vehicle was procured recently, so the certificate of LTO registration has not been secured from the vendor.

The justification was not accepted by COA.  It said: "The failure of the City to maintain its records and update the registration of its motor vehicles with the LTO indicates lack of proper management and control over the motor vehicles, which may result in the possible loss and misuse of the government assets."

Only three out of the 54 vehicles and motorized equipment owned by Gapan City in Nueva Ecija are registered with the Land Transportation Office in 2023, the Commission on Audit said.

The province of Northern Samar failed to remit a total of P58 million in taxes and mandatory contributions to agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth in 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.

In its 2023 annual audit report, COA said: "Taxes and mandatory contributions of officers and employees of the province, booked up under Due to BIR, GSIS, Pag-IBIG and Philhealth accounts, were not remitted ... thus preventing the national government to utilize earned revenues to finance its priority programs, and may deprive the officials and employees of the province of the full coverage of the services and benefits that could be derived from membership in good standing."

It said that the province's Inter-Agency Payables Year-End Balances showed that the balance due to BIR amounted to P46,919,967.58; due to GSIS was P3,842,646.97; due to Pag-IBIG was P2,521,261.79; and due to PhilHealth was P5,092,924.48. All in all, the total balance due was P58,376,700.82, it also said.

When the audit team members reviewed the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers of the accounts, they discovered deficiencies in the remittances of taxes and mandatory contributions, it noted.

From the amount due to the BIR, the province withheld P165,711,082.57, including P29,949,299.72 from prior years, it said. The province remitted a total of P118,791,114.99 in 2023, which left a year-end balance of P46,919,967.58, it also said.

The GSIS premium contributions and loans of P173,428,162.91, including from prior years of P14,000,180.88, were withheld from the salaries of the offices and employees of the province, COA said. However, the total remittance made in 2023 was P169,585,515.95, which left a year-end balance of P3,842,646.97, it said.

For Pag-IBIG contributions, or those belonging to the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), P13,574,957.44 were withheld from salaries of officials and employees, including P3,186,569.38 withheld from prior years. Since only P11,053,695.65 was remitted in 2023, there was a balance of P2,521,261.79 left, it also said.

The amount of PhilHealth contributions withheld totalled to P19,788,231.52, COA said. With remittances worth P14,695,407.04 made in 2023, there was a remaining balance of P5,092,824.48, it said.

"Ideally, the balance of Due to BIR, GSIS, HDMF, and PhilHealth accounts should be equivalent to zero after remitting the amount withheld within the prescribed period. However, the remittance of the amounts withheld were not strictly observed," the report stated.

By failing to properly remit the taxes and contributions, COA said that state auditors noted that the national government has been prevented from utilizing the earned revenues. 

The province of Northern Samar failed to remit a total of P58 million in taxes and mandatory contributions to agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Government Service Insurance System, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth in 2023, the Commission on Audit said.

The Philippine National Police-Anti Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) arrested an ex-Army wanted for allegedly kidnapping a teenager and his driver in January.

In a report Saturday, the police group said Alexander Sayson Anobling was arrested in Pasay City on May 16 for the crime of kidnapping for ransom a 15-year-old boy and his driver in Cartimar last January 14.

Police said the victims were rescued on January 15 in Tarlac City.

Authorities said Anobling is a former member of the Philippine Army member, and that his arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by Judge Jehan Sampac Hassiman of Pasay City Regional Trial Court, Branch 11.

The PNP-AKG said Anobling is temporarily detained at their detention facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

A former solider has been arrested for kidnapping.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/05/19/2356260/ex-cop-2-others-caught-selling-stolen-motorcycles

Three people, including a former police officer, were arrested for allegedly selling stolen motorcycles in Manila on Friday.

Former corporal Mark Joseph Patayan, Jhon Ace Ortiz and Jorje Timothy Guinto were apprehended in a sting at the corner of Domingo Santiago and G. Tuazon streets in Sampaloc at around 4:55 a.m., National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

The operation was based on a complaint from a man who told probers that he bought a motorcycle from the suspects, unaware that vehicle was stolen.

Acting on the report, police conducted an entrapment operation wherein the complainant again bought a motorcycle in exchange for P117,000.

The suspects were arrested after receiving the marked money. Seized from them were three motorcycles, a 9mm handgun, identification cards and cell phones.

The suspects were charged with estafa while Patayan was slapped with charges of usurpation of authority, falsification of documents and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

An ex-cop has been arrested for selling stolen motorcycles. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/21/marbil-9-saf-officers-under-probe-after-2-commandos-caught-providing-security-to-pogo-official

At least nine officers and personnel of the Special Action Force (SAF) are now being investigated for possible connivance after two police commandos were caught providing security services to a foreigner who was found to be an official of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

The two SAF commandos were earlier arrested for causing trouble inside a village in Ayala, Alabang when they engaged in a fist fight. They were identified as Police Corporal George Rojo Mabuti and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez, both assigned in Mindanao.

Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), emphasized that providing security for outsiders of the police force is not in the job description of SAF, the elite force of the national police.

“They cannot provide security. The only unit of the PNP that can give you security is the PSPG (Police Security and Protection Group). Other units are prohibited from doing it, especially SAF,” said Marbil.

After the arrest of Mabuti and Valdez, it was found out that they were supposed to be in Mindanao for police duty. 

Marbil explained that daily accounting of personnel is a protocol in the PNP and their presence in Metro Manila when they were supposed to be with their units in Mindanao means that there was connivance.

“It’s not possible that you will not be accounted for because we account for our personnel on a daily basis. So it is not impossible that they could do it on their own. So we will make sure that those who connive with them will suffer and they will get the consequences of their action,” said Marbil.

So far, at least nine people were already sacked and are subject of the investigation. They include the battalion commander of the SAF unit where the two commandos are assigned, at least two company commanders, the First Sergeant and other SAF personnel in the unit responsible for accounting of the personnel.

They are being investigated for grave irregularity in the performance of duty. 

Mabuti and Valdez are now detained and were already slapped with appropriate criminal charges. A separate investigation for administrative cases is being conducted. 

Two cops with the SAF have been arrested for fighting and have been found moonlighting as security for a POGO offical. Seven of their superiors have also been sacked for allowing them to moonlight as security.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/22/coa-flags-design-center-of-the-philippines-for-spending-p1-9-m-budget-for-senior-citizens-persons-with-disabilities-for-other-programs-in-2023

The Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), spent P1.9 million of the budget allocated for senior citizens and persons with disability (SCPDs) for other plans and programs in 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.

In its 2023 annual audit report, COA said that DCP spent P2,480,179.57 for SCPDs. However, it said that upon checking the programs and projects implemented, state auditors discovered that only P567,040.61 was directly spent for SCPDs while P1,913,138.96 went to other plans and programs.

It named three programs and activities that did not address the concerns of SCPDs, namely: the conduct of Technology Workshop for Sourcing, Bleaching, and Dyeing Fibers for Accelerate Sulu Program of the Center of Humanitarian Dialogue and Tumikang Sama-Sama, Inc.; the Pinyapel Investors Forum; and the Design Center 50 years and beyond program which highlighted product development and design in past 50 years.

It pointed out that while there were SCPD participants in the programs, it was found that the main goal of the undertakings did not address the needs and concerns of SCPDs. 

"The primary objectives of these programs were to facilitate workshops and/or promote product development and design, aligning with the agency's mandates. It is merely coincidental that senior citizens and persons with disabilities were present during these programs," the report noted.

"It is imperative to emphasize that programs not directly related to or focused in addressing the concerns of SCPDs should not be included in the accomplishment report. Doing so would risk misrepresentation and inaccurate reporting," it said. 

There were four other programs which cost the agency P567,040.61 and were explicitly designed to address the concerns of SCPDs. COA said these programs were information dissemination of disability prevention to raise awareness of individuals and families at risk of the effects of disability conditions, implementation of DTI-PRAISE that would recognize and award retiring employees, and orientation on retirement benefits with GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth.

COA then recommended that the DCP should ensure that only SCPD-related programs and activities are incorporated in the SCPD accomplishment report in accordance with Section 36 of Republic Act No. 11936, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023.

It also asked DCP to prepare more realistic programs and activities for SCPDs to address fully the concerns of senior citizens and persons with disabilities in accordance with the provision of  RA 11936.

The Design Center of the Philippines, an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry, spent P1.9 million of the budget allocated for senior citizens and persons with disability for other plans and programs in 2023, the Commission on Audit said.

A former council member in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur and a member of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed after the ceremonial turn-over of housing units for the former combatants in Em Manor Hotel, Rosary Heights 9 here.

Colonel Querubin Manalang Jr., the city police director, said Abdulrahman Kasid, a resident of Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Norte, was on his way to his car in the hotel parking lot when two gunmen from a grey Toyota Hilux approached and shot him several times using an Armalite rifle.

The victim sustained several gunshot wounds and was immediately brought to the hospital, where a physician declared him dead.

Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) recovered from the crime scene 10 empty shells of Armalite.

Kasid was one of the recipients of housing units that the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) in the Bangsamoro Region built in Barangay Pimbalakan, Mamasapano town.

He just attended a ceremonial turnover of the units and was on his way back to his vehicle when shot at close range.

During the program, Kasid had lauded BARMM for providing homes for former combatants.

Manalang said police probers were still trying to determine the motive and identities of the attackers.

A former councilor has been asassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/23/barangay-captain-of-buli-in-muntinlupa-shot-killed-by-armed-men

The chairman of Barangay Buli in Muntinlupa was shot and killed by unidentified men on May 22. 

The Muntinlupa Police identified the victim as Barangay Chairman Ronaldo “Kaok” Loresca of Buli. 

According to the police, the shooting happened at about 10:16 p.m. in front of Sole So Blessed Sneakers and Apparel at No. 195 Manuel L Quezon Street, Barangay Buli. 

Based on the initial investigation by the police, Loresca and his companions were seated in front of the store when two male suspects on a motorcycle shot him without any apparent motive and fled towards Sucat. 

One of the suspects was wearing a Joy Ride shirt while the other one was in a black t-shirt. 

Loresca was taken by the barangay ambulance to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang. 

Mayor Ruffy Biazon condemned the killing of Loresca. 

“I strongly condemn the senseless killing of my fellow public servant in Muntinlupa, Captain Ronaldo ‘Kaok’ Loresca of Barangay Buli,” the mayor posted on Facebook. 

Biazon said he ordered the Muntinlupa Operations Center to review the CCTV footage and the Muntinlupa Police to immediately investigate the incident to identify the suspects. 

The chairman of Barangay Buli in Muntinlupa was shot and killed by unidentified men on May 22.