Retards in the Government 478

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

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2259476/2-cops-slain-in-sultan-kudarat-ambush

Two police officers were killed in an ambush by still unidentified gunmen in Lambayong town, Sultan Kudarat province, on Tuesday night, July 7.

Initial report from Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office, showed that the victims, identified only as Patrolmen Pagurayan and Bullos, were riding in tandem on a motorcycle driven by Pagurayan, when ambuhsed at about 6:30 p.m. while traversing a bridge in Barangay Tinumiguis.

Both fatalities were assigned to the 1202nd Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB 12).

The gunmen used M16 rifles in the ambush based on the empty shells recovered at the scene.

Manhunt operation was still ongoing as of posting.

Two police officers were killed in an ambush by still unidentified gunmen in Lambayong town, Sultan Kudarat province.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/10/pateros-mayor-suspends-2-employees-for-not-wearing-helmets

Pateros Mayor Gerald German suspended two municipal employees who were caught riding a motorcycle without helmets on July 6.

German earlier directed the two employees, assigned to the Pateros Business District and Administration Office, to submit an explanation.

A photo showed them riding without helmets along B. Morcilla Street.

The employees said they were rushing to respond to a report about street beggars in Barangay Sta. Ana.

The municipal government, however, ruled that urgency was not a valid reason to disregard the law.

German later issued an administrative order, imposing a traffic citation ticket on the motorcyclist for violating the helmet ordinance and suspending him without pay for five days. His companion was given a three-day suspension without pay.

“This step is proof that in the Pateros Municipal Government, the law is enforced equally. No one is above the law—be it a government employee or official,” the municipal government said.

Pateros Mayor Gerald German suspended two municipal employees who were caught riding a motorcycle without helmets.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279297

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the immediate filing of administrative and criminal cases against a police officer who was arrested over the weekend for allegedly transporting PHP1.285 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Nartatez instructed concerned units to place the police officer, who is assigned at Camp Crame in Quezon City, under restrictive custody and to immediately initiate administrative proceedings.

He ordered investigators to ensure the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative cases without delay once the investigation and the assessment of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are completed.

“The arrest demonstrates that no one is above the law. We will ensure a thorough, impartial investigation, and if the evidence warrant, the concerned personnel will face both administrative and criminal charges,” Nartatez said in a statement on Monday.

The police officer was arrested Sunday during a checkpoint conducted by intelligence personnel of the Pagadian City Police Station along the national highway in Barangay Tiguma after authorities received information about the alleged transport of smuggled cigarettes.

The suspect attempted to pass through the checkpoint, but during a search of the vehicle, police discovered 251 reams of New Berlin cigarettes with an estimated market value of PHP1.285 million. 

Meanwhile, authorities confiscated PHP50.98 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 86 suspects in 62 nationwide operations conducted July 2 to 9, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Monday.

Of those arrested, 55 were identified as drug pushers while 10 were alleged possessors.

All suspects will face charges under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

A cop has been busted for smuggling cigarettes

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/746805/cebu-city-hospital-coa-flags-₱1-13b-spent-on-delayed-ccmc-project

The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Cebu City Government’s implementation of the long-delayed Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) project, after finding that ₱1.13 billion had already been spent on the project despite major engineering deficiencies, contract issues, and prolonged delays that prevented auditors from completing a full technical evaluation.

The findings add another layer of scrutiny to one of the city’s largest and longest-running infrastructure projects. These are contained in COA’s 2025 Annual Audit Report on the Cebu City Government.

The Cebu City hospital project has remained unfinished more than a decade after the 2013 Bohol earthquake rendered the old hospital building unsafe.

COA said that deficiencies in detailed engineering activities, inadequately substantiated contract time extensions, and the failure to submit required technical documents contributed to “significant implementation delays.” 

It also led to contract terminations in some phases and kept state auditors from fully inspecting and doing a technical evaluation of portions of the project.

The audit covered five infrastructure contracts comprising the proposed new CCMC, which had accumulated ₱1,130,186,007.55 in project costs as of Dec. 31, 2025, against a total contract value of ₱1,904,225,845.36.

The observations come as the Archival administration pushes to complete the hospital by the end of 2026 and after city officials themselves acknowledged lingering concerns over the quality and management of previous construction phases.

In its report, COA said that the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) failed to submit several required documents needed for a proper technical audit. This prevented auditors from completing engineering evaluations required under government regulations.

Among the deficiencies auditors identified were inadequate detailed engineering activities before project implementation, insufficient justification for contract time extensions, prolonged suspensions of construction works, and missing technical records for several project phases.

The audit cited inconsistencies with Presidential Decree No. 1870, the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act No. 9184), and COA Circular No. 2009-001, which prescribes documentary requirements for infrastructure audits.

For Phases I, II, as well as the interior masonry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection works on the fifth and sixth floors, COA directed the DEPW to submit all lacking technical documents to facilitate the completion of the audit.

As for Phase III, auditors ordered the city to justify the reported 574-day suspension of the project and recover any overpayments if warranted.

Referring to Phase IV, COA required city engineers to explain excess and non-bill of quantities (BOQ) items, justify corresponding payments, and account for the reported non-functionality of installed systems as well as the absence of testing and commissioning.

Auditors also instructed the city to explain why implementation problems slipped through the detailed engineering stage undetected. 

They further asked the city to submit an approved master plan clearly identifying work assignments for each construction phase. They asked for the detailed Program of Works and Estimates showing how activities were distributed across the hospital’s different sections.

COA further recommended evaluating unfinished contracts for possible termination or takeover through the city’s Contract Termination Review Committee.

Finally, the commission urged the city government to ensure that future infrastructure projects undergo adequate detailed engineering. All required documents must be submitted on time to allow proper audit and technical evaluation.

The audit findings closely mirror concerns Cebu City officials recently raised over the hospital’s prolonged construction.

Last week, Mayor Nestor Archival said he supports hiring an independent project management consultant to oversee the remaining works.

He said the project has become too complicated after passing through multiple contractors over the past decade.

Archival also disclosed that recent inspections found portions of previous construction that may not satisfy technical standards, particularly involving the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems. These still require extensive testing before completion can proceed.

The mayor said that city engineers have already instructed the current contractor to conduct technical tests. Results will determine whether the city needs to replace previously installed systems.

The contractor also received an additional 145 days to complete portions of the project because of these technical requirements.

The COA observations also came days after the Cebu City Council ordered an investigation into the project’s repeated delays.

During last week’s regular session, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña described the reconstruction as the city’s “most corrupt” infrastructure project and questioned the absence of a complete program of works despite multiple contractors handling different phases over the years.

Councilor David “Dave” Tumulak likewise urged the city government to hire an independent project management consultant, saying professional oversight has become necessary to coordinate contractors, monitor schedules, ensure quality control, and protect taxpayers’ money.

The council subsequently referred the matter to its committees on infrastructure, health, and laws for further inquiry.

The reconstruction of the new CCMC began after the magnitude 7.2 Bohol earthquake in October 2013 rendered the original hospital building structurally unsafe.

Since then, successive city administrations have allocated billions of pesos for the project. 

But changing contractors, procurement issues, contract disputes, engineering deficiencies, missing technical documents, and administrative transitions repeatedly stalled completion.

The city resumed Phase 5 construction earlier this year and aims to complete the building by December 2026, with full hospital operations targeted in early 2027.

Once completed, the expanded facility will add 400 to 500 hospital beds. That will significantly increase Cebu City’s capacity to provide tertiary healthcare services.

The Commission on Audi has flagged the Cebu City Government’s implementation of the long-delayed Cebu City Medical Center project, after finding that ₱1.13 billion had already been spent on the project despite major engineering deficiencies, contract issues, and prolonged delays that prevented auditors from completing a full technical evaluation.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/14/ombudsman-suspends-san-pablo-city-mayor-for-6-months

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday enforced the six-month preventive suspension against Mayor Arcadio “Najie” Gapangada here.

The Ombudsman suspended Gapaganda for administrative charges of grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and oppression.

The cases stemmed from a complaint filed Vice Mayor Justine Colago who was installed as acting mayor by the DILG-Calabarzon.

Gapaganda allegedly stripped career and plantilla officials of their functions, marginalized them, reassigned them, or bypassed them in the operations of various city offices in favor of job order employees.

Brian Mey Tomas, assistant secretary for legal and legislative affairs of the DILG, issued the order directing DILG-Calabarzon regional director Ariel Iglesia to implement Gapaganda’s suspension dated July 8, 2026.

Councilor Carmela Acebedo assumed the position of acting vice mayor.

Colago vowed to conduct a comprehensive review of Gapangada's appointments and ordered department heads to examine and revoke questionable job order contracts.

Gapangada denied any wrongdoing and said he will file a Motion for Reconsideration before the Ombudsman, saying his suspension violated his right to due process.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has enforced the six-month preventive suspension against Mayor Arcadio “Najie” Gapangada.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/13/soldier-wounded-in-sulu-ambush

A soldier was wounded in an ambush in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo Sulu, on Sunday, July 12. 

Investigation showed that the victim, 28-year-old Philippine Army Corporal Ernesto Cataylo Jr., was driving his motorcycle when he was shot by gunmen on another motorcycle. Catalo was taken to a hospital. 

Meanwhile, a 42-year-old man was shot dead in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo by an unidentified gunman in a suspected drug-related attack. 

Police identified the victim as Ebrakin Mamong Nur, a resident of Patikul, Sulu. 

Nur was walking in Barangay Kasalamatan when he was killed. 

Police found cartridge cases, a deformed slug from a caliber .45 pistol, and drug paraphernalia. 

Follow-up investigations are ongoing.

A soldier was wounded in an ambush. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279422

The Sandiganbayan has sentenced a former social worker to up to 24 years in prison for malversation and graft charges involving funds meant for emergency subsidies for more than 9,000 beneficiaries of the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

In a 56-page decision dated July 13 and written by Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, the anti-graft court affirmed the Manila Regional Trial Court's ruling that convicted Victoria Marites Cobico, a former special disbursing officer stationed at the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), for misappropriating over PHP4 million in public funds in 2021.

Cobico was sentenced to a maximum penalty of up to 16 years in prison for the malversation charge and up to eight years with perpetual disqualification from public office for a separate graft case.

The court also ordered Cobico to return the malversed amount worth PHP4.272 million, "with legal interest at the rate of 6 percent per annum from the finality of judgment until full payment."

The money was part of the PHP74.98 million encashed by the accused and was meant for payout to beneficiaries of the SAP, aimed at assisting individuals whose livelihoods were affected by community quarantines during the coronavirus pandemic.

An employee for eight years at the time she was charged, the accused claimed she was pressured into admitting during the cash count that she had lent SAP funds to a friend whose child had cancer.

She also denied being the sole person who distributed SAP funds.

“(A)ccused-appellant was specifically tasked to receive, safeguard, disburse, liquidate, and return any unexpended balance of the cash advance. Such functions necessarily carried with them legal accountability over the entirety of the funds entrusted to her,” the court explained.

“The duty to account for public funds remains personal to the accountable officer and cannot be diluted or transferred through informal delegation or internal arrangements,” the Sandiganbayan added, in affirming the lower court’s ruling.

The Sandiganbayan has sentenced a former social worker to up to 24 years in prison for malversation and graft charges involving funds meant for emergency subsidies for more than 9,000 beneficiaries of the government’s Social Amelioration Program.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Manageable, Don't Panic, and More!

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

COVID-19 is spiking in Quezon City but experts say these are mild cases. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2259232/expert-most-covid-19-cases-now-mild-despite-qc-spike

Most COVID-19 infections currently circulating in the country are generally mild and resolve within a few days, an infectious disease expert said Tuesday, urging the public to remain cautious but not alarmed despite a recent localized spike in cases reported in Quezon City.

Speaking on state-run PTV-4 on Tuesday, Dr. Rontgene Solante of San Lazaro Hospital said the current rise in COVID-19 cases in Quezon City should not be a cause for public concern because the prevailing variants are no longer associated with severe disease in most patients.

“This is not something to be concerned about because most of the COVID-19 cases we encountered only experienced mild symptoms such as colds and coughs, and would eventually recover within three to four days,” he said.

Solante explained that the increase in COVID-19 cases in Quezon City was “normal,” as it coincides with the rainy season from June to November, when respiratory viral infections—including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and COVID-19—typically become more common.

He stressed that while infections continue to occur, the circulating COVID-19 variants are the same strains that have been spreading since 2024, which are “no longer as virulent and are generally not associated with severe illness or death.”

Data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) showed that confirmed Covid-19 cases increased by over 265 percent to 84 from June 11 to July 1, up from 23 cases recorded between May 21 and June 10.

Since January, the Quezon City government has recorded a total of 146 confirmed cases.

Of the recent cases, only 17 or 14 percent required hospital admission, while 108 or 86 percent were managed as outpatients, according to the Department of Health.

Around 70 percent, or the majority of the patients, have already recovered.

Children aged 14 years and below accounted for the largest share of confirmed COVID-19 cases at 30 percent.

Meanwhile, adults aged 25 to 29, and senior citizens aged 60 and above each accounted for 16 percent of cases.

Solante said the large number of COVID-19 cases among children aged 14 and below in Quezon City may be due to increased exposure in schools, where classrooms are often crowded and students interact closely with one another.

“Children in this age group are already attending school, and classrooms are usually crowded. Some students have colds or coughs, so transmission can easily occur,” he said.

Children below age 14 make up the majority of cases. Has the vaccine worn off? Did it ever work?

Experts are warning parents to stay vigilant but and refraining from panicking. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2261183/health-experts-to-parents-stay-vigilant-on-covid-19-dont-panic

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) has called on parents to remain vigilant against COVID-19 amid an uptick in infections, but stressed that there is no reason for alarm, as recent cases have been less severe.

In a statement on Facebook on Thursday, the group reminded the public that COVID-19 continues to circulate in communities, and that the actual number of cases may be higher than reported because many people are no longer getting tested for the virus when they develop respiratory symptoms.

However, the group also stressed that there is “no need to panic,” noting that “there is currently no evidence that the circulating strains are causing more severe illness than those seen in recent years.”

“Most children continue to experience mild disease, although infants, children with underlying conditions, and other vulnerable individuals remain at higher risk for complications,” PIDSP said.

The group called on parents to remain vigilant and take several precautions to prevent the spread of the disease and other respiratory illnesses, including staying at home should they or their children develop signs of a respiratory disease, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, among others.

PIDSP also advised the public to wear face masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, and when they are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The public was also urged to avoid unnecessary crowds if they are already unwell or if COVID-19 is reportedly circulating in their area.

The group added that individuals who develop symptoms of the virus should consider getting tested for COVID-19, especially before returning to school or work or when visiting someone at higher risk for complications.

It also called on parents to immediately seek medical attention if their children have difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, signs of dehydration, and unusual sleepiness.

“There is no need for alarm, but this is a good time to renew healthy habits that have helped keep our families safe,” the group said.

On July 5, the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) reported that cases of COVID-19 in the city have increased by 265.22 percent in a span of three weeks. It said confirmed cases rose to 84 from June 11 to July 1, from just 23 in May 21 to June 10.

QCESD said total cases of COVID-19 in Quezon City for this year was now at 146, and urged the public to take preventive measures to prevent the further spread of infections.

The health monitoring unit later stressed that there is no cause for alarm as reported cases have been mild with no evidence of clustering or severe illness.

Just renew healthy habits they say. But really, if COVID is supposed to be endemic now and part of the regular cast of rotating viruses, then why is this news?

COVID-19 cases are rising in Baguio but the mayor says the situation remains manageable. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/746399/rise-of-covid-19-cases-in-baguio-remains-manageable-mayor

Since the beginning of 2026, the city has logged 41 confirmed Covid-19 cases, and while infections are increasing since May, Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured residents that the situation remains under control. 

Magalong stated on Saturday, July 11, that the reported infections have all been mild and there is “no cause for alarm.”

He noted that most of the confirmed cases involve healthcare workers and hospital personnel rather than the general public.

“The circulating virus is Covid-19 itself, cases reported have been mild, and there is no cause for alarm,” the mayor said.

According to Magalong, the City Health Services Office, in coordination with hospitals, is closely monitoring the cases and implementing measures to contain infections within health facilities.

The mayor directed local health authorities to remain vigilant and strengthen infection prevention measures in hospitals while assuring residents that healthcare facilities remain safe and fully capable of serving the public.

Magalong also urged the public to continue observing basic health precautions, including wearing face masks in crowded areas, washing hands regularly, and staying home when experiencing symptoms of illness.

He said the city government will continue to provide updates as necessary and called on residents to respond with “calm and confidence, not fear.”

One local doctor has assessed the situation in the nation and has the following advice.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/14/covid-19-whats-new-and-should-we-be-worried

Last week, I received a flurry of messages from friends and strangers when the Quezon City government announced a 265 percent increase in Covid-19 cases over the last three weeks. Despite the pandemic having ended three years ago, many people still get anxious whenever there is a spike in cases.

The unprecedented lockdowns and deaths during the pandemic are still seared into people’s memories. Many of us, especially health care workers, have some form of post-traumatic stress disorder from those terrible times.

While a 265 percent increase sounds alarming, it is important to put this into perspective. If you read the report closely, the actual numbers are an increase from 23 to 84 cases. A total of 146 cases have been recorded for 2026. Most of these were managed as outpatients and a little over 10 percent were admitted with no reported deaths. About 70 percent have recovered while 30 percent are still active cases as of this writing.

Addressing this concern, the Department of Health also pointed out that nationwide, total cases of Covid-19 are actually lower compared with last year, from 3,579 cases in 2025 to the current 719 cases as of June 20, 2026.

What are the possible reasons for this increase? First, these numbers likely represent only a small number of the actual cases circulating since routine testing for Covid-19 is no longer done. From a healthcare perspective, we only routinely test those patients who are at risk for progression to severe disease or who already have severe disease. Other reasons for testing might be routine surveillance by the health department as well as contact tracing for epidemiologic investigation. Without proper context, it is very difficult to determine whether this represents an accurate picture of case numbers in the community.

Second, overall trends are more important than one of two data points which can just be a random spike. Finally, it is important to look at these case numbers on a per capita basis since there are three million people who live in Quezon City, not counting transients.

Since Covid-19 has become endemic, we expect it to exhibit some seasonality just like other respiratory viruses like influenza. There will be some periods of the year where we will see an increase. This is part of the natural selection process where SARS-CoV-2 needs to find its niche among the different seasonal respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV. There are no new variants of SARS-CoV-2 that have recently made an appearance. The latest designated variant under monitoring (VUM) is still XFG, which was designated as such in 2025.

Unfortunately, we currently have no genomic data to describe the current cohort of cases, but unless the increase is sustained, there is no reason to believe that a new local variant is emerging.

Nevertheless, these increases in cases need to be carefully monitored like other seasonal viruses such as the flu. They can increase pressure on the healthcare system especially when more than one respiratory virus is resurgent. In addition, an increase in the number of cases should prompt mitigation strategies and risk reduction measures for the most vulnerable.

At these times, the elderly and the immunocompromised should wear good quality masks and be extra careful around crowds. We still don't have any updated vaccines that have been approved locally, but the old vaccines seem to still be protecting us. Mortality for previously vaccinated individuals who get Covid-19 remains low. Yearly updated vaccines are being released in the US and other developed countries. Unfortunately, our local FDA has not approved any of these updated vaccines for release.

Medications remain effective against the current SARS-CoV-2 circulating variants. We don't have remdesivir available locally anymore, but nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) is still available and still works on the most recent variants. There are ongoing efforts by local medical groups such as the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) to convince pharmaceutical companies to market remdesivir anew since it is the only approved drug for severe Covid-19.

Paxlovid remains effective for decreasing the risk of progression of mild and moderate Covid-19 to severe Covid-19. However, it is quite expensive compared to remdesivir. There is one other effective oral drug for preventing mild to moderate Covid-19 from progressing to severe Covid-19. Ensitrelvir, an inhibitor of the protease enzyme used by SARS-CoV-2, has been approved in Japan and is used in a similar fashion as Paxlovid but is currently not available or approved in the Philippines.

Most recently, ensitrelvir has been found to be effective when used as post-exposure prophylaxis. Post-exposure prophylaxis means that someone who has already been exposed to Covid-19 can take the medication to prevent the disease altogether. Ensitrelvir was found to decrease the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR by 67 percent if taken shortly after exposure to a Covid-19 infected person. This is a significant development because neither remdesivir nor Paxlovid were ever shown to prevent the development of Covid-19 symptoms in similar post-exposure prophylaxis studies.

What has been previously effective for post-exposure prophylaxis has been monoclonal antibodies which are quite expensive and need to be infused intravenously. Moreover, some of the monoclonal antibodies lost efficacy as new variants emerged, which shouldn’t be a major issue with ensitrelvir since it isn’t an antibody. This means that there is now an oral drug that can be given to the vulnerable population if they are exposed to a known Covid-19 case, especially if they haven’t gotten an updated vaccine booster.

Covid-19 continues to evolve but it seems to be settling into an endemic niche and is no longer the deadly disease it once was. There is no indication of a more deadly and more transmissible new variant so there is no need to overreact or panic. We still have effective medications, and non-pharmacologic interventions such as masks. Listen to reliable sources of information and see your doctor if you get sick and are concerned it might be Covid-19.

COVID-19 is now an endemic niche disease. Nothing to see here folks!

Stop Vending On The Side Of The Highway!

One of the most unsafe aspects of the Philippines is major roads are built in a way that they are flanked by houses and businesses with no buffer between them and the highway. That is why speeding trucks will often plow into houses when the driver falls asleep at the wheel or loses his brakes going around a curve. One some highways there are also vendors. It's a recipe for disaster. In fact, recently a tanker plowed into a highway vendor killing him and his niece. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/06/vendor-niece-killed-as-tanker-plows-into-food-cart-in-negros-occidental

A 36-year-old vendor and her 17-year-old niece were killed and the vendor’s 19-year-old son was injured after a fuel tanker truck rammed their food cart in Barangay Palaka, Valladolid, Negros Occidental on Sunday, July 5.

Police identified the victims as Ramilie, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Valladolid, and her minor niece, of E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, who was on vacation with her relatives in Valladolid.

Police Master Sgt. Eduardo Combong, traffic investigator of Valladolid Municipal Police Station, said the victims were preparing their food cart when the truck driven by 57-year-old Dionesio of Barangay Handumanan here hit them.

The driver claimed that he dozed off and lost control of the vehicle as he left Candonie, Negros Occidental before dawn early that day to deliver fuel.

Ramilie was declared dead in a hospital while her niece passed away later that night. Mhiko, Ramilie’s son, was injured and recuperating in a hospital here.

Charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide were filed by the minor’s family against the driver on Monday, July 6. The family of the vendor and her son have yet to decide.

The College of Allied Medical Health Sciences (CAMHS) Student Council of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) in this city where Mhiko is studying is raising funds to assist his family with medical expenses.

Why do so many truckers in the Philippines doze off? Is it due to overwork? In some countries truckers are only allowed to drive a designated number of hours and then must take a break. It's something that should be investigated. 

This is certainly a preventable tragedy. Perhaps now the city will ban all vendors from the side of the highway.  Nope!

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/07/valladolid-reviewing-road-safety-measures-after-fatal-crash

The municipal government of Valladolid in Negros Occidental is reviewing road safety measures for roadside vendors following a fatal accident that claimed two lives in Barangay Palaka on Sunday, July 5. 

Mayor Ricardo Presbitero Jr. said Tuesday, July 7, that economic and tourism activities in the area have been temporarily suspended while the local government reassesses the policies governing vendors operating at the site. 

The boulevard has become a popular destination for tourists, prompting the barangay council to allow vending activities before the tragedy. 

Presbitero said the municipal government has discussed measures that would allow vendors to resume their livelihood once stricter safety protocols are in place. These include designated selling areas and specific hours for setting up food carts and conducting business. 

He added that the local government will coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the installation of clearer road markings and traffic signs as well as the stricter enforcement of speed limits on the road.

A boulevard!? NO!! This is a highway. A main thoroughfare. It's not a "boulevard." Take a look at the image below from Google Maps. 

Google Maps

While that is likely not the exact location of the accident, it is the same area. 

The only way to keep the public safe is to not allow people and vendors in the area. But the sad fact is the city will likely allow it because the poor people to sell their wares somewhere. As if being poor is an excuse to throw all safety precautions out the window. Chucking the rules shows contempt and not compassion for the people. 

Insurgency: Declared Free From NPA Threats

The first legislative district of Northern Samar has reached a milestone after decades of anti-insurgency efforts. It has been officially declared insurgency-free. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1278761

All towns in the first legislative district of Northern Samar have been officially declared as free from the influence of the New People’s Army after decades of anti-insurgency efforts, the Philippine Army said on Monday.

All towns have been declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on July 4, completing the district's transition to a stable peace and security status, military officials said.

The declaration was made during a ceremony at the provincial capitol in Catarman town attended by officials from the national, regional, provincial and municipal governments, security sector leaders, partner agencies, and other stakeholders.

“The declaration reflects the gains of the government's whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency through security operations, governance reforms, socio-economic programs, and community participation,” the Army’s 8th Infantry Division said in a statement.

All areas in the first congressional district in Northern Samar have now attained a rebel-free status through the combined efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, local government units, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities.

Northern Samar's 1st congressional district covers the western half of the province, comprising 14 municipalities: Allen, Biri, Bobon, Capul, Catarman, Lavezares, Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Rosario, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Jose, San Vicente, and Victoria.

According to the military, the improved peace and security situation is expected to support the continued delivery of government services, expand livelihood opportunities, strengthen local businesses, and improve access to education and other basic services in formerly conflict-affected communities.

The 8th Infantry Division said the declaration does not mark the end of peacebuilding efforts.

"The peace that we enjoy today is the result of the sacrifices of our soldiers, police officers, public servants, and civilians who courageously served our communities. The highest tribute we can give them is to ensure that violence will never return to our communities. The peace they fought for must be protected and passed on to the next generation," the Army stated.

The military said it will continue working with local government units, partner agencies, and communities in Northern Samar to preserve the gains of peace and support development initiatives across the province.

Despite being rebel-free the military will remain in the area to "preserve the gains of peace and support development initiatives across the province."

In the Ilocos Region 37 rebels withdrew their support from communist-lead organizations. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2257329/37-surrender-withdraw-support-from-communist-groups-in-ilocos-region

Thirty-seven individuals in the Ilocos Region disengaged from communist-linked organizations in June, the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-1) said.

In a statement on Friday (Jult 3), PRO-1 said that from June 1 to 30, 19 members of Communist Front Organizations (CFOs) voluntarily surrendered, while 11 individuals formally withdrew their support for the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Three alleged members of the Communist-NPA Terrorist (CNT) group also surrendered, while four members of Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) returned to the fold of the law.

Police said the accomplishment was part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict through sustained law enforcement operations, community engagement, and peace-building initiatives aimed at encouraging members and supporters to abandon the armed struggle and reintegrate into society.

Brig. Gen. Jovencio Badua Jr., PRO-1 regional director, credited the gains to the sustained efforts of police units and partner agencies in promoting peace and security across the region.

“Every individual who chooses to reject violence and return to the fold of the law represents another step toward lasting peace in our communities,” Badua said.

Actually it looks like only 3 rebels surrendered while everyone else was some kind of mass-supporter. At least the numbers are broken down here.  They usually are not. 

The Army claims there are no recruitment activities happening in Talaingod.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/army-no-npa-recruitment-activities-in-talaingod

THE 10th Infantry Division has recorded 300 New People's Army (NPA) rebels who surrendered from January to July 2026, while authorities continue to report no monitored recruitment activities by the communist group in Talaingod and other geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gidas).

‎‎Speaking during the Davao Peace and Security media briefing on July 1, 2026, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Maj. Ruben Gadut, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said reports claiming that Talaingod no longer has military troops are inaccurate, explaining that military units in the area have only been reorganized.

‎‎"We still have troops in Talaingod. No one said the area has been left vacant because the previous units were only taken over by other units. As of my latest update this morning, we have not monitored any recruitment activity or even the presence of recruiters," Gadut said.

‎‎He said the military continues to monitor areas that could become vulnerable to recruitment, particularly in rural communities, although no recruitment has been monitored in Gidas. Gadut added that previous recruitment attempts in Masara were stopped with the help of former rebels and government forces.

‎‎Gadut said the military has recorded 300 NPA surrenderers since January, including the latest seven rebels who surrendered last week in parts of North Cotabato and Davao del Norte.

‎‎"So far, from January to date, we have recorded a total of 300 rebel surrenderers. Along with these, government forces have recovered 169 assorted firearms and 19 improvised explosive devices," he said.

‎‎Gadut added that most of those who have yet to surrender are believed to be inactive or low-profile members who remain in hiding.

‎‎"So far, we have not seen any active NPA members in the field because they are hiding. We are making every effort to encourage them to surrender. Our goal is not just for them to surrender so their names can be removed from the list, but to ensure that they are not recruited again and do not return to their group," he said.

 

‎‎Based on a previous military report released in January 2025, government forces had recovered or received 254 firearms surrendered by former rebels, reflecting the continuing campaign to weaken the communist insurgency in the Davao Region.

They claim there have been 300 NPA surrenders in the region since January. If true that would bring the estimated total of remaining rebels down to 480 from 780. That would be significant if true.  But we shall have to wait for an actual tally of remaining rebels.

The PNP has recovered an NPA arms cache in Cagayan. 

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/07/05/police-recover-firearms-explosives-from-alleged-npa-arms-cache-in-cagayan

Law enforcement authorities recovered firearms, explosives and ammunition believed to have been hidden by alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in a remote area of Gattaran, Cagayan.

The cache was discovered in Sitio Llaga, Barangay Mabuno following an intelligence-driven operation launched after authorities verified information provided by a former rebel returnee.

The operation was led by the Police Regional Office 2 through the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company, with support from the Gattaran Municipal Police Station, Cagayan Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit, Police Intelligence Team Cagayan North, Regional Intelligence Unit 2, and the 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division.

Police said the secluded site previously served as a mobility corridor, transit route and temporary concealment area for alleged NPA members because of its rugged terrain, dense vegetation and limited accessibility. Investigators believe the weapons were intended for future retrieval to support armed operations.

Recovered from the site were three M76 high-explosive rifle grenades, four 40 mm high-explosive rounds, seven 12-gauge shotgun shells, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm linked ammunition, 134 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, two non-electric blasting caps, two caliber .38 revolvers, an improvised shotgun, firearm magazines and a 12-volt wet cell battery wrapped in plastic.

Police said all recovered items were inventoried, documented and turned over to custodial units for proper handling.

Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said every recovered firearm and explosive denies threat groups the means to carry out violence and undermine community peace.

He said the Philippine National Police will continue intelligence-driven operations to prevent armed groups from accessing hidden weapons and to strengthen security efforts nationwide.

The PNP says these weapons have been "turned over to custodial units for proper handling." Hopefully that means they will be tracing the weapons to their origin. 

Another arms cache was recovered by the Army in Oriental Mindoro. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2261121/army-recovers-alleged-npa-arms-cache-in-oriental-mindoro

Government troops recovered two firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly hidden by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during a military operation in Bulalacao town in Oriental Mindoro, the Philippine Army said Friday (July 10).

The 203rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Brigade said soldiers from the 1st Infantry Battalion conducted combat operations on July 9 in Sitio Balditan, Barangay Benli in Bulalacao after receiving information from a Community Visitation Team (CVT) about the alleged presence of hidden weapons and explosives in the area.

The operation resulted in the recovery of an M16 rifle, a homemade shotgun, an 8-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED) described by the military as an anti-tank explosive, and a three-fourths-kilogram anti-personnel IED.

The recovered items were brought to the headquarters of the 1st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Cambunang, Bulalacao. The unit coordinated with the Philippine Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team for the proper handling and disposal of the explosives.

This took place after the 1st Infantry Battalion reportedly clashed with armed men in Barangay Lourdes, Magsaysay town also in Occidental Mindoro, the Philippine Army said on Friday.

The military did not immediately provide details about the duration of the firefight, the number of combatants involved, or whether there were casualties or recoveries following the encounter.

Brig. Gen. Melencio Ragudo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, credited the swift response of the troops and thanked residents, particularly members of the Mangyan indigenous communities, for providing information to authorities.

This was after a fire fight with the rebels about which the Army is keeping mum. It only proves the NPA remain a dangerous threat. 

Sara Duterte's Lawyers Admit She Is Guilty In Bizarre Defense

Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial has finally begun. With 92 scheduled days of testimony and only 3 days per week allotted for the trial it will be months before this is over. That is 30 weeks meaning this trial will likely last until next year. Perhaps it will be fun to take a look at the arguments of Sara's defense team which up until now has been all about protocol while ignoring the substantial issues at play.

In week one of the trial the prosecution began with Sara's threat to assassinate President Marcos and his wife. The witness they called is an NBI expert and the whole point of his testimony was to ascertain the authenticity of the video. Sara's defense team's arguments are mind blowing. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2260230/defense-argument-sara-dutertes-threat-not-a-high-crime

Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team on Wednesday sought to dismantle the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness in her impeachment trial, arguing that the charge arising from the “threats” she made in 2024 against President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez “are not ‘other high crimes’ contemplated by the Constitution as grounds for impeachment.”

On the third day of the trial before the Senate impeachment court, defense lawyers focused their cross-examination on National Bureau of Investigation senior agent John Mark Calilung, questioning the basis of the bureau’s investigation and pointing to what they described as major gaps in the evidence linking Duterte to an alleged assassination plot.

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan argued that House prosecutors failed to present evidence that Duterte had hired an assassin to kill the Marcos couple and Romualdez.

So, they admit the video is real and a threat was made but it does not rise to the level of a "high crime" because there is no evidence she hired an assassin. Nevermind the fact that proving the existence of an assassin was not the point for this witness. Also, do Sara's threats amount to a low crime?

“When VP Sara uttered those words, she was not responding as Sara Duterte, the Vice President, but as Sara Duterte the wife, mother, daughter and sister, who only sought to protect herself and her family. Operation Romanov is in place, and the threat against their lives is real,” Vinluan told the impeachment court.

He claimed Duterte had been subjected to “unauthorized intelligence and surveillance operations by government agents that exposed her family to security threats, thereby causing intense trauma and uncontrollable fear.”

“Her homes in Davao and Manila were profiled, and this is proven by classified gazing reports. Her trusted security personnel were removed,” Vinluan added.

The proceedings centered on Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of issuing grave threats against Marcos, the first lady, and his cousin Romualdez during an online press briefing on Nov. 23, 2024.

Operation Romanov? What proof is there that such a plot was enacted against the Duterte family? The argument here is that because Duterte felt threatened she was justified in threatening to kill the President! 

“There is no proof of any contracting of an assassin. The prosecution admitted that the video does not prove any fact other than its existence. The prosecution has no other competent evidence to prove that VP Sara contracted an assassin,” Vinluan told the court.

He argued that the prosecution itself had acknowledged that Duterte’s remarks did not “100 percent” establish that she had hired an assassin, and that those statements alone could not be considered a high crime or an impeachable offense.

The phrase “other high crimes” is contained in Article XI, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution as part of a list of impeachable offenses. Also on the list are culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.

Vinluan said Duterte’s remarks should instead be viewed in the “proper context” of the threats against her and her family.

“And while her response (to the threats) was unconventional, it was justified,” Vinluan said.

There it is! The defense ADMITS Sara made grave threats to the lives of the President, his wife, and the Speaker of the House. The defense is that these were justified because she felt threatened and because no assassin has been produced these threats do not rise to the level of a high crime and thus are not an impeachable offense. 

More than that, the defense claimed she was echoing the sentiments of ordinary Filipinos!

The defense lawyer also said that the alleged grave threats and inciting to sedition falls under the jurisdiction of the metropolitan trial court and first level courts, and should not be considered as high crimes under the Constitution.

“She never incited sedition. She merely echoed the voice of ordinary Filipinos. Her message that day only reflected what was already in their hearts and minds. There was no betrayal of public trust. She actually upheld the people’s trust as she spoke for and behalf of the people,” Vinluan said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/09/news/witness-on-assassin-to-testify-at-impeachment-trial-prosecutors-say/2381093/amp

Is there really a desire to kill the President and his wife in the hearts and minds of ordinary Filipinos? What an incredible way to dump on your constituency. What a horrible defense. 

Threatening to kill the President or anyone else is a grave threat and is a crime in the Philippines whether or not one has procured a hitman. 

Grave threats, A282 Revised Penal Code

1. Concept

Grave threats – refers to the crime of threatening another with the infliction upon the person, honor or property of the latter or of his family of any wrong amounting to a crime.

a. Legal basis

Art. 282. Grave threats. – Any person who shall threaten another with the infliction upon the person, honor or property of the latter or of his family of any wrong amounting to a crime, shall suffer:

1. The penalty next lower in degree than that prescribed by law for the crime he threatened to commit, if the offender shall have made the threat demanding money or imposing any other condition, even though not unlawful, and said offender shall have attained his purpose. If the offender shall not have attained his purpose, the penalty lower by two (2) degrees shall be imposed.

If the threat be made in writing or through a middleman, the penalty shall be imposed in its maximum period.

2. The penalty of arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000), if the threat shall not have been made subject to a condition. (As amended by R.A. 10951) Article 284. Bond for good behavior. – In all cases falling within the two next preceding articles [Articles 282 and 283], the person making the threats may also be required to give bail not to molest the person threatened, or if he shall fail to give such bail, he shall be sentenced to destierro.

https://legalresource.ph/grave-threats-a282-revised-penal-code/

Here are Sara's exact words:

"Don't worry, Ma'am, about my security, because I have already talked to someone. I told him, if they kill me, kill BBM [President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.], Liza Araneta [the First Lady], and Martin Romualdez [former House Speaker]. No joke, no joke. I have already given my instructions, Ma'am. If I die, I said, 'do not stop until you kill them.' And then he said yes."

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2260041/sara-dutertes-kill-threat-vs-marcos-absolute-says-witness

It appears from her words that a hitman has already been hired and is waiting for the exact time. She even reiterates twice that it is not a joke. It's a necessary and warranted pre-supposition that she has hired a hitman. Either way the prosecution says they will be presenting additional evidence regarding the existence of this alleged hitman. 

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/09/news/witness-on-assassin-to-testify-at-impeachment-trial-prosecutors-say/2381093

THE prosecution has confirmed to the Senate impeachment court that it will present a witness on the supposed hitman allegedly hired by Vice President Sara Duterte to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

It's not over and yet the defense has already leaped to the conclusion that no proof for the existence of a hitman has been given when that was NOT the point of John Mark Calilung's testimony. With a shoddy defense like this things are not looking up for Sara Duterte.