Coronavirus Lockdown: Hyun Bin, Sonya's Garden, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

Korean star Hyun Bin is finally heading to the Philippines to meet with fans in person. It's been a long time coming. 

https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/korean-wave/2025/07/01/2454675/hyun-bin-set-first-ever-visit-philippines-august

At long last, Korean star Hyun Bin is finally heading to the Philippines to meet with fans in person.

Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort North recently announced that Hyun Bin would take part in an exclusive meet and greet this August 8 in the former resort.

Participants to the event will be selected via raffle draw. Fans will get a raffle entry for every P2,000 net single spend receipt in either Solaire's branded bars and restaurants.

Qualified receipts can be validated at Raffle Redemption Hubs in Solaire Resort Entertainment City's Solaire Box Office near the Grand Ballroom and Solaire Resort North's second level beside the function lift.

Raffle entries submitted for the whole of July will be eligible for the draw which will be conducted on July 31 at 7 p.m.

Hyun Bin is best known for starring in "Crash Landing on You," "Memories of the Alhambra," "Secret Garden," "The Snow Queen," "Hyde Jekyll, Me" and "Friend, Our Legend."

He married his "Crash Landing On You" and "The Negotiation" co-star Son Ye-jin in 2022, and they welcomed their first child together in the same year. 

Since tying the knot, Hyun Bin has only done three movies: "The Point Men," a "Confidential Assignment" sequel, and "Harbin." He is, however, making a series comeback in the 2025 Disney+ show "Made In Korea."

Hyun Bin was supposed to make his first Philippines visit five years ago but such plans were cancelled because of the COVID pandemic.

Instead Hyun Bin and Ye-jin appeared on a virtual fan meet for a local telco which they were endorsing at the time.

He was going to visit in 2020 but the pandemic prevented that from happening. 

My Chemical Romance is touring in Manila in 2026. 

https://www.philstar.com/music/2025/07/07/2456173/my-chemical-romance-stage-summer-2026-concert-manila

International rock band My Chemical Romance will return to the Philippines next year to perform their greatest hits.

The band behind the hit "Welcome to the Black Parade" will rock it out at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on April 25, 2026.

The band announced its upcoming Southeast Asian Tour on Instagram today. 

Apart from the Philippines, My Chemical Romance will also visit South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

Tickets prices will be announced soon.

My Chemical Romance surprised the music world upon the release of a brand new song in 2022, their first single since they disbanded in 2013. Fans were not expecting My Chemical Romance to return with new material as they broke up nine years ago.

The new song entitled "The Foundations of Decay" runs for six minutes and is reminiscent of the band's past work, from the iconic guitar riffs to lead singer Gerard Way's vocals.

The band had initially planned a reunion tour in 2020 but had to postpone because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their last release was the song "Fake Your Death" in their 2014 greatest hits compilation album "May Death Never Stop You,” which also includes their iconic songs like "Helena," "Teenagers," and "Sing."

Though they planned a reunion tour in 2020 there is no word they were planning to visit the Philippines in 2020 but that is likely. 

Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez has sought in the 20th Congress the creation of a Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control. He hopes to learn lessons from the pandemic.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/07/01/romualdez-solons-take-another-stab-at-dedicated-center-for-disease-prevention

With the Covid-19 pandemic still fresh in the minds of Filipinos, Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez has sought in the 20th Congress the creation of a Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).

Embodied in House Bill (HB) No.3, the proposal for CDC will serve as the principal agency tasked with developing and implementing communicable disease prevention and control initiatives.

The same measure was filed and deliberated on in the previous 19th Congress, but it didn't prosper into a law.

Joining former House Speaker Romualdez as author of HB No.3 were Tingog Party-list Reps. Jude Acidre and Andrew Julian Romualdez.

In proposing the creation of the CDC, the three lawmakers invoked a provision of the Constitution mandating the state to “protect and promote the right to health of every Filipino and instill health consciousness among them.

They said the Covid-19 pandemic underscored the vital importance of effective disease prevention and control mechanisms and robust public health infrastructure. 

“The pandemic revealed the deficiencies in the Philippines’ health system, particularly in the areas of disease surveillance, outbreak response, coordination, and data-driven policy-making,” they said.

The CDC’s other functions include developing strategies, standards, and policies for disease prevention and control; implementing disease surveillance and field epidemiology activities; performing data collection and analytics; establishing and strengthening public health laboratories; setting standards and policies for private laboratories; and recommending actions for public health threats to appropriate national government bodies, among others.

The authors added that to prepare the country for future health threats, “It is imperative to institutionalize reforms that will strengthen our capacity to protect public health.”

They noted that currently, the country lacks a dedicated, centralized agency solely focused on disease prevention and control. 

They said that while the Department of Health (DOH) performs this function through various bureaus and offices, these efforts are often fragmented, under-resourced and challenged by institutional constraints. 

“The establishment of a specialized institution will allow for more coherent, responsive, and science-based approaches to disease management,” ex-Speaker Romualdez stressed.

Under the bill, the Philippine CDC shall be responsible for controlling the spread of infectious diseases through the adoption of a framework that fosters a whole-of-government, whole-of-system approach and streamlining of science-based decision-making, particularly during public health emergencies. 

“Investing in disease prevention and control is both a public health and an economic necessity. Institutionalizing this agency will not only enhance the country’s preparedness for future pandemics, but will also strengthen its capacity to address ongoing health challenges such as tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, dengue and non-communicable diseases,” the authors said. 

“Moreover, a centralized body will enable faster response times, more efficient resource utilization, and improved health outcomes for the Filipino people,” they said.

The idea of a CDC has been floating around for a while but in the Philippines it would be just another bureaucracy which would siphon money. 

Bong Go is referencing the pandemic in a bid to modernize the medical technology profession. 

https://tribune.net.ph/2025/07/07/bong-go-files-bill-to-modernize-medical-technology-profession

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a bill seeking to update and regulate the medical technology profession in the Philippines to meet modern healthcare standards and strengthen support for frontline diagnostic workers.

The proposed measure, known as the “New Philippine Medical Technology Act of 2025,” aims to overhaul Republic Act No. 5527 or the “Medical Technology Act of 1969,” which Go said is outdated and no longer reflects current medical advancements.

“Republic Act No. 5527 has remained the governing law for the practice of medical technology in the Philippines for over five decades,” Go stated. “While it has served as a foundation for the profession, many of its provisions are now outdated and no longer reflect the current advancements, standards, and realities of medical practice.”

He emphasized the role of medical technologists during the COVID-19 pandemic and called for clearer standards in education, licensure, and compensation. 

“They have stood at the frontlines of disease detection, diagnostics, and public health surveillance, often at great personal risk,” Go noted. “This bill seeks to modernize the legal framework... and cultivate a corps of competent, ethical, globally competitive, and service-oriented medical technologists.”

The bill also proposes setting the minimum entry-level salary for registered medical technologists in government at Salary Grade 15 to match compensation received by nurses and other health professionals.

Go filed the bill as part of his 10 priority measures for the 20th Congress, which include proposed legislation on disaster resilience, health IDs, expanded education subsidies, and wage hikes.

He reaffirmed his broader advocacy for healthcare reforms and social support for the poor. 

“For my second term, with all sincerity, I will continue to push for pro‑poor programs and laws, especially on health. Health is wealth. We must collaborate to bring quality medical services closer to our people, particularly the poor and indigent patients. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

It may be an outdated law but certainly the schooling is not since so many health professionals leave the Philippines for the West. 

Sonya's Garden refused to give up during the pandemic. Instead she chose to reinvent.

https://www.bworldonline.com/video/2025/07/03/683307/when-the-pandemic-gave-lemons-sonyas-garden-chose-to-reinvent/

When the pandemic gave lemons, Sonya’s Garden chose to reinvent

“Sonya’s Garden did not sit back during the pandemic and the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption; instead, they chose to reinvent, said owner Sonya Garcia.

In this video Sonya says she had her massage therapists grow vegetables and she also bottled food to sell online. She says the kitchen was very busy during the pandemic. 

Reselling In The Philippines

Here is an interesting article. It's about Filipinos reselling J.Co donuts on Facebook. It's not allowed by J.Co and is possibly illegal but that is not stopping resllers. But the really interesting thing here is the justification for reselling these donuts. Let's take a look.

https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2025/06/30/298509/jco-unauthorized-reselling-donuts-outside-stores/

A popular donut chain warned the public against the reselling of its products outside its stores following such unauthorized activities.

J.CO Donuts and Coffee Philippines said that it has received reports of such activities, adding that it does not have any official or authorized resellers.

“Such activities are discouraged,” it said on a Facebook post on June 23.

“We highly encourage you to purchase your donuts directly from the stores to ensure the freshness and quality of your favorite donuts,” the donut chain added.

This was emphasized in the caption of its post.

“The best way to enjoy your favorite donuts is to experience them straight from your nearest J.CO stores!” it said.

Meanwhile, a Redditor wondered about the reselling of the donut chain’s products the same day the warning was posted.

“Honest Q [Question]. Can someone give me context why there’s always people who resell JCo? Definitely, that’s prohibited, but what’s the reason behind it? Onti branches? Nauubusan sa branches? Is the demand still that high? Thanks!!” the user said.

One Redditor speculated that it does not have many branches outside the metro.

"There is no JCO in other provinces. Example in northern luzon. Many JCO vendors are selling in bus terminals like florida bus terminal. Sm laoag which has the only jco branch has just opened."

“Was wondering about this too. There’s [three] J.CO stores in our area, but I see people on some FB groups reselling by box. I’m kind of doubting if these are fresh or discarded by the stores since they are not allowed to sell unsold donuts from the previous day,” another Redditor said.

In February, a similar question was posted on the platform.

“What’s up with J.CO donuts being sold by resellers [or] on random sidewalks?” a Reddit user asked before on the “r/Philippines” subreddit.

“I’ve been seeing this for a few years now. Hindi siya pasabuy — para silang mga resellers. I believe pre-picked na rin ‘yung flavors. I wonder what’s up with these donuts that they’re being sold outside the shop? Sila lang nakita kong may ganito,” the user added.

The donut chain also had the same warning against resellers as early as 2023.

The article cites a Reddit post where the question is asked why the donuts are being resold and someone says because there is no J.Co in certain areas. 

https://www.reddit.com/r/PHFoodPorn/comments/1lja2yu/reselling_jco/

"This is the only answer," says a reply to the comment. But that is wrong. That is not the only answer nor is it THE ONLY answer. The article quotes a Redditor who says there are J.Co stores in their area and he still sees resellers. The answer cannot be lack of stores. 

The real answer is because the black market is a huge economic driver in the Philippines. Take a look at this following story. Four women were caught stealing juice packets to resell.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/4-women-nabbed-for-stealing-p4500-juice-packs

FOUR women from Bacolod, Negros Occidental ended up detained at the Mambaling Police Station after allegedly stealing packets of juice from a store in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City, around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025.

The suspects, who were apprehended by the store’s security guards, were caught in possession of sachets of Tang Calamansi and Tang Grapes juice, with a total value of over P4,500.

Security personnel inside the store had already been monitoring the suspects prior to the incident, which led to closer surveillance.

When the suspects tried to leave the store without stopping at the cashier, they were intercepted by four guards.

Upon inspection, the stolen juice packets were found hidden in girdles they were wearing around their waists.

The suspects admitted to the theft, saying they intended to sell the stolen items in Bacolod City.

The Mambaling police are now conducting a deeper investigation to determine if the group has accomplices currently in Cebu City, and they are working to locate their boarding house.

Authorities are also tracking how many other establishments the group may have targeted for additional charges that may be filed.

They were going to resell those packets for cheap, likely online or possibly in a sari-sari store. 

The fact is the black market is huge in the Philippines. It includes donuts, juice packets, cigarettes, and even babies.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/951729/mother-nabbed-in-pasay-for-selling-one-month-old-baby-online/story/

A 23-year-old woman was arrested after attempting to sell her one-month-old baby online. 

Authorities rescued the baby during an entrapment operation conducted in Barangay 197, Pasay City, according to a report by Bea Pinlac on Unang Balita.

The baby, who was wrapped in a towel after the rescue, was immediately turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The arrest was conducted after authorities discovered an online group chat where the suspect had been actively offering the child for adoption. An undercover officer from the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP WCPC) posed as a prospective adopter.

(They entered a group chat where our undercover officer posed as someone also looking to adopt.) 

(As soon as [the suspect] messaged the undercover officer, she immediately offered her baby.)

Initial reports indicate that the suspect first demanded P100,000 in exchange for the child. However, police said the price was later lowered through negotiation.

(She initially asked for P100,000. Since it was a large amount, there was a form of bargaining. We closed the deal at P90,000.)

The woman is now facing charges for trafficking in persons and child abuse.

Police also discovered that the suspect has another child — a three-year-old — whose welfare is now also under review.

The suspect refused to make a statement on camera but police said she told them her motive was financial.

(According to the mother, she was forced to sell her baby to pay for the hospital expenses related to childbirth.)

(She had a lot of debts to pay and also had to provide for her three-year-old.)

In a separate statement, the National Authority for Child Care reached out to Meta Philippines, urging the platform to act swiftly against at least 12 active Facebook groups reportedly being used to facilitate illegal child selling. 

Meanwhile, GMA Integrated News is also seeking comment from Meta Philippines.

It's sad and terrible but that's the Philippines. A lady has to sell her baby to pay for the expense of having a baby. 

And that's it. The black market is the answer as to why people are reselling J.Co donuts. 

Insurgency: Anti-Terror Law's Purpose Not Achieved After Five Years On

An 81-year-old man misidentified as an NPA leader was released by the Court of Appeals.  He had been in custody since December 2024. This man's only crime was sharing the name of a wanted NPA leader. In its decision the CA said the lack of due diligence is a blow to the image of the PNP.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2075947/ca-frees-man-81-misidentified-by-pnp-cidg-as-npa-leader

The Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered an elderly man to be released from the Manila City Jail for being wrongly identified by authorities as a New People’s Army (NPA) leader and consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

The case of mistaken identity, the court said, was a blow to the image of the Philippine National Police because of the “evident lack of due diligence” on the part of the officers who six months ago arrested Prudencio Calubid Jr., an 81-year-old construction worker.

In a decision dated June 27, the CA’s 16th Division granted the writ of habeas corpus filed by the daughter of Calubid, whom agents of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) mistook for their target who had the same name—but minus the “Junior.”

It turned out that the CIDG was after another Prudencio Calubid, an alleged high-ranking officer of the communist NPA and longtime NDFP consultant.

The CA said it was convinced that the arrested person, known in his Olongapo City neighborhood also as “Tay Pruding,” was not the man the police were looking for.

The court directed a respondent in the petition, Supt. Lino Soriano, the Manila City Jail warden, to free Calubid Jr. immediately.

The other respondents are PNP chief Nicolas Torre III, who was the former head of the PNP-CIDG, and former PNP chief Rommel Marbil.

In December last year, the police arrested Calubid Jr. for supposedly being the communist insurgent who had a P7.8-million bounty on his head.

According to court records, Calubid Jr. did not resist arrest since he was “confident he would be released as soon as they verified his identity.”

The CA castigated the manner by which the CIDG handled the investigation, noting that it merely relied on social media sources “as though a comprehensive and meticulous intelligence operation” was conducted.

The CIDG’s conclusion on the supposed resemblance of “Tay Pruding” with the other Calubid was “at best biased, subjective and speculative,” it added.

“It is not uncommon for Filipinos to (have) identical or similar names, though they are clearly different individuals. This is precisely why there are recognized methods of establishing one’s identity and uniqueness,” the court said, referring to government-issued IDs and other official records.

The “serious lapse in judgment” by the police could erode public trust in law enforcement, it said.

While law enforcers must be “vigilant in combating crimes,” CA said, the “fulfillment of their duty should not result in the subversion of basic freedoms.”

“This case does not exist in a vacuum. Rather, it sends the wrong message to the public that those tasked to serve and protect the people … are (the) very reason to fear injustice, and that fundamental rights may be easily overlooked for convenience, carelessness, or possibly, personal and selfish gains,” it added.

Human rights advocates denounced the six-month detention of Calubid Jr. as a “deliberate misidentification” driven by the “perverse incentives of a bounty system.”

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), who represented Calubid Jr. in the habeas corpus petition, said the CA ruling revealed “a deeper problem” and exposed how authorities would engage in “bounty-hunting” just to gain merits and incentives.

“A P7.8-million reward was offered for the real Prudencio Calubid’s capture. In such a system, law enforcement agencies, including the PNP, CIDG, and entities under the NTF-Elcac (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict), are incentivized not to uphold justice, but to deliver ‘results’ that align with operational quotas and reward mechanisms,” it said.

NUPL lawyers said they were planning to file countercharges against the officers who arrested and investigated Calubid Jr. over his “unlawful incarceration.”

The human rights watchdog Karapatan, through its deputy secretary general Maria Sol Taule, welcomed the court order.

“We are relieved that Tay Pruding is finally free,” Taule said in a statement. “In the first place, Calubid should not have been arrested and detained. He was subjected to harsh prison conditions, worsening his health condition.’’

“He is among the victims of a bounty system of government that has victimized countless others,” she said.

The other Calubid—the one that the police actually wanted—and his wife Celina Palma have been counted among the victims of enforced disappearances since they went missing in 2006.

Rather than conduct a proper intel operation the PNP relied on social media. This is less a blow the image of the PNP than it is business as usual. The NUPL says they may file countercharges but even if they do that is not going to change the culture of the PNP. 

The OSG is seeking to overturn the CA's ruling and place this old man back in jail. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2079074/osg-wants-octogenarian-tagged-as-npa-back-in-jail

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is seeking to overturn a Court of Appeals (CA) decision that ordered the release of 81-year-old Prudencio Calubid Jr. from detention for being wrongly identified as a rebel leader—a move that rights group Karapatan denounced over the weekend.

In a 19-page motion for reconsideration dated June 30, government lawyers asked the appellate court to reconsider, reverse, and set aside its decision and enter a new one that would deny the privilege of writ of habeas corpus granted to Calubid Jr.

The writ of habeas corpus is a legal remedy for a person illegally deprived of liberty and to relieve him, if such restraint is illegal.

The OSG said Calubid Jr.’s failure to challenge the legality of his arrest in 2024 at the earliest opportunity and his voluntary submission to the jurisdiction of the trial court when he underwent arraignment “cured” the alleged defect in his arrest.

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay, however, said the OSG’s bid to bring back an octogenarian to prison was “utterly devoid of substantive issues,” saying it harps on technicalities and merely repeated the Philippine National Police’s false claims that it had conducted “extensive investigation and intelligence gathering” to verify Calubid Jr.’s identity.

In its ruling issued on June 27, the CA’s 16th Division ordered Calubid Jr. released after granting the habeas corpus petition filed by his daughter.

According to Karapatan, Calubid Jr. is a retired technician and former overseas Filipino worker, who was misrepresented by his captors as Prudencio Calubid, a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) with a P7.8-million bounty on his head.

The NDFP consultant was abducted and forcibly disappeared in Camarines Sur with five others by suspected state agents on June 26, 2006.

The police mistook Calubid Jr. for their target, who had the same name but without the suffix “Junior.”

Sounds like the OSG's arguments all hinge on technicalities.  But the CA says it is an obvious case of mistaken identity with the old man sharing the name of a wanted NPA leader. Why not prove he is the guy rather than argue that his "failure to challenge the legality of his arrest in 2024 at the earliest opportunity and his voluntary submission to the jurisdiction of the trial court when he underwent arraignment “cured” the alleged defect in his arrest?"

The NUPL is also now saying the Anti-terror law has not served its purpose. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2078010/anti-terror-laws-purpose-not-achieved-five-years-on-lawyers

Five years after it was signed into law, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) has failed to fulfill its purpose of combating terrorism, according to National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) chair Edre Olalia.

“By and large … it will appear that the purported purpose of the Anti-Terror Law has not been achieved in running after the real terrorists, even as vaguely defined in the law itself,” Olalia told the Inquirer. “It has become more of a main tool in political repression.”

Case monitoring by rights group Karapatan shows that 227 individuals have been charged with violating the ATA, while 34 individuals have been designated “terrorists” by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC). Karapatan was among the rights groups present at a protest marking five years of the ATA at the Department of Justice earlier today.

“Apart from those more than 200 [charged] and this singular exception of Teves, we do not know of any individual organization that has been credibly charged (with violating) the terrorism law,” he said.

Olalia was referring to former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. Teves, suspected mastermind of the assassination of former Gov. Roel Degamo, is among 13 individuals designated by the ATC as terrorists.

“The pattern is that these activists … especially in the provinces, they will charge them with the terrorism law using false and perjured witnesses, claiming that these individuals were part of armed encounters by the New People’s Army,” said Olalia, who is also transitional president of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers.

The ATA was signed into law on July 3, 2020, under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, amid opposition from rights groups, indigenous organizations, and civil society coalitions who fear vague definitions and sweeping powers. NUPL represented Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and other activist groups in a 2020 petition to the Supreme Court against the anti-terror law.

“We view this really as a very dangerous law, as proven,” Olalia said. “People may not have seen it five years ago, but people should see it abundantly now, five years after.” 

They bring up an interesting point. If the Makabayan Bloc are CPP-NPA fronts the should have been designated terrorist groups by now. But they have not and terrorism continues to be an issue. 

Terrorists also continue to surrender.  In Surigao Sur an NPA rebel yielded and handed over two landmines. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1253389

A New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla surrendered to the troops of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, on Tuesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, 3SFBn commander Lt. Colonel Jason Pangandoyon identified the rebel surrenderer as Dante Engayas Sanchez, who brought with him an AK-47 rifle and two anti-personnel mines.

“The surrender of Sanchez was the result of the collaborative efforts between the 3SFBn troops and the community in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga town,” Pangandoyon said.

Sanchez is now in the custody of the 3SFBn for debriefing and processing for his enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“We continue our call to the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and avail of the government’s reintegration program,” Pangandoyon said.

He will definitely receive a lot of assistance in the form of money and food and housing. 

8 ex-rebels in Sorsogon were given 100,000 pesos in cash to aid them in rentering society. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2076087/pnp-chief-gives-p100000-cash-aid-to-8-ex-rebels-in-sorsogon

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III on Sunday, June 29, personally handed over P100,000 in financial aid to eight former communist rebels in this province.

The assistance forms part of the government’s reintegration program for rebel returnees, aimed at supporting their transition back into mainstream society.

Torre was in the city to lead the inauguration and blessing of a new police station here.

During his speech, he lauded the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO V), headed by Brigadier General Andre Perez Dizon, for its role in counterinsurgency efforts.

“We welcome them back into society and assure them of the government’s continued support, just like the assistance given by the provincial government of Sorsogon,” Torre told reporters.

During the event, Torre also showcased the PNP’s five-minute emergency response capability through 911, which was demonstrated via teleconferencing.

He said the system plays a vital role in saving lives and maintaining public order.

It's not clear if they got 100,000 each or if it was divided among them. Probably it was divided among them. 

Three terrorists in Maguindanao Norte surrendered. They were pictured handing over RPG's while standing behind boxes of noodles and canned sardines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1253391

Three militants operating under local terrorist groups surrendered to the Philippine Marines here, turning over two 60mm mortar launchers and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with one live round on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT-2) said two of the extremists belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under the Kagui Karialan faction, while one operated under the Dawlah Islamiya (DI)-Hassan Group.

According to the MBLT-2, the extremists' surrender was primarily due to combat fatigue, family pressure, and fear of continued military operations. Both the BIFF and DI have a history of violence ranging from bomb-making, targeted killings, extortion, and terrorism, which has threatened the safety of civilians and military personnel.

The MBLT-2 said DI-Hassan members are hiding in Barangay Barira, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, although its base is in the marshland of Maguindanao del Sur. They are part of the group led by Emarudin Kulaw Kasan and his father, Mustapha Kasan.

Last March 17, a military raid resulted in the neutralization of four individuals, including Mustapha Kasan, although Emarudin escaped. His father’s death reportedly triggered vows of revenge.

The MBLT-2 said the surrenderers are now entering formal reintegration procedures and will receive government-supported livelihood assistance.

As immediate aid, each received cash aid and a grocery package with rice, canned goods, and noodles, provided by MBLT-2 with stakeholders' support.

Seems they got tired of making bombs. Now they will get off scot-free as long as they apply for amnesty.

Assassinated Businessmen April to June, 2025

This is a list of businessmen who have been assassinated or survived an assassination attempt or who were kidnapped or who were the victim of a crime in the second quarter of 2025.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/942259/businessman-anson-que-driver-found-dead-in-rizal-dilg-s-remulla-confirms/story/

The two cadavers found on a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal belong to businessman Anson Que and his driver, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday.

“Yes, that’s confirmed,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla told GMA News Online in a message.

In an interview with reporters, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said businessman Que, also known as Anson Tan, and his driver were last seen alive on March 29 around 2 p.m. when they left Valenzuela City for a meeting.

“The following day, the family reported po na hindi nga po umuwi at nakarating doon sa mga scheduled po na activities. Noong hapon din po noon, noong March 30, nag-report na po ang family sa AKG,” she said.

(The following day, the family reported that he did not return home and did not arrive for scheduled activities. That afternoon, on March 30, the family reported to the AKG.)

Fajardo said that the last vehicle the victims used was found by the PNP’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in Quezon City on Tuesday.

According to Fajardo, the police are looking into the real motive in the abduction considering that the perpetrators supposedly asked for ransom but still killed the victims.

Fajardo refused to confirm if the family of the businessman sent ransom money to the perpetrators.

“As to the specifics, we will not be revealing ilang mga detalye po dahil ongoing po 'yung investigation including 'yung possibility na nagbigay po ng ransom po yung pamilya,” she said.

(As for the specifics, we will not be revealing any details because the investigation is ongoing, including the possibility that the family paid a ransom.)

Fajardo said the bodies bore signs of bruises and injuries.

She said investigators are pursuing some leads in the case including the possibility that the perpetrators were involved in previous kidnappings and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

A special investigation task group has been created to focus on the case, according to Fajardo.

The team will be headed by PNP’s chief of the directorial staff Police Lieutenant General Edgar Allan Okubo and the probe will be led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under its chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III.

Police Regional Office 4A (PRO 4A) said the bodies were discovered by a concerned citizen in Sitio Udiongan, Barangay Macabud around 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

“The two bodies were placed in a nylon bag, tied with nylon rope, and their faces were wrapped with duct tape,” PRO 4A public information office chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Chitadel Gaoiran said.

According to a report by James Agustin on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita, the victims were only wearing underwear and their heads were covered in blood.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/12/businessman-from-batangas-robbed-of-p1-m

A businessman was robbed of almost P1 million in cash and jewelry on Friday evening, April 11, in a subdivision in Barangay San Rafael, this city. 

Police identified the victim as Joven, 51.

Investigation said a man onboard a Gelly Sports Utility Vehicle  with license  plates NEW-8149 arrived and entered the victim’s house by climbing the concrete fence and destroying the steel grills on the second floor.

The suspect carted away P750,000 in assorted jewelry and P300,000 in cash stored in a portable vault.

The suspect was identified through a PhilHealth ID he presented upon entering the subdivision.

Police are conducting manhunt and follow-up investigation.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/23/vendor-shot-dead-in-batangas

A 34-year-old vegetable vendor was shot dead and his two companions were wounded in Barangay San Roque, this city, on Tuesday afternoon, April 22.

Police identified the fatality as Joseph Gonzaga and wounded were Mariz Bicaldo, 39, and Myra Villanueva, 47.

Investigation said the victims were onboard a tricycle to this city when two men riding a motorcycle shot them.

Gonzaga died on the spot and his companions were taken to the Santo Tomas General Hospital.

Recovered from the crime scene were two empty shells and one 45 caliber bullet.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/23/businesswoman-fatally-shot-in-store

A 63-year-old businesswoman was fatally shot in her store in Barangay Nancapian here on Tuesday. 

Police said the victim and her niece were attending to their store when a man wearing a white helmet with bonnet arrived and pretended to buy snacks. 

The victim leaned her head out of the small window of her store  and was shot once in her mouth with a caliber .45 pistol.

The suspect fled and the victim was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Police are conducting dragnet operations against the suspect and backtracking surveillance cameras to determine his whereabouts.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/5/4/businessman-shot-dead-in-quezon-1

A 40-year-old businessman was shot dead in Barangay Cagacag here on Saturday night, May 3.

Police identified the victim as Ranie. 

Investigation said Renie was outside his store when a man appeared and shot him at 9:20 p.m. 

He died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds. 

The suspect fled and police are conducting follow-up investigation.

 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/05/06/2440847/shipyard-owner-gunned-down-zamboanga-city

A shipyard operator, bicycling with a group, was shot dead by men on a motorcycle along the highway in Barangay Talisayan here on Sunday.

Police Station 10 investigators identified the victim as 59-year-old Walter Tong Jr., owner of the Varadero Cawit.

Tong was heading home with nine other bicyclists when two men on a motorcycle opened fire in front of the Zamboanga Economic and Free Port Zone.

Emergency responders rushed Tong to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police have launched a manhunt for the killers.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2061099/manhunt-launched-for-suspects-in-slay-of-marawi-restaurant-owners

Police have launched a manhunt for two men believed to be behind the killing of a couple who owned a restaurant in Marawi City on Friday morning.

Col. Robert Daculan, Lanao del Sur police director, said the bodies of Bairah Sangcaan Monte, 56, of Molundo, and her husband, Usodan Hadjicaya Monte, 58, of Tamparan, were discovered in the basement of their restaurant, B&E Inasal, in Barangay Sarimanok around 7 a.m. on May 16.

The victims bore hack wounds to the head and body and died on the spot, according to a police report submitted to Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police.

“We condemn the killing of the couple and we are tracking the suspects,” Daculan said in a statement Saturday.

“Rest assured of our in-depth investigation to bring these criminals behind bars,” he added, noting that two persons of interest have already been identified.

Witnesses told investigators the suspects were two male helpers at the restaurant, estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old and believed to be residents of Butuan City.

Maj. Salahuddin Basher, spokesperson for the Lanao del Sur police, said the couple’s bedroom was found in disarray, suggesting robbery may have been a motive.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra has ordered police to thoroughly investigate the incident and file appropriate charges once the suspects are identified.

“The loss of life is always a matter of great concern to the PNP,” said Lt. Col. Muhidin Pagayawan, Marawi City police chief. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that due process is followed in all aspects of the investigation.”

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2063373/chinese-businessman-gunned-down-in-dagupan-city

A Chinese businessman was shot and killed just before midnight on Saturday, May 24, while inside his vehicle along AB Fernandez Street in this city.

Police identified the victim in a report Sunday, May 25, as 40-year-old Tony Hou, a resident of Calasiao, Pangasinan.

According to initial investigations, Hou had just attended the wake of a fellow Chinese national at a funeral parlor on AB Fernandez Street. Moments after leaving the venue and boarding his vehicle, he was shot multiple times by an unidentified male assailant.

Hou sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to Region 1 Medical Center on Arellano Street but died along the way.

Police launched dragnet and checkpoint operations and coordinated with adjacent stations in an attempt to apprehend the fleeing assailant.

Recovered from the crime scene were four fired cartridge cases of a suspected 9mm caliber pistol, one deformed slug of undetermined caliber, one bullet jacket, and one deformed lead bullet.

Authorities said the motive for the killing has yet to be established.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/27/cop-shoots-bizwoman-dead-in-davao-city

A 39-year-old businesswoman was shot dead by a police officer in Davao City on Sunday night, May 25.

Police said the victim was a resident of Barangay Angliongto, Davao City.

Investigation said witnesses heard two gunshots at around 11:35 p.m. from a black Mitsubishi pickup parked on Palma Gil St., Barangay 13-B.

A man wearing dark clothing, jeans, and a cap left the vehicle, followed by the wounded victim, who was taken by responding lawmen to a hospital in Davao City where she was declared dead on arrival.

The suspect was positively identified by witnesses as a member of the Davao City Police Office Police Station 15 (Ecoland) through photographs shown by responding officers.

Recovered from the crime scene were two fired cartridge cases and two fired bullets. These pieces of evidence are currently undergoing ballistic examination. 

Davao City lawmen swiftly launched a manhunt resulting in the suspect’s voluntary surrender at 5 a.m. in Digos City on Monday, May 26. 

The suspect, allegedly involved in an extramarital affair and had quarreled with the victim before the incident, was turned over to DCPO Police Station 1 (Santa Ana) for the filing of appropriate charges.

Davao City police chief Police Col. Hansel Marantan said they are conducting a thorough investigation of the case.

Marantan assured the public that all legal action will be pursued in accordance with established procedures.

He reminded DCPO to uphold the law, serve the public with integrity, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/02/businessman-shot-dead-inside-house-in-ilocos-sur

A 52-year-old businessman was shot dead by his neighbor in Sitio San Jose, Barangay Magsaysay District, Santa, Ilocos Sur on Sunday night, June 1.

Police identified the victim as Desiderio Ballalo.

Investigation said that the suspect, who was wearing a dark blue sweater, black pants, and black cap, bought soft drinks and candy from the victim’s store and approached Ballalo who was washing the dishes at about 7:30 p.m.

The suspect drew a gun and shot the victim several times. Ballalo died on the spot.

The suspect was arrested in a follow-up operation.

Lawmen recovered three empty caliber 9mm shells in the crime scene.

Police withheld the identity of the suspect pending the filing of a murder charge against him in court.

Follow-up investigation is ongoing.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/27/businessman-survives-ambush-in-makati-city-2-chinese-gunmen-nabbed

Two Chinese nationals were arrested for shooting a 40-year-old Filipino businessman while boarding his parked vehicle in Makati City on Thursday night, June 27.

According to the police, the incident occurred at the parking lot of a mall on Amorsolo Street in Barangay Pio Del Pilar.

Initial investigation indicated that the victim was boarding his black SUV when he was approached by a man wearing a cap who fired multiple shots at him and his vehicle. The gunman quickly escaped onboard a sedan being driven by his accomplice.

The victim was unhurt.

Responding Makati Police officers cornered the suspects along Arnaiz Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas.

The suspects were identified as alias Liquan, 44, and Xunjun, 36.

The police recovered three firearms from the suspects including an HK MP5K submachine gun, two knives, a hammer, packaging tape, and other items.

Makati Police OIC Col. Reycon Garduque said the police are still investigating if the arrested suspects are gun-for-hire or are involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

The two are facing charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/26/businesswoman-shot-dead-in-quezon-city

A businesswoman was shot to death by an unknown suspect while walking along Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City.  

Based on the police report, the incident occurred on Monday night, June 23.  

Barangay Commonwealth Kagawad Elmer Buena said a concerned citizen reported the incident after hearing a gunshot sound.  

"We quickly went with the BPSOs and I also called our ambulance. When we arrived at the scene, we saw that the woman was lying there, covered in blood and with a head injury. We had our medics check on her, she didn't have a pulse anymore,” he said.  

The victim was declared dead on the spot by the first responders.  

Law enforcement authorities are investigating the possible motives for the killing. 

The victim reportedly owns various enterprises including a grocery store, piggery, and lending business.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/24/businessman-robbed-shot-dead-by-riding-in-tandem-in-sta-maria-bulacan

A businessman was robbed and shot dead by motorcycle-riding suspects inside a burger store in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, on Sunday, June 22.

Sta. Maria police identified the victim as Cris Mendoza, a resident of Barangay Tabing Bakod.

A CCTV footage captured the arrival of two motorcycles carrying four individuals at a nearby gas station.

The riders were later seen conversing and appeared to be targeting a man purchasing food at a burger stall.

Two of the back riders dismounted, approached Mendoza, and attempted to forcibly take his bag.

Mendoza resisted and fought back, prompting one of the suspects to shoot him.

Following the shooting, the suspects took the victim's Yamaha NMAX motorcycle and fled in an unknown direction.

Footage also showed the wounded victim pleading for help and asking for water from bystanders, some of whom were seen recording the incident on their phones.

Police later arrived and rushed Mendoza to a hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The Sta. Maria police continue their investigation to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the crime.

Meanwhile, Mendoza’s family is demanding justice and expressing frustration over what they describe as the slow response of authorities and the indifference of bystanders.