Wednesday, November 20, 2024

The God Culture: 100 Lies About the Philippines: Lie #31 The Santa Cruz Junk is of Philippine Design

Welcome back to 100 lies the God Culture teaches about the Philippines. Today's lie concerns a the Santa Cruz Junk shipwreck which was found off the coast of Zambales. Timothy Jay Schwab says the ship is of Philippine design and is a Philippine Junk. 


Of course, that is pure junk.

In his book the Search for King Solomon's Treasure Tim writes:


The Search for King Solomon's Treasure, pgs. 142-143

However, there is a shipwreck of what appears to be a returning Philippine-built junk dating prior to the Spanish.

“Due to the extent of the vessel’s preservation, the archaeologists have also been able to understand how the ship was loaded and what kind of goods were stored in its different compartments.”
“...clear evidence that this ship was built in the Philippines.”

– Marine Archaeologist Franck Goddio

The renown French archaeologist says the evidence is clear this was built in the Philippines even according to the way the ship was loaded. Unfortunately, The National Museum of the Philippines suggested this as a Thai ship based largely on Thai artifacts found in the lower cargo holds and the construction both speculation easily challenged. However, that is the published consensus in “suggestion.” The Santa Cruz Junk discovered in 2001 off of Zambales is documented to the 1400s. 

In a now deleted comment on one of his videos Tim elaborates further claiming Marine Archaeologist Franck Goddio said the Santa Cruz is of Philippine design and a Philippine Junk.

A perfect example we cover in The Search For King Solomon's Treasure is the Junk ship found off the coast of Zambales dating to the 1400s. The French Marine Archaeologist who was brought in to study and assess the ship determined it was of Philippine design and a Philippine Junk. Then, the National Museum idiot got ahold of these obvious, proven findings wrapped in a bow as one of the greatest finds in Philippine history and published in a science journal that the ship was a Thai ship because he is part of those who think only shame belongs to the Philippines uneducated in the slightest of ancient history as are most.

None of that is true. The French Marine Archaeologist, Franck Goddio, never said the "Junk was of Philippine design and a Philippine Junk." That is pure junk. What he actually said is the Junk is of Chinese design and was likely built by a Chinese community in the Philippines because it was made of wood found in the Philippines and shipbuilding at that time was forbidden by the Ming Dynasty.

Vessel architecture, date and nature of unearthed material as well as shipwreck location (west of the island of Luzon), make it highly to be a “Chinese” wreck – in the broadest sense of the term, namely travelling to or from China. Certainly built outside of China – most likely in the Philippines – it was loaded with an eclectic cargo of goods from all the major production centres of the Celestial Empire, collected in the harbour warehouses of southern China, but also Siam, Vietnam and elsewhere, before travelling to their final markets .The junk was as “Chinese” as the ships in the western Mediterranean from the imperial era were “Roman”.

The junk was also “Chinese” in its construction, with a hull shaped as a piece of split bamboo, transverse bulkheads with a compartmented hold serving as frame, hull planks joined with iron nails but also, following the traditional hybrid Southern China Sea style, with the keel playing an essential structural role, and using timber of tropical origin. All the wood species used in the construction of the Santa Cruz are found in the Philippine archipelago and most of the islands in the South China Sea, but not in China. The merchants who had chartered it therefore could not belong to the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong, sailing on ships built in China. The essentially “Chinese” architecture seems to rule out the possibility that it was chartered by the peoples of South East Asia, very active on the eastern route between Melaka and Manila Bay (Reid, 1996: 34-35), but who sailed on craft built with local traditional techniques (Manguin, 2001).

Ultimately, given the assumed departure port of the ship, wrecked off the coast of Luzon, and the fact that its ceramics all date from a period when the prohibition to build ships and trade abroad was strictly applied by the Mingit is highly unlikely that the ship and its charterers were of continental origin. It is much more likely that they belonged to a Chinese community located in the commercial towns of the archipelago. Certainly made in collaboration with local shipbuilders, the junk benefited from their particular expertise. Its construction is consistent with a “tendency to crossing, identified in shipbuilding technology evolution, with a new type of ship in archaeological sites from between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, probably coinciding with the increasing role played by Chinese trade and ‘merchant adventurers’ in Southeast Asia” (Manguin, 2001: 15). 

http://www.themua.org/collections/files/original/d983306f20edca8a8e0889272ba30e0b.pdf

The problem is Tim did not read the whole paper. He stopped at the part he liked and went no further. Tim's citation of Goddio is found on page 134 of his Sourcebook.

Tim appends a rather interesting note to this citation.

NOTE: Archaeologist Goddio above writes that there was "clear evidence that this ship was built in the Philippines." He could be wrong yet he continues to publish this 19 years later on his website indicating he did not see evidence which changed this perhaps. It leads us to question this. Using a bit of logic the conclusion already seems to have no basis. If Thai cargo was found in the lower cargo holds, it means they were the first stop on this very clear extensive International route of the Far East. Trade cargo from the nation of origin would not likely be found on the bottom as they would off-load it at every port from the furtherest point which sounds inefficient to us logically. It makes far more sense we are looking at a fully loaded ship returning to the Philippines in which it likely got caught in a storm and could not make it to shore. It is very odd that all the junks found in the Philippines are dismissed away as belonging to other countries and the Philippine history ignored by their own community of archaeologists it appears. It begs whether they have accurately attributed most of these in fact including the Lena Shoal. WE HAVE NOT EXAMINED THESE BUT THIS IS WORTH FURTHER RESEARCH. This is a discipline which typically sticks in it's paradigm and interprets only based on such paradigm. This is how they lost Ophir and cannot find it nor will they ever until one comes along outside of the box and thinks things through outside of such false paradigms. Good news, that someone is here. 
Tim says outright he has not even fully examined the case of the Santa Cruz or the Lena Shoal Junks. Then, after saying these archaeologists operate within a false paradigm and someone is needed to think outside of the box, with an air of pride he proclaims: 

Good news, that someone is here. 

How ridiculous.

What is needed is not someone who thinks outside the box but someone who can actually take the time to research everything related to his thesis and someone who actually reads through the papers he cites. Tim is not that person. He reads and quotes selectively and does not bother to thoroughly research anything. We see this time and again which is why I am convinced there is no God Culture team. 

The fact is French Marine Archaeologist, Franck Goddio says the Santa Cruz Junk is of Chinese design. Though it was likely built in the Philippines it was not built by natives but by a Chinese community located in the Philippines. It is not only more bad research but one more lie about the Philippines taught by Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Insurgency: Infant's Remains Found in Abandoned NPA Lair

The AFP has given an update on how many NPA rebels and fronts remain. As of now there are 1,100 rebels and only 4 weekend fronts. 

The military is now working on eradicating the four remaining weakened guerilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawer Jr. said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Brawner said the military targets to eradicate four weakened NPA guerilla fronts by the end of the year.

“About three months ago, we reported that there were seven remaining weakened guerrilla fronts. Now, there are only four. And we are expecting that by the end of the year, we will have finished all the guerrilla fronts. We will have reduced them to zero,” Brawner said.

He said these remaining weakened guerrilla fronts are operating in the Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas areas.

According to Brawner, NPA’s strength has been reduced from 2,200 fighters last year to 1,111 now.

(In terms of the strength of the New People's Army, they are really weak. So they only have about 1,111 fighters left from the 2,200 last year. So that is a big reduction in their manpower. And in terms of firearms, the reduction is the same, about 1,000 firearms have been reduced.)

Here the AFP admits there were 2,200 NPA rebels last year. But just two weeks ago they claimed 2,000 rebels had surrendered between January and October of this year. Now we see that is impossible. So who exactly composes those 2,000 NPA rebels who allegedly surrendered? 

The new Army commander of the Eastern Visayas has vowed "to strengthen the whole-of-nation approach to end insurgency in Leyte and Samar provinces." 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1237529

The new commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division covering Eastern Visayas has vowed to strengthen the whole-of-nation approach to end insurgency in Leyte and Samar provinces.

In a statement Monday, Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio highlighted the role of government agencies and civil society organizations in addressing the insurgency problem and encouraged collaboration among local government leaders, government agencies, peace partners, and the community.

“I strongly believe that we cannot solve our longstanding insurgency problem through military solutions alone. A proactive and effective whole-of-nation approach is essential to achieving our goal,” he said.

Orio vowed to step up the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 —institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the region. The initiative is supported by local government units, stakeholders, and the private sector.

He also reminded the troops to perform their duties with the utmost commitment, noting that the public relies on the military to bring peace and development to the community.

The military earlier said deaths, surrender, and capture of high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army will further diminish the communist terrorist group's strength in Eastern Visayas.

The region, specifically Samar Island, is considered the country's last bastion of insurgency.

Recently, the military dismantled NPA front committees, prompting its remnants to regroup into a sub-regional guerilla unit.

Although there are still active fighters in Samar Island, they are no longer in control of any village in three Samar provinces, according to the Philippine Army.

How much more can these ties be strengthened? The whole-of-nation approach has been on going since 2017.

More weapons caches have been uncovered. This time in Caraga. 

THE 4TH Infantry Division seized five firearms, a mortar weapon, and other war materiel during a series of surrenders by members of a communist terrorist group (CTG) and the discovery of arms caches in the Caraga region over the weekend. 

Acting on tips from former CTG members, troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion, along with the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, successfully discovered two separate arms caches in the vicinity of Old Marang and Old Decoy, both located in Sitio Panukmoan, Brgy. Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, on November 8 and 9. 

Brigadier General Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr., commander of the 401st Brigade, reported that the arms caches contained various war materiel and armaments, including a .50 caliber sniper rifle, a 60mm mortar, a .30 caliber Browning machine gun, magazines, and several live ammunition rounds. 

“The discovery of these arms caches follows the recent surrenders of Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists, who provided critical information leading us to these hidden stockpiles of weapons. This is another significant development after the all-out offensives we launched in September, which resulted in the deaths and mass surrenders of CNTs. We believe these weapons were intended for use in CTG atrocities, particularly in vulnerable areas within our area of responsibility (AOR), and we are grateful to have captured them with the assistance of those who surrendered,” Lorenzo added. 

Brig. Gen. Arsenio DC Sadural, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said these developments show the disarray among members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). 

He noted that they lack direction and are suffering from hunger, exhaustion, and fear of dying in confrontations. 

“The CTG must now recognize the futility of their cause. They need to peacefully surrender because we will not cease our efforts in this fight. Their terrorist agendas have no place in the peace-loving communities within our area of responsibility. It would be better for them to surrender and take advantage of the reintegration programs offered by the government,” BGen. Sadural said. 

In his statement, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of the 4ID, emphasized that these recent accomplishments significantly weakened the capabilities of the CTG to carry out violent acts. 

He noted that these successes support the 4ID’s ongoing campaign to dismantle the CTG, aligning to end the local communist armed conflict within its area of responsibility.

“Their ability to conduct attacks and destabilize our government, as well as disrupt the peace of our communities, has been largely diminished. This allows us to advance our campaign to ultimately defeat this criminal group and work towards declaring every province a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS). This declaration will pave the way for peace, development projects, and new opportunities,” Cuerpo said.

Of course this means the NPA remnants are exhausted, hungry, and fearful. That's why they have all surrendered. Right? 

In another abandoned NPA lair not weapons but an infant's remains were found. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1237872

The Philippine Army has uncovered the remains of an infant in an abandoned lair of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the mountains of Catubig, Northern Samar, indicating a possible violation of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

The Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion reported on Thursday that troops also found some baby clothes, a milk bottle, and a baby pillow.

Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, commander of the 20th Infantry Battalion, said the discovery on Nov. 11 highlights the risks and hardships civilians, including infants, face in conflict areas controlled by armed groups.

“The discovery cites the presence of civilians in hostile environments and the alleged use of non-combatants in terrorist-occupied zones,” Villaflor said.

Reports indicate that some communist group members may have been pregnant or have given birth under unsafe and difficult conditions within the encampment, according to the official.

“We are committed to protecting the rights and welfare of civilians, especially the most vulnerable, and will not tolerate violations of human rights or humanitarian law,” he added.

The Army unit, in coordination with the local government, is arranging a decent burial for the infant.

Catubig Mayor Solomon Vicencio, in a statement, expressed his deep sadness that the conflict has claimed a young, innocent life.

“It’s heartbreaking to see that a child must bear the burden of the choices made by others. I appeal to those who still consider the path of violence to think of the families, the children, and the future generation that suffers as a result. Let us work together toward peace and development, giving our children the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the consequences of armed conflict,” Vicencio said in a separate statement.

The discovery of abandoned lairs is part of the intensified hunt of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion for remnants of NPA combatants engaged in a series of clashes in the mountains of Catubig town.

The series of gun battles in Catubig began on Nov. 5 after soldiers responded to reports from civilians about armed NPA members extorting and intimidating farmers in the area.

It is a very creepy and sad discovery. Remember in 2020 when the AFP found birth control pills and condoms in an abandoned NPA lair?

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103830
Birth control pills were among the personal items recovered by Philippine Army troops inside the lair of New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote village of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental over the weekend. 
Photos of three stubs of oral contraceptive tablets were released by the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) on Saturday afternoon, a day after soldiers of 94th Infantry Battalion engaged communist-terrorists in a firefight in Barangay Buenavista and found their hideout in the area. 
Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303IBde, said in a statement on Sunday that the recovery of birth control pills is an indication of sexual abuse suffered by female NPA members and recruits. 
“It clearly manifests the ongoing and rampant sexual abuses among their ranks especially by NPA commanders against their female members,” he added. 
Pasaporte reiterated his call on the female NPA combatants to abandon the armed struggle and go home to their respective families. 
“Don’t let the NPA leaders take advantage of you. They are just making you their sex slaves,” he added. 
On April 23, troops of 20IB also found boxes of birth control pills inside an NPA hideout in an upland village of Catubig, Northern Samar. 
Also on October 22 last year, soldiers of 88IB recovered some contraceptive pills, condoms, and pornographic materials from another NPA hideout in the forested area of Barangay Kibongkog, San Fernando, Bukidnon. 
Earlier this month, two pregnant NPA medics surrendered to the 23IB in Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte.

Plenty of pregnant NPA women rebels have surrendered but this is the first time an infant's corpse has been found. 

Rebels continue to surrender. 


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1237627

Three New People’s Army (NPA) members surrendered to the military in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Monday, according to the Philippine Army.

Lt. Col. Mark Tabon, commander of the 29th Infantry Battalion, said in a statement Tuesday that the former rebels, identified only by their aliases “Desna,” “Daryl,” and “Joshua” operated under the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

The trio, who surrendered in Barangay Del Pilar, handed over two .45-caliber pistols, a 9mm Ingram machine pistol and ammunition.

“We welcome their surrender and assure them of the government’s support as they reunite with their families and communities,” Tabon said.

He urged them to encourage remaining NPA members to consider a peaceful return, emphasizing the hardships of life within the armed struggle and growing discontent with NEMRC leadership.

Tabon noted that disillusionment, coupled with ongoing government operations in the region, pushed the rebels to leave.

The three former fighters are currently undergoing assessments for enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which provides support for former rebels reintegrating into society. 



https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/15/5-communist-rebels-surrender-1

Five New People’s Army (NPA) fighters have surrendered to the military in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. 

Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division Public Affairs Office (4th ID-PAO) chief Lt. Col. Francisco P. Garello Jr. said the surrenderers belong to the Sub-regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. 

“Tired of running in the mountains, hunger due to lack of logistical and food support, dwindling leadership, and longing to be with their respective families, especially the upcoming Christmas, are the main reasons they came down and back to the fold of the law,” Garello added. 

The rebel returnees who yielded guns and ammunition turned themselves in to 29th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Mark Tabon and 30th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Albert Batinga in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. 

“I encourage all remaining active CTG members to seize this opportunity to surrender in order to be with your families, and benefit from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), a government livelihood and cash assistance, in relation to the Marcos administration’s peace and development program,” Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commanding general of the Army 901st Infantry Brigade, said.












 

These guys are disillusioned which means they are not true believers in the cause. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/15/2-young-npa-rebels-from-capiz-surrender

Two young New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the 12th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army in Tapaz town, Capiz province.

The Army identified them as 22-year-old John and 20-year-old Kate.

The two rebel returnees said they joined the now dismantled Central Front of the NPA when they were only 17-years-old.

With a team from the 12th IB, they visited Mayor Roberto Palomar of Tapaz.

The 12th IB is working closely with the Municipal Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of Tapaz to ensure that John and Kate are integrated back into the community with the help of other government agencies.

“We will also facilitate their enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for them to avail of livelihood assistance, training, and other support to aid their transition to a peaceful and productive life,” said 12th IB chief Lt. Col. Vicel Jan Garsuta in a statement.

These two surrenderees are young. Perhaps they are an item. Either way they will now have the chance "to avail of livelihood assistance, training, and other support to aid their transition to a peaceful and productive life." Why not do it together?

Monday, November 18, 2024

Seawalls and School Classrooms

Seawalls are an important defense against storm surges. They prevent flooding and save lives. Walling off the entire Philippine coast is not feasible of course. However there are seawalls throughout the country. One of those seawalls was recently damaged in during a tropical storm. President Marcos has assured the wall's reconstruction will be expedited. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1237510

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the government will expedite the reconstruction of the damaged seawall in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte to protect communities from storm surges and flooding.

Marcos made the announcement during the aid distribution of over PHP70 million in livelihood and financial assistance for thousands affected by Typhoon Marce at Pagudpud Cultural and Sports Complex.

Following his inspection of the damaged seawall, Marcos said the plans for its reconstruction were already in place and progressing swiftly.

"Good thing, that seawall is in process, it's already being built," he said.

 "It will be bid out in two weeks? Three weeks? The project is already up for bidding, so it will proceed quickly. We won't go through the process of finding funds, appropriating, and we're actually doing it, so we'll just continue with it," he said.

He said the construction of the elevated road near the seawall would also be prioritized to enhance the area's resilience.

"If you see, there is already a road -- there is something like a seawall but the new one has a road on top. And that's what we will continue with," he said.

Marcos also inspected classrooms of damaged by Marce and coordinated with the Department of Education to expedite repairs, ensuring students can return to school as soon as possible.

“We are looking for a way to fix it quickly so the kids can return [to schools]," he said, noting that alternative learning spaces were established to serve as temporary classrooms for the students.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 9,340 individuals, or 2,903 families, were affected by Marce in Ilocos Norte. A total of 540 families or 1,635 individuals are in evacuation centers.

But how long will it take to rebuild? Years??

The seawall in Leyte has been under construction for 9 years and is only 64% complete.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1237375

After nine years of construction, the Leyte tide embankment project designed to shield coastal communities from big waves is 64 percent complete, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Friday.

DPWH 8 (Eastern Visayas) Director Edgar Tabacon admitted that building the 38.12-km. storm surge protection from this city to Tanauan town continues to be a challenge 11 years after Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) struck the region.

“Since the start of construction in 2016, we have been addressing several issues. We are a democratic country and we cannot ignore oppositions but we will try our best to complete this project within the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Tabacon said in a phone interview.

The project completion date depends on the available funds downloaded by the central government, he said.

Of the estimated PHP12.17 billion required budget, PHP9 billion has been released from 2016 until this year for the 19-km. flood mitigation structure and a 5.43-km. backwater dike.

As of the end of October, the DPWH reported completing 19.51 km. of the 38.64 km. of structures, while construction of 5.52 km. is ongoing and work has yet to begin for 13.6 km.

The project covers the construction of 22.63 km. of flood mitigation structure and 16 km. of backwater dike structure.

The flood mitigation structure aims to protect communities in this city and the nearby towns of Palo and Tanauan from destructive waves. It has stainless steel flap gates and river gates with actuators.

It also has a bike lane with railings, ramps, and streetlights.

“From San Juanico Bridge to downtown, the embankment will also be a parallel highway to address traffic congestion from the city to the Samar area. We still have to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for environmental consideration and hold a series of public consultations,” Tabacon added.

The project stretches from Diit village here to Cabuynan village in Tanauan town, aiming to protect 33,000 residents from big waves based on a 50-year projected population.

Sections 1 to 3 are in the northern part of this city to downtown areas, Section 4 is from the San Jose district in this city to the Palo town boundary, Section 5 is in areas of Palo and Tanauan, and Section 6 is in Tanauan town.

In most sections, the four-meter-wide structure has a bay walk and bicycle lane.

The project, built 30 meters from the shoreline, will protect 33.7 square meters of properties and 33,185 houses and buildings.

Building the four-meter-high structure came after the 2013 storm surges whipped by Yolanda’s fierce winds wiped out neighborhoods in Leyte province.

This story is ridiculous. Everyone still talks about the horrors of Super typhoon Yolanda which caused much devastation. This wall was implemented to prevent such destruction from happening again yet after 9 years it is only 64% complete. It requires 12 billion pesos but only 9 billion has been released. Why isn't there a fund dedicated to constructing this wall?

9 years with only 64% constructed means it will take another 5 to 6 years to finish. Meanwhile tropical storms come and go and the citizens of Leyte are at the mercy of the national budget. Why hasn't the project been completed sooner? Perhaps the government doesn't care as much as they claim.

Even worse than the story of this seawall is students in Leyte are still suffering the consequences of Yolanda. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/11/leyte-school-still-using-temporary-learning-spaces

Eleven years after Typhoon "Yolanda" ravaged the Philippines, a school in Leyte continues to rely on temporary learning spaces, highlighting the disaster's long-term impact on the region’s educational infrastructure.

On Monday, Nov. 11, the Department of Education (DepEd), led by Secretary Sonny Angara, visited schools in Leyte to assess the implementation of digitalization programs and identify gaps in facilities.

DepEd visited St. Francis Elementary School, which was severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Despite various recovery initiatives, some schools continue to face significant challenges in rebuilding, leaving students and educators to make do with makeshift classrooms.

"The school is currently experiencing gaps in facilities and classrooms, as it is housing 547 learners in Temporary Learning Spaces," DepEd said.

Angara, along with the agency’s Executive and Management Committee members, monitored schools in Leyte as part of DepEd’s ongoing efforts to address challenges on the ground.

11 years later and some schools are still using makeshift classrooms. That is absolutely shameful. What is really going on in Leyte? Where are the funds to rebuild? It is mind boggling that after 11 years Leyte has yet to recover from Yolanda.

Friday, November 15, 2024

Retards in the Government 391

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

 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/7/ncrpo-acg-chiefs-sacked-over-manila-pogo-raid

Two senior officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were administratively relieved from their posts amid allegations of wrongdoings of their men during a raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Manila last week.  

But PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo was quick to clarify that the relief of Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia as Metro Manila top cop and Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga as head of the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is not a punishment but more of ensuring that the conduct of investigation on the allegations raised against them is impartial.  

Fajardo said the relief order was only for 10 days. 

“They were administratively relieved for 10 days to give way to the investigation that will be conducted by a committee… Let me reiterate though  that this is not a form of punishment,” said Fajardo. 

The investigation stemmed from the complaints, and later filing of charges, of the management of the Century Peak Tower in connection with the POGO raid on Oct 29. 

The subject of the search warrant was the Vertex Technology located on the 23rd floor but there were claims that the policemen proceeded to other floors, and there were wrongdoings committed. 

“There were again operational related issues that were raised by the subject of the police operation particularly the alleged tampering of the CCTV camera by PNP personnel,” said Fajardo. 

But Fajardo said there was nothing irregular in the conduct of the operation: “The police operation was conducted under the premise of an implementation of a cyber warrant duly issued by Regional Trial Court Manila that the operation was legitimate as it was covered by a search warrant.” 

While the PNP insisted that the operation was legitimate, national police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil decided to create an investigation committee to clear things up on the allegations raised by the raiding teams. 

Fajardo also dismissed speculations that an influential person was responsible for the relief of Hernia and Cariaga. 

“For the record the PNP will not succumb to any pressure. Ang PNP leadership decided to administratively relieve the two senior officers again to give way to an impartial investigation,” said Fajardo. 

“We owe it to the people because a lot of accusations and allegations were propagated in different fora so the PNP leadership deemed it necessary to subject them (Hernia and Cariaga) under administrative relief to give way to the investigation,” she added.

Two senior officers of the Philippine National Police were administratively relieved from their posts amid allegations of wrongdoings of their men during a raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub in Manila last week. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/604925/ex-cebu-city-administrator-arrested-at-city-hall-for-usurpation

Suspended Cebu City Administrator and lawyer Collin Rosell was arrested inside the Office of the Mayor at Cebu City Hall on Friday, November 8, 2024, following his unauthorized entry into the premises.

Police Colonel Antonietto Cañete, director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said that Rosell was arrested on “usurpation of authority” for allegedly attempting to assume powers reserved for City Administrator Kristine Batucan without legal authority.

Along with the usurpation charge, Rosell also faces charges of resistance and disobedience to a person in authority. According to the detention certificate, criminal cases against Rosell are set to be filed with the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office on November 11, 2024.

Cañete reported that Rosell was taken into custody around 6 p.m. and is currently detained at Waterfront Police Station 3. If a judge or competent court issues a release order, Rosell may be released.

In an interview with Rosell at the police station, he claimed his arrest was “illegal.” He argued he was merely seated and performing his duties as city administrator when police apprehended him without a warrant.

"Warrantless arrest should really mean that you have committed a crime, then it is impossible that I have committed a crime because I have made it clear to the media that the basis is clear. And even if you conclude that the basis is wrong anyway, then you are the one who said it is wrong. Therefore, it is illegal per se," Rosell said.

Moreover, Lawyer Mikel Rama, one of Rosell's legal counsels present at the police station, said he was shocked by Rosell's arrest for usurpation of authority, asserting that such cases are complex and require probable cause.

Rama argued that cases of usurpation should require a warrant, as they differ from crimes like robbery or murder where fault may be immediately evident.

"I don't understand that the usurpation is a warrantless arrest when the usurpation is in flagrante delicto, so there are questions of facts and law. Will the police have probable cause to look at the person in the office, will they be able to determine usurpation? Not even robbery or theft. There are many other things that need to be determined, that's why it's amazing," Rama said.

Rosell was among seven city employees, including dismissed Mayor Michael Rama, who was ordered on preventive suspension due to grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a public officer, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest among others.

Suspended Cebu City Administrator and lawyer Collin Rosell was arrested inside the Office of the Mayor at Cebu City Hall on Friday, November 8, 2024, following his unauthorized entry into the premises.

Old grudge sparked the murder of an ex-barangay captain in Tigbauan town, Iloilo province, police said. 

The Tigbauan Municipal Police Station has filed murder charges against John Castro Jr. who confessed to killing former barangay captain Joevanie Triste of Barangay San Rafael on Oct. 24.

“Based on investigation conducted, the very motive of the suspect in killing the victim is old grudge and it is very personal,” said Police Staff Sgt. Glenn Mark Abayon, Tigbauan MPS investigator, in a report submitted to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

The grudge allegedly dates back to February 2019 when Triste, who was then the barangay captain, led authorities to search the house of Castro.

Castro bumped into the victim on his birthday on Oct. 24.

Witnesses heard Castro say to Triste: “Dako nga perwesyo ang ginta-o mo kanakon! (You caused such a huge inconvenience to me!)” Moments later, shots were heard.

"It can be gleaned from the facts and circumstances that the motive of killing the victim was a personal grudge and not election-related," police said. “This case is considered cleared,” police said.

Police said Castro was previously arrested for possession of illegal firearms and other complaints but were settled. 

Castro surrendered and his case is now at the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. 

Old grudge sparked the murder of an ex-barangay captain in Tigbauan town, Iloilo province, police said.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/12/guimaras-lgu-officials-face-administrative-complaints-over-purchase-of-p2-6-m-water-tanker

Mayor Samuel Gumarin and several officials of Buenavista town, Guimaras province are facing administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman for purchasing a P2.6-million water tanker. 

Complaints of grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest in the service were lodged against Vice Mayor Cyril Beltran as well as Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members Arthur Cartel Jr., Edgar Gallo, Rubin Magno, Valentine Talabero, and Rex Fernandez, and ex-officio Barangay Captain Rommel Infante. 

In his complaint, SB Member Vincent Pascal de Asis claimed that an SB resolution approved last June 28, 2024 authorized Gumarin to enter into a negotiated procurement for the second-hand water tanker. 

For De Asis, the purchase of the second-hand water tanker by the Buenavista local government unit (LGU) under Gumarin is an unnecessary use of calamity fund. 

The water tanker, which arrived last August, was also deemed late for the LGU’s response to the El Niño climate phenomenon as it was over last June 2024. 

De Asis noted that the Buenavista LGU also has a standby tanker that was already in place during the time of former Mayor Eugene Reyes. 

Mayor Samuel Gumarin and several officials of Buenavista town, Guimaras province are facing administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman for purchasing a P2.6-million water tanker.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/11/13/2399694/pdea-driver-nabbed-edsa-busway-violation

A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) vehicle and its motorcycle escort were apprehended yesterday by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for using the exclusive EDSA bus lane in Santolan, Quezon City.

The PDEA driver, who said they were conducting an operation, failed to present a valid registration for the vehicle.

He was allegedly carrying a fake driver’s license, according to the DOTr’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation.

PDEA public information office chief Laurefel Gabales told The STAR that the involved agent would face administrative cases.

“The agency will not condone such action. An internal investigation is underway. Administrative sanctions will be imposed on the violator,” Gabales said.

A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency vehicle and its motorcycle escort were apprehended yesterday by the Department of Transportation for using the exclusive EDSA bus lane in Santolan, Quezon City.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/13/chief-tanod-shot-dead-in-quezon
A 50-year-old chief of barangay tanod (watchmen) was shot dead in Sitio Tabura, Barangay Del Rosario, here, on Tuesday morning.

Police identified the victim as Isidro M. Girao.

Investigation said the victim was on his way home from his farm when a man appeared and shot him several times.

Girao died on the spot.

The suspect fled and police are conducting manhunt and follow-up operations.

Police said the victim was previously arrested for frustrated murder.
A chief barangay tanod has been assassinated. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/11/12/2399495/4-ovp-execs-cited-contempt-ordered-detained

Four officials of the Office of the Vice President under Sara Duterte have been cited in contempt by a panel of the House of Representatives for again failing to personally appear at a hearing on the questionable disbursement of her intelligence and confidential funds.

Rep. Joel Chua, chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability, approved at yesterday’s hearing the motion of Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop to cite the OVP officials in contempt.

The OVP officials, all trusted aides of Duterte, were ordered detained for repeatedly defying summonses to attend an inquiry into the alleged mishandling of government funds, specifically confidential and intelligence funds, by Duterte.

The officials are assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio, special disbursement officer (SDO) Gina Acosta, and spouses Edward and Sunshine Charry Fajarda, SDO and assistant secretary of the Department of Education when Duterte was still education secretary.

Lawyer Zuleika Lopez, Duterte’s chief of staff, was spared from the contempt charges after she informed lawmakers – in a letter – that she is in Los Angeles caring for her sick aunt.

Lawmakers expressed doubt on Lopez’s excuse and re-issued another subpoena.

Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan advised Lopez to grab the opportunity to defend herself and appear before the congressional hearings at the soonest time possible, as the Chua committee continues to investigate alleged misuse of public funds of the OVP.

“Normally, individuals who are blameless, when asked to explain, would seize the first available occasion to clear themselves of any wrongdoing,” Libanan, who represents the party-list 4Ps, said in a statement.

Acop, a retired police general who is also a lawyer by profession, moved to detain the officials at the House premises until the inquiry concludes and a committee report is submitted for plenary approval.

Four other OVP officials attended yesterday’s hearing: administrative and financial services director Rosalynne Sanchez, chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey, budget division chief Edelyn Rabago and chief administrative officer Kelvin Gerome Teñido.

Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez questioned Lopez’s explanation, calling it a “clear evasion” and sought validation of her excuse to skip the hearing. “The testimony of Ms. Zuleika Lopez is crucial. If we allow her excuse, other resource persons might follow. They can run, but they cannot hide anymore,” he said.

Deputy Speaker David Suarez said he was willing to extend “a little bit more understanding” and accepted Lopez’s excuse as stated in her letter, “but only until our next hearing.” The excuses the other OVP officials gave were “unacceptable,” he said.

Four officials of the Office of the Vice President under Sara Duterte have been cited in contempt by a panel of the House of Representatives for again failing to personally appear at a hearing on the questionable disbursement of her intelligence and confidential funds.