It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/02/village-chair-driver-shot-wounded-in-leyte |
A barangay chairman and a driver were shot and wounded on Saturday, Aug. 2, in Barangay Tagbas, Albuera, Leyte.
The victims were identified as Barangay Captain Enrico Barcelona of Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera and his driver Sabel Gubalane.Initial investigation revealed that the victims on board Barcelona’s vehicle were shot when they reached a bridge in Barangay Tagbas by unidentified gunmen at 4:30 p.m.Victims were taken to a hospital in Ormoc City, Leyte by the Albuera Rescue Unit.Police are conducting follow-up investigation and pursuit operations.
A barangay chairman and a driver were shot and wounded.
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| https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/08/03/2462785/ex-cavite-mayor-dismissed-anew |
A former municipal mayor in Cavite and his brother have been dismissed from their posts for the second time by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Former Silang mayor Alston Kevin Anarna and his brother, former municipal administrator and bids and awards committee (BAC) chairman Nathaniel Anarna Jr., have been found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The charges against the Anarnas stemmed from a complaint filed by Silang Mayor Edward Carranza, former vice mayor Mark Anthony Toledo and councilor Perpetuo Desingaño.
Aside from dismissal, the ombudsman canceled the eligibility and forfeited the retirement benefits of the Anarnas as well as disqualified them from holding any public post.
The ombudsman dismissed the charges of nepotism filed against the respondents for lack of merit.
In an 18-page ruling issued on June 25 and received by the office of Carranza on Friday, the ombudsman said Anarna Jr. was not qualified to hold the position and that his designation undermined the public’s faith and confidence in the local government.
“Despite the glaring want of qualification, Alston designated Nathaniel to head the BAC, compromising the principles of transparency and accountability,” the ruling read.
Since the Anarnas have already been out of government service due to their disqualification in 2024, the second dismissal will be converted into a fine equivalent to their one-year salary, payable to the ombudsman.
State prosecutors said the penalty of perpetual disqualification from public service is not symbolic. It said public officials remain accountable for misconduct committed while in office even after leaving the service.
A former municipal mayor in Cavite and his brother have been dismissed from their posts for the second time by the Office of the Ombudsman.
An absent without official leave (AWOL) police officer was shot dead on Sunday in Sitio Gungab, Barangay Poblacion, Albuera, Leyte.The victim was identified as Dexter Patun-og, 47, who had been AWOL since 2007 and a resident of Bliss Bagong Buhay, Ormoc City, Leyte.The victim was watching a cockfight when an unidentified gunman appeared and fired at him. Patun-og sustained multiple bullet wounds and died on the spot.The incident triggered panic, prompting people at the Antonio B. Zaldivar Cockpit and Sports Center to flee.The Albuera Municipal Police Station launched an investigation and conducting pursuit operation to identify and apprehend the suspect.
An AWOL cop was shot dad at a cockpit arena.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1255750 |
Twenty-one soldiers, including an Army company commander, of the Army's 6th Infantry Battalion based in Maguindanao del Sur, have been relieved from their posts following the death of a neophyte soldier during traditional reception rites.
Private Charlie Patigayon, a 22-year-old recruit from Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, died while undergoing reception rites at the 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB) headquarters in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, on July 30.
In a statement Monday, the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said: “Reception rites, long observed as a tradition to welcome new members into the military community, must be conducted with utmost consideration for the health and safety of soldiers.” It added that these activities must remain within the bounds of existing military policies and regulations.
“Any deviation or breach that compromises the welfare of personnel is subject to disciplinary action,” the 6ID added.
Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, the 6ID spokesperson, said in a radio interview that the 21 infantrymen, including the company commander and his executive officer, were relieved and restricted inside the battalion headquarters. The relief order, issued on Monday, aims to facilitate an impartial investigation into Patigayon's death.
Patigayon and other soldiers were being welcomed by senior Army personnel at the 6IB base when he suddenly collapsed. His companions rushed him to a hospital.
Citing an Army medical report, Orbon said the cause of Patigayon’s death was kidney failure.
6ID commander Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran has ordered an investigation to determine if there was hazing or maltreatment that led to the young soldier’s death. The 6ID maintains a zero-tolerance policy against practices that endanger the lives of soldiers, he assured.
Earlier, relatives of Patigayon in Kolambogan had sought the help of the Army to conduct an impartial investigation.
Twenty-one soldiers, including an Army company commander, of the Army's 6th Infantry Battalion based in Maguindanao del Sur, have been relieved from their posts following the death of a neophyte soldier during traditional reception rites.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday suspended for 90 days the 12 police officers tagged by whistleblower Julie "Totoy" Patidongan in the disappearance of "sabungeros" or cockfight enthusiasts.The suspension was announced by Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan during a press conference in Quezon City.
"The chief PNP (Philippine National Police) or his duly authorized representative is hereby directed to implement this order immediately and to submit proof of compliance to the commission within 5 days of receipt hereof," Calinisan said, reading from the four-page resolution.
Those ordered suspended were:
- Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr.
- Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa
- Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla
- PEMS Aaron Ezrah Cabillan
- PEMS Arturo dela Cruz Jr.
- PSMS Joey Encarnacion
- PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique
- PSMS Anderson Abary
- PMSG Renan Fulgencio
- PSSG Alfredo Andres
- PSSG Edmon Muñoz
- Cpl. Angel Joseph Martin
Malinao, the former director of Batangas Provincial Police Office, is being investigated for alleged grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The 11 other cops are facing complaints for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
“The Commission, after a careful and judicious evaluation of the records and the motion, finds that there exists substantial legal and factual basis to warrant the grant of the Motion for Preventive Suspension,” the resolution, signed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and three Napolcom officials, read.
“The gravity of the charges, the preliminary showing of strong evidence of guilt and the necessity to safeguard the integrity and impartiality of the proceedings collectively justify the imposition of preventive suspension against the Respondents,” it added.
The resolution pointed out that the preventive suspension is not tantamount to a finding of culpability on the part of the policemen.
“The imposition of preventive suspension is not a penalty, but a protective and procedural measure intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation, prevent any undue influence or interference in the proceedings and assure the availability of evidence and witnesses,” it said.
Patidongan linked the 12 police officers to the abductions of the cockfight enthusiasts, with businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang as the alleged mastermind.
Ang has denied Patidongan's accusation and filed countercharges against him.
Last Friday, relatives of the missing cockfight enthusiasts filed murder and illegal detention complaints against Ang and several others before the Department of Justice.
12 PNP officers linked to the disappearance of sabungeros have been suspended.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1255800 |
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is conducting an investigation into the incident involving a police officer who failed to respond to the commission of a crime in his presence.
“We do not condone any act of neglect or failure to perform duty, especially in situations where police presence is critical to public safety. We assure the public that this matter is being addressed with urgency, transparency, and fairness,” Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said in a statement on Monday.
The police officer, with a rank of lieutenant, was seen in an undated viral video with two individuals who were throwing bottles during a drinking session in Barangay Punong, Lapuz, Iloilo City.
Lt. Col. Joem Malong, public information officer of PRO-NIR, said they saw the closed-circuit television video being circulated online on Monday, prompting Ibay to relieve the police officer from his post at the Regional Logistics and Research Development Division here.
“Upon review and verification of the incident, immediate actions were taken to uphold accountability and reinforce our commitment to public trust and professional conduct,” she said.
Malong said the concerned personnel was reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding Administrative Unit, while the formal investigation is being conducted by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division.
She said the police officer was also required to surrender his issued firearm.
A PNP officer who failed to respond when a crime was committed in his presence is under investigation.
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| https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/650504/policeman-accused-of-maltreating-minors-in-lapu-lapu-city |
A police officer is facing criminal charges after he was accused of attempting to drown three minor girls at a beach resort in Barangay Marigondon on Sunday afternoon, August 3, 2025.
The three 16-year-old complainants claimed that while they were bathing at the beach around 3:00 p.m., the patrolman approached them and told them not to swim in the deeper part of the water. Moments later, he allegedly pulled one of the girls by the arm, grabbed the others, and tried to drown them.
The minors believe the police officer was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Responding to a call from a concerned citizen, personnel from Lapu-Lapu City Police Station 4 immediately went to the scene.
The accused officer, who was off-duty at the time, has strongly denied the allegations. He claimed he was also swimming at the beach when he noticed a strong current and warned a group of teenage boys not to go into the deeper part of the water. He insisted he did not recall interacting with the female complainants.
However, the girls maintained that aside from them, two male teenagers were also harassed by the officer. In a separate report, a vendor near the beach alleged that the same officer forced him to smell the officer’s sock.
On Monday, August 4, the policeman underwent inquest proceedings before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), said the officer is facing charges for physical injuries in relation to Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the Anti-Child Abuse Law.
In addition to the criminal case, the complainants may also pursue administrative charges against the police officer.
A police officer is facing criminal charges after he was accused of attempting to drown three minor girls at a beach resort.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1255832 |
Through its 911 hotline for swift and responsive police service, a cop and another suspect were arrested for illegal discharge and illegal possession of firearms in separate incidents in Manila and Caloocan City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Tuesday.
In a statement, NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said a concerned citizen called 911 around 10:53 p.m. Sunday, reporting the alleged firearm discharge along Moriones St., Barangay 123 in Tondo, Manila.
Operatives from the Raxabago Police Station under the Manila Police District (MPD) who were immediately dispatched to the scene observed the 37-year-old suspect, a police officer, engaging in a drinking session with friends.
Upon informing him of the complaint, the suspect surrendered his government-issued firearm, loaded with 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition, along with his PNP ID.
The suspect was brought to Police Station 1 for further investigation while his firearm, magazine, ammunition, and identification will be transferred to the MPD–General Assignment and Investigation Section for the proper disposition of the case.
"Our swift and responsive actions following a 911 report reflect the Chief PNP’s (Gen. Nicolas Torre III) unbending commitment to public safety and accountability within the PNP (Philippine National Police) ranks. Walang sinisino ang batas -- lahat ay mananagot sa kanilang mga aksyon (No one is above the law – everyone will be accountable for their actions),” Aberin said.
A cop has been arrested for indiscriminately firing his service weapon.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/05/caloocan-police-say-students-death-not-linked-to-fathers-arrest-cops-involved-relieved-from-posts |
The Caloocan City Police Station on Tuesday, August 5, denied allegations that the death of a 20-year-old college student from leptospirosis was connected to the arrest of his father.
The statement came in response to a viral social media post claiming that the student contracted the disease after repeatedly wading through floodwaters to search for his missing father—who was later discovered to be in police custody for a minor gambling offense.According to the police, the student’s illness developed under circumstances unrelated to the police operation.“Based on verified reports and timelines, the unfortunate death of the youth due to leptospirosis is not related to the arrest of the father. The health-related incident occurred under different circumstances that have no casual connection to the police operation,” the statement said.In light of questions raised about possible lapses during the arrest, the Caloocan police reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability. They encouraged the family to file a formal complaint if officers failed to notify them about the arrest, assuring the public of a thorough investigation.“Any allegation of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated and necessary disciplinary actions will be taken as appropriate,” they said.The police also confirmed that the station commander and personnel involved in the incident have been temporarily relieved from their posts pending further review.They further clarified that bail and release procedures fall under the jurisdiction of the courts and the Prosecutor’s Office—not the Philippine National Police (PNP).“The recommendation for bail and subsequent temporary release of the accused is solely within the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor’s Office and the court. The PNP has no authority or influence over such judicial decisions,” the station said.In response to other concerns raised in the viral post—such as the proliferation of online gambling—the police noted that these matters fall under the responsibility of other government agencies.“The PNP’s mandate primarily covers peace and order, crime prevention, and law enforcement,” they stated.The Caloocan police also urged the public to exercise caution in spreading information online, warning against the dangers of misinformation.The police extended their condolences to the student’s family.“We offer our condolences to the family of the deceased youth and assure the community of out continued dedication to serving the people of Caloocan City with integrity and professionalism,” it said.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1255777 |
A 24-year-old teacher in Lanao del Sur was shot dead by an unidentified gunman on Monday morning, police reported.
In his report to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Director Col. Caezar Cabuhat identified the victim as Danilo Barba, a dedicated teacher at Balabagan Trade School.
The victim, a native of Trento, Agusan del Sur, was walking toward the school in Barangay Narra, Balabagan, when a lone gunman shot him at about 8 a.m. Barba died on the spot from gunshot wounds to the head.
Bangsamoro education Minister Mohagher Iqbal condemned the killing.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) condemns the tragic killing of Mr. Danilo Barba, a dedicated teacher of Balabagan Trade School in Lanao del Sur, who was mercilessly shot and killed on the morning of August 4, 2025,” Iqbal said in a statement.
Iqbal said the act of violence against an educator is "both painful and unacceptable."
He said teachers are pillars of the community and their safety must be safeguarded at all times.Iqbal urged the local police to bring the perpetrators behind bars to prevent similar attacks on educators in the future.Dr. Rubina Mimbantas Macabunar, Lanao del Sur II Schools Division Superintendent, also condemned the attack.
“We strongly condemn this senseless and violent act that took away the life of an educator who committed himself to the service of our learners and the community,” Macabunar said in a statement.
She called for a thorough investigation and for all those responsible to be held accountable.
A 24-year-old teacher in Lanao del Sur was shot dead by an unidentified gunman.
An incumbent barangay kagawad and another male individual were arrested for allegedly possessing 500 grams of suspected shabu (crystal meth) in Lanao del Norte, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.
This was the result of a buy-bust operation Tuesday night at a town center in Barangay Poblacion, Kapatagan, the PDEA detailed in a statement Wednesday.
The drugs were found in four knot-tied transparent plastic sachets of different sizes, the agency added.
PDEA identified the barangay kagawad only as “Nomairie,” 41; and the other male individual as “Al Hariki,” 32.
The agency said both suspects were residents of Barangay Mamaanon in Salvador town in the same province.
However, PDEA did not say in which barangay the kagawad was currently elected.
The two suspects will face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act, according to the agency.
An incumbent barangay kagawad and another male individual were arrested for allegedly possessing 500 grams of suspected shabu.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/06/sandiganbayan-affirms-conviction-of-2-barangay-officials |
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of two barangay officials in Mulanay, Quezon for malversation of P900,495 public funds in 2007.Affirmed was the June 15, 2023 decision handed down by the Quezon regional trial court (RTC) which convicted Barangay Chairperson Annabelle Veluya and Treasurer Jofelyn Jaqueca of Barangay IV-Poblacion in Malunay town.Also affirmed was the imprisonment imposed by the RTC on Veluya and Jaqueca ranging from two years, four months and one day to six years and one day, and the payment of fine amounting to P900,495.In their appeal before the anti-graft court, they claimed that there should be proof that demand was made by any duly authorized officer for the public funds.But the anti-graft court said: “It did not matter that a demand was not made against the accused-appellants since the same is not necessary to prove malversation. At the end of the day, what pivots this court to adjudge is whether the essential elements of malversation, as provided by law and jurisprudence, were proven beyond reasonable doubt, as found by the trial court.”Thus, it ruled that with the failure of Veluya and Jaqueca to provide compelling reasons to overturn the decision, “their judgment of conviction should only be sustained.”The 22-page decision was written by Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta with the concurrence of Associate Justices Zaldy V. Trespeses and Georgina D. Hidalgo.
Members of a National Bureau of Investigation - Special Task Force (NBI-STF) are under investigation following alleged irregularities in the service of a search warrant at a resort in Malolos City, Bulacan on July 14.in a radio interview Wednesday, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the 13 STF members were reassigned to other units.The operation was for alleged love scam operations, but the agents provided the incorrect address to the court when it requested for a search warrant.
Instead of Ligas Road, the warrant indicated Sta. Rita.
Santiago said he will be also be meeting with the lawyers of the Chinese nationals who were arrested during the raid over allegation that personal items were confiscated by the NBI agents.
“Madi-dismiss talaga (It is really going to be dismissed). A search warrant should particularly identify the place to be searched and the things to be seized. The court was misled into issuing that warrant," Santiago said.
He said the NBI’s internal affairs unit is already investigating.
Meanwhile, the Chinese nationals arrested during the raid remained under custody of the NBI as they face deportation charges.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2092398/pampanga-mayor-held-in-extortion-sting |
Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. of San Simon town, Pampanga, was arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation’s intelligence division for alleged extortion and graft.
The arrest, carried out by at least 15 operatives, took place at a cafe inside Clark Freeport at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to NBI Assistant Director Noel Cruz Bocaling, chief of the agency’s intelligence division.
“Punsalan did not resist arrest while his six bodyguards were disarmed,” Bocaling confirmed in a telephone interview on Wednesday.
Punsalan has not responded to phone calls or messages from the Inquirer since Tuesday night.
The operation stemmed from complaints filed by Irwin Chua and Mel Arellano, president and corporate secretary, respectively, of Real Steel Corp., a steel bar manufacturing firm operating in San Simon.
Chua was appointed trade commissioner to Pampanga by the Republic of Vanuatu, according to an appointment letter dated Nov. 6, 2023, and signed by Minister Marc Ati of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chua also holds a Vanuatu passport.
According to Arellano, Punsalan “demanded P100 million from the company” despite the firm having no environmental or tax-related violations.
Sources told the Inquirer that two Chinese-owned steel companies in the town have either shut down or suspended operations due to alleged extortion attempts by the mayor.Bocaling said the NBI is set to file formal cases against Punsalan today.
Punsalan had been suspended four times by the provincial board and the Ombudsman in relation to land-use conversion cases.
Asked for comment, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda said the mayor must “clear his name by himself.”
“I am dismayed by this development because hours before he was entrapped, he attended an event [of the Department of the Interior and Local Government] where he swore to be an honest public servant,” Pineda said in a phone interview.
She added: “I also constantly remind our public officials to dutifully carry out their mandate and duties.”
Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. of San Simon town, Pampanga, was arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation’s intelligence division for alleged extortion and graft.
