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75 foreigners involved in online scams deported
The Bureau of Immigration confirmed the deportation of 75 foreign nationals on 22 September at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco shared that those foreigners departed on Friday afternoon via a Royal Air flight RW410 bound for Nanning, Guangxi. These deportees, according to Tansingco, are the first group of foreign nationals to be kicked out of the country for engaging in scams while posing as an online gaming customer care provider. They are part of the group arrested in an operation led by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) against SA Rivendell Global Gaming Corporation located in Pasay City. They were later charged by the BI for undesirability after being tagged as part of a scam syndicate. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which made the arrests, kept custody of the aforementioned foreigners throughout their deportation procedures. The deportees allegedly took part in bitcoin and love schemes that preyed on Westerners. The BI chief said that the initial count of deportees was 76, but the airline offloaded one of them—identified as He Zeng Ming—due to a medical issue after he purportedly complained about chest symptoms. All deportees have been added to the BI's blacklist; thereby, prohibiting them from returning to the country. “The strong partnership of the BI with PAOCC as well as IACAT member agencies led to this massive arrest and deportation of foreign nationals abusing their stay in the country,” said Tansingco. “This is in line with the President’s directive for government agencies to work closely together, in unity, to achieve greater results,” he added. -----anthony ching----- The post 75 foreigners involved in online scams deported appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA queries PNP’s TXT 2920
The Department of the Interior and Local Government unit, which supervises the Philippine National Police, has pledged to take necessary measures amid reports that anomalies have hounded the PNP’s emergency reporting system. Under PNP 2920, individuals can text in complaints against erring PNP personnel. PNP offices are mandated to create or activate their version of TXT 2920, “Isumbong mo kay Tsip,” and “Anti-Kotong Text,” to serve as a watching or check and balance mechanism against its personnel and act with dispatch on reports reaching their office. During the sponsorship debate on the DILG’s P262.0 billion budget for 2024, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Bonifacio Bosita raised the question of whether PNP’s 2920 is still active since he, himself, witnessed how the PNP covered up its personnel against complaints. Quezon City Rep. Luisa Cuaresma, the DILG’s budget sponsor, said the system is under the monitoring of the DILG, “particularly the PNP.” According to Bosita, a retired police commission officer before his stint in Congress, he witnessed how the PNP maneuvered the process to make it appear that the complaint was not legitimate. Relay system “When something happens at a police station, it will reach the PNP headquarters and be forwarded, communicated to the regional office of the PNP and taken down to the provincial police of the PNP and taken down to the police station concerned where the police being complained about is assigned,” Bosita said. “Because of this, Madam Sponsor and Mr. Speaker, the chief of police is trying to make it appear that the report received by the national headquarters is just a lie,” he added. The post CoA queries PNP’s TXT 2920 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DITO passed 4th technical audit
DITO Telecommunity, a China-backed company that broke the industry duopoly of Globe and PLDT, has passed its fourth government-mandated technical audit that measures its compliance with network coverage and internet speed commitments. In a letter sent to DITO Telecommunity chief administrative officer Adel Tamano, the National Telecommunications Commission or NTC confirmed that it passed its fourth yearly technical audit. The independent audit is part of the conditions outlined in the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity or CPCN given to the company. The Independent Auditor’s Report of Factual Findings from the Conduct of Specified Procedures — Year 4 Committed Levels of Service dated 29 August submitted by R.G. Manabat & Co. to the NTC stated that DITO surpassed its target. As part of the issuance of its CPCN in July 2019, DITO Telecommunity needs to record 70.01 percent network reach with a minimum speed of 55 Mbps in the third year of its commitment period. Notably, the audit showed that DITO now covers 80.65 percent of national population coverage. Affordable Internet fulfilled Its minimum average broadband speed or MABS, meanwhile, clocked in at 74.97 Mbps for 4G and 639.32 Mbps for 5G for all sites with a combined MABS of 357.14 Mbps. “Despite all the challenges that we have faced, we continue to achieve our commitments to government and the Filipino people, to provide affordable world-class service and to serve the underserved. This is in support of the Marcos administration’s drive towards digitalization and Nation-building,” Tamano said. If DITO fails to fulfill its commitments on time, the government forfeits, in its favor, the P25.7 billion performance bond that DITO paid before construction activities. DITO has promised to cover 84 percent of the Philippines and offer a minimum average speed of at least 55 Mbps by the end of its commitment. DITO recently conveyed that unresolved interconnection issues with its rivals have been affecting its subscriber base expansion as well as its development of new products for users. The PCC affirmed DITO’s complaints last year over the alleged anti-competitive behavior of its rivals regarding their interconnection deals. PCC said it found “reasonable grounds to open a preliminary inquiry into the complaints filed by Dito Telecommunity against Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.” Under Executive Order 59 issued by late President Fidel V. Ramos in 1993, interconnection is a mandated and important component of the telco industry as it allows interoperability and exchange of calls, SMS, and other information from one network to another. The post DITO passed 4th technical audit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHR providing evidence vs Digong ‘mere pr’
The Commission on Human Rights maintained a commitment to work with the International Criminal Court in probing the country’s war on drugs during the Duterte administration. In the deliberations for the department’s budget for 2024 before the House Committee on Appropriations, CHR chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc assured lawmakers the agency would be furnishing the ICC evidence it gathered in its past investigation. “As you may recall, the CHR has investigated extra-judicial killings in relation to the drug war before. And out of that investigation, the CHR has generated a report on EJK in relation to the drug war,” Palpal-latoc said. The confirmation came following a question by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman about the extent of cooperation the human rights watchdog intends to grant to the ICC. Lagman, however, hit the CHR chief, saying his statement was more of a “soundbote” and a “press release.” “You are fully aware that the official position of the national government is not to cooperate with the ICC and that bold statement is, in fact, a challenge to that position,” Lagman said. Palpal-latoc, on the other hand, countered that the CHR is “not a party” to the ICC investigation. Government data showed about 7,000 people died in line with the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign under then-President Rodrigo Duterte. However, local and international human rights organizations estimate the death toll at 20,000 to 30,000. The post CHR providing evidence vs Digong ‘mere pr’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHR to cooperate with ICC on drug probe
The Commission on Human Rights maintained a steadfast stance in its commitment to work with the International Criminal Court to probe the country's war on drugs on the watch of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. In the deliberations for the department's budget for 2024 before the House Committee on Appropriations, CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc assured lawmakers the agency would cooperate with the ICC by furnishing evidence it gathered in its past investigation. "As you may recall, the CHR has investigated extra-judicial killings in relation to the drug war before. And out of that investigation, the CHR has generated a report on EJK in relation to the drug war," Palpal-latoc said. The confirmation came following a question by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman about the extent of cooperation the human rights watchdog intends to grant to the ICC as it previously declared that they are "willing to cooperate" into the drug war probe, which has resulted "in thousands of extra-judicial killings, particularly the impoverished and marginalized drug suspects." About 7,000 people were killed under Duterte's drug war, based on the government's data, the majority of whom were from low-income families. However, local and international human rights organizations estimate it exceeded 30,000. According to Palpal-latoc, they are willing to supply the ICC evidence that the CHR already gathered in the previous investigation. However, he stressed that since the agency has yet to learn the details of the case filed in the ICC, the parameters of their cooperation are unknown. This, however, did not sit well with Lagman, asserting that the CHR should have been aware of this matter, taking into account the accusation made openly and publicly. According to the veteran lawmaker, CHR's pronouncement of cooperation without initiating communication with the ICC was merely a "soundbite" and a "press release" for the media. "Why don't you know? It's an open and public accusation before the ICC against the culprits in this war on drugs. Do you have a copy of the accusation brought before the ICC by some affected victims and advocates?" Lagman said. "You are fully aware that the official position of the national government is not to cooperate with the ICC and that bold statement is, in fact, a challenge to that position," he added. Palpal-latoc, on the other hand, countered that the CHR is "not a party" to the ICC investigation. Nonetheless, the CHR chief said that they are willing to provide legal assistance to the victims of human rights violations as well as witness protection pursuant to their mandate. Calls were made to cease the ICC's probe into Duterte's "war on drugs" that claimed thousands of lives during his six years of power that started in 2016. Justice Secretary Boying Remulla maintained a firm stance that the country would not engage in the ICC, claiming that the Philippine government would not let the court interfere in the country's business. Senator Bato de la Rosa, who led Duterte's anti-drug campaign, locally known as "Oplan Tokhang" previously said that he is ready in case a warrant of arrest has been served, but only by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner directed by the ICC. The former PNP chief and Vice President Sara Duterte were the Philippine officials mentioned in the ICC prosecutor's report on the killings. The post CHR to cooperate with ICC on drug probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte giveth, Diokno taketh
Since his call in 2017 to veto Republic Act 10931, the law granting free higher education, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has been singing the same dissonant melody. A similar theme can be heard in his most recent attempt to cast doubt on the program’s long-term viability, which is frequently praised as one of the Duterte administration’s legacies. However, as Diokno continues to bang his well-worn drum, it becomes increasingly obvious that his arguments are out of tune and lacking in both substance and harmony. The frequently repeated assertion by Diokno that the free college program is “anti-poor” because of its supposed bias toward wealthy students doesn’t ring true with logic or facts. His claim that wealthy students have supplanted their less advantaged peers in the competition for openings at state universities and colleges lacks supporting data. He tries to play the fiscal unsustainability card by asserting that the program is an exorbitant financial burden for the government. This perspective is myopic because education spending continues to be one of the most effective ways to boost the economy and create jobs. In fact, a World Bank report has said that every dollar spent on education generates ten times as much in economic benefits, thus emphasizing the real worth of such expenditures under RA 10931. Additionally, Diokno ignores the reality that the program has been in force since 2018 after President Duterte rebuffed his veto campaign. After six years of effective implementation, for Diokno to suddenly pronounce it untenable sounds more like pessimism than a valid criticism. Diokno also veers away from the upbeat chorus that is led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, former President Duterte, as he continues to play his dirge. His persistent pessimism has turned him into a maestro of despair rather than a conductor of progress. The Finance chief certainly needs a lot of the can-do attitude of both Marcos and Duterte, the latter with the bravado and tenacity he showed in guiding the country through the turbulent waters of the Covid-19 pandemic. Diokno should learn to instill confidence in the hearts of the populace, or he should just hand the job to someone who would tackle it with more vigor. Diokno claims that wealthy kids who can afford review lessons and other incidental costs are disproportionately benefited by RA 10931. This claim is again without basis as a lot of impoverished students have gained access to higher education without having to pay tuition thanks to this law. A thorough assessment by the Commission on Higher Education showed that the free college program has dramatically increased enrollment rates among students from low-income families. This should lay bare the falsity of Diokno’s claims. If we may add, the CHEd study also resonated with people by emphasizing its contribution to closing the achievement gap between the affluent and the less fortunate. Probably most befuddling of all was Diokno’s unsettling claim that the program benefits students who live close to public universities and colleges. This conflicts with what we see on the ground, of students renting bed space or living with their relatives so they can be near their schools, wherever they may be located. Additionally, the value of an educated citizenry transcends geographical boundaries in the grand scheme of nation-building. It’s ironic that for a Finance chief, the needed comprehension of the complexity of not only our economy and the numbers but also how they relate to society and people seems absent from Diokno’s spiel opposing free higher education. His quest to repeal RA 10931 has fallen short of capturing the long-term benefits of investing in education to improve the lives of underprivileged youngsters. Diokno’s desire to take away what Duterte and Congress have given would be a step backward and an assult in the minds of millions of Filipino students. While undermining President Duterte’s legacy, Diokno’s dissonant song poses a threat to muffle the dreams of numerous Filipino students, one that is intended to deprive them of the opportunity to pursue higher education and the prospect of a better future. The post Duterte giveth, Diokno taketh appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner backs NTF-ELCAC, says no let-up in anti-insurgency campaign
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue its efforts to achieve total annihilation of the insurgency problem in the country. This was the commitment of Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during the Commission on Appointments panel’s deliberation of his promotion as the AFP chief of staff with the rank of four-star general and other AFP officers on Wednesday. During the deliberations, Rep. Johnny Pimentel, CA assistant Minority floor leader, backed Brawner’s endeavor to continue supporting the program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, lamenting that the insurgency has been halting community development in the country. “Gen. Brawner, the biggest challenge that you will be facing is not the problem on the West Philippine Sea, but rather how to end the communist insurgency which has been with us for more than 50 years, I believe,” he said. Pimentel said the insurgency problem may not be felt in Metro Manila but “insurgency problems in rural areas are real.” He then asked about Brawner’s plans to end insurgency in the country. “I’ve always been saying that the best thing to our counter-insurgency efforts is the NTF-ELCAC,” said Brawner, noting that the whole-of-nation approach was able to address not just the armed component but also the root causes of the problem.” Brawner also recognized the local government chief executives and barangay officials who have been playing a “big role” in the pursuit of the anti-insurgency convergence under the ambit of Executive Order 70 or NTF-ELCAC. “So ipagpapatuloy po natin iyon. Dahil po dun sa NTF-ELCAC natutugunan natin 'yung basic needs nung ating mga kababayan especially in geographic isolated areas, at habang ginagawa po natin iyan with the local government leading and andun po 'yung government agencies also supporting, ‘yung inyong armed forces are capable now of focusing on the armed element,” he said. Brawner said the inter-agency efforts through NTF-ELCAC are making the AFP’s efforts “very effective” in reducing the number of the armed component of the CPP-NPA-NDF. “We have so many accomplishments on these because of our better relations with communities; they are the ones leading us to the armed groups,” he added. Brawner said the AFP has been successful in inviting rebels to come down and surrender through the NTF-ELCAC’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. “So we will continue all of this. We gave our units an ultimatum again, but it looks like very achievable, and right now we don’t monitor any active guerilla front,” he said. “What we have is a weakened guerilla front and we also have a few vertical units—a group of remnants gathered together. Wala no ho silang halos suporta mula sa komunidad and the only ones supporting them, right now, are their relatives,” he added. “That is why we are reaching out to their relatives to convince their family members to go down.” Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri cited the AFP for a “job well done” in improving the security situation in Budkidnon province. “They did not totally eradicate the communist insurgency there but brought it down drastically,” he said. The post Brawner backs NTF-ELCAC, says no let-up in anti-insurgency campaign appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI operations at NAIA looked into by Anti-Trafficking Council
The Bureau of Immigration said on Sunday that the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) conducted an inspection visit to immigration operations on Friday evening at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco shared that immigration operations at the NAIA 3 were presented to the IACAT. The said inspection, conducted by Department of Justice Undersecretary and IACAT in-charge Nicholas Felix Ty, aimed to review procedures on departure formalities as part of the inter-agency’s regular assessment. During the inspection, Usec. Ty confirmed that the BI is implementing the same procedures as it had in the past. Earlier this week, the IACAT released revised guidelines on departure formalities to streamline requirements for departing Filipinos. Tansingco reiterated that the new guidelines pose no additional requirements for departing tourists. Tansingco said that in the updated guidelines, regular tourists are only required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months, a valid visa if one is required, a boarding pass, and a confirmed round-trip ticket. The BI Chief stressed that the guidelines list requirements for other categories of departing Filipinos as well as those who may undergo secondary inspection. Tansingco also said that in the past, only Filipinos that are subjected to secondary inspection due to red flags may be required to show additional supporting documents, which are now specified in the guidelines. He added that the new guidelines issued by the IACAT would ensure that immigration officers look at specific requirements and do not require frivolous documents. Previously, the IACAT highlighted the importance of the guidelines in protecting all departing Filipinos from human trafficking and illegal recruitment. The guidelines on departure formalities have been in place since 2012 and were later revised in 2015. Tansingco also stressed that there is no new policy for departing tourists being implemented by the BI, and for departing tourists, especially Filipinos, there is no need to worry. The DOJ and the Department of Social Welfare and Development jointly chair the interagency IACAT. Their members are from the BI, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Migrant Workers, the Commission on Filipinos Abroad, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police. The International Justice Mission, the Coalition Against Women Trafficking-Asia and the Pacific, and the Blas Ople Policy Centre and Training Institute are non-governmental groups that are also members of the council. The post BI operations at NAIA looked into by Anti-Trafficking Council appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandigan junks Razon reconsideration bid
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the graft and malversation raps filed against former Philippine National Police chief Avelino Razon Jr. and several others in connection with the anomalous “ghost” repair of vehicles worth P409 million in 2007 and 2008. In a 40-page resolution promulgated on 10 August, the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division turned down Razon’s bid for reconsideration of the court’s 21 June resolution, which also denied the top cop’s same bid. The Sandiganbayan previously dismissed two criminal charges against Razon but denied his demurrers to evidence in four other cases, which he sought the court to reconsider in his current motion. The bids of Razon’s co-accused, namely, P/CInsp. Analee Forro, P/SSupt. Emmanuel Ojeda, NUP (non-uniformed personnel) Patricia Enaje, P/SSupt. Reuel Leverne Labrado, Tyronne Ong and Tyronne Arejola were likewise denied by the court. Their case involves the alleged anomalous transactions relating to the repair and maintenance of 28 units of V-150 Light Armored Vehicles of the PNP amounting P409.74 million in 2007 and 2008. The complaint, filed by the Fact Finding Investigation Bureau of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Law Enforcement Office, involves 25 officers of the PNP, two officials from the Commission on Audit, and 13 private individuals. Razon, in his current motion, argued that the prosecutors failed to prove the alleged ghost repairs, claiming the Commission on Audit “could not definitely conclude that the PNP’s 28 V-150 Light Armored Vehicles (V-150) were not repaired since they failed to check their operational logs.” But according to the Sandiganbayan, Razon’s reliance on the possibility that the CoA may have incorrectly concluded that there were “ghost repairs” due to its belated inspection and the fact that some of the vehicles were still operational at the time is “unfounded” and “cannot affect” the court’s evaluation of the evidence thus far. Further, the erstwhile PNP chief pointed out that the prosecution failed to establish that there was indeed conspiration with any of his co-accused in all cases. The post Sandigan junks Razon reconsideration bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandigan junks NLDC officials’quash bid
The Sandiganbayan has junked the bids of two ex-officials of the state-run National Livelihood and Development Corp. to quash graft and malversation raps filed against them in connection with their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of P5-million pork barrel funds of ex-La Union Rep. Victor Francisco Ortega. Finding sufficient evidence to sustain their indictment on the charges, the anti-graft court’s Second Division denied the motions of NLDC president Gondelina Amata and assets management division chief Gregoria Buenaventura seeking leave of court to file demurrers to evidence. Amata and Buenaventura were indicted of graft and malversation of public funds along with Ortega and businesswoman Janet-Lim Napoles — the alleged pork barrel mastermind — for the misuse of the lawmaker’s pork barrel funds or Priority Development Assistance Fund amounting to P5 million. The Ombudsman, which filed the case in, said Amata and Buenaventura colluded with Napoles and former Energy Regulatory Commission chair Zenaida Ducut. The NLDC erstwhile officials were accused of funneling Ortega’s P5 million PDAF supposedly for the implementation of livelihood projects to the bogus non-government organization Social Development Program for Farmer’s Foundation Inc. or SDPFFI, believed to be governed by Napoles, in exchange for kickbacks. However, Amata and Buenaventura both argued in their motion that the prosecution failed to prove that it was indeed a conspiracy and there is no competent evidence supporting the allegations. Moreover, Amata contended that PDAF was repeatedly upheld as valid and constitutional. In November 2013, the Supreme Court ruled PDAF unconstitutional as it became a source of corruption. The prosecution, in response, countered that the evidence on record established that Amata and Buenaventura’s participation in the scheme that permitted the release of funds to SDPFFI are both “essential.” “The validity and constitutionality of PDAF are not in issue, as the charge against the accused is hinged on the illegality of the utilization, disbursement, and release of PDAF to an incompetent, non-qualified and bogus SDPFFI that resulted in misappropriation of public funds,” the prosecution pointed out. Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan underlined that the case is merely a determination of whether the evidence on record is sufficient to sustain the indictment or support a verdict of guilt and does not lead to a conclusion of the guilt or innocence of the accused. “Finding sufficient evidence to sustain the indictment for the crimes charged at this point of the trial, all the accused now bear the evidentiary burden to controvert the evidence of the prosecution,” the court said in a six-page resolution signed on 8 August. The post Sandigan junks NLDC officials’quash bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ecuadoran presidential candidate shot dead after rally
A popular Ecuadoran presidential candidate was shot dead while leaving a rally in the nation's capital on Wednesday, prompting President Guillermo Lasso to declare a state of emergency and blame the assassination on organized crime. Fernando Villavicencio, a 59-year-old anti-corruption crusader who had complained of receiving threats, was murdered as he was leaving a stadium in Quito after holding a campaign rally, officials said. Lasso declared a two-month state of emergency early Thursday following the assassination, but said general elections slated for 20 August would be held as scheduled. "Outraged and shocked by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio," the president said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, blaming the killing on "organized crime." "For his memory and for his fight, I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished." Villavicencio was the second most popular candidate in the presidential race, according to recent opinion polls. "The Armed Forces as of this moment are mobilized throughout the national territory to guarantee the security of citizens, the tranquility of the country and the free and democratic elections of August 20," Lasso said in a YouTube address. The president also declared three days of national mourning "to honor the memory of a patriot, of Fernando Villavicencio Valencia." "This is a political crime that acquires a terrorist character and we do not doubt that this murder is an attempt to sabotage the electoral process," he added. Lasso has said he will not seek re-election. President of the National Electoral Council Diana Atamaint said "the date of the elections scheduled for August 20 remain unalterable." Nine other people were injured in the shooting attack, including a candidate running for the national legislature and two policemen, prosecutors said. One of the alleged attackers was shot and killed by security personnel. And police detonated an explosive device planted in the area, said chief investigator Alain Luna. Carlos Figueroa, a friend of Villavicencio's who was with him at the time of the attack, told local media that the assailants fired around 30 shots. "They ambushed him outside" the sports center, Figueroa said. "Some (of those present) even thought they were fireworks." The country's main newspaper, El Universo, reported that Villavicencio was assassinated "hitman-style and with three shots to the head." Prosecutors later said six other suspects were arrested in raids carried out in southern Quito and in a neighboring town, and that Villavicencio's body was brought to a police department and would undergo an autopsy. 'Full weight of the law' In recent years, Ecuador has been hit by a wave of violence linked to drug trafficking which, in the midst of the electoral process, has already led to the death of a mayor and a parliamentary candidate. The homicide rate has doubled between 2021 and 2022. "Organized crime has gone too far, but the full weight of the law will be applied to them," Lasso said in his post. According to the latest polls, Villavicencio, a former journalist who wrote about corruption and served in parliament, polled at 13 percent behind lawyer Luisa Gonzalez, who is close to former left-wing president Rafael Correa. Gonzalez and other presidential candidates denounced the murder and said they were suspending their campaigns, local media reported. "We will never allow such acts to go unpunished. When they touch one, they touch all. When one's life is at risk, everyone's life is at risk," Gonzalez wrote on X. National Court of Justice president Ivan Saquicela called Villavicencio's murder "very painful for the country." "I am very hurt and very worried about Ecuador," he said. The United States, Spain, Chile and the Organization of American States observer mission have also condemned the crime. "We are horrified by the tragic attack... Violence cannot win. Democracy can," European Union ambassador to EcuadorCharles-Michel Geurts said on X. As a journalist, Villavicencio uncovered a corruption scheme for which former president Correa (2007-2017) was sentenced to eight years in prison. Villavicencio later served as president of the legislative oversight commission, where he continued to denounce corruption. The politician had complained this month that he and his team were receiving threats allegedly coming from the leader of a criminal gang linked to drug trafficking. "Despite the new threats, we will continue fighting for the brave people of our #Ecuador," he posted on X at the time. Atamaint, head of the electoral council, also said that several members of her organization, which is responsible for supervising the ballot, had received death threats. President Lasso sent a message to Villavicencio's family. "My solidarity and my condolences with his wife and his daughters," he said in his post. The post Ecuadoran presidential candidate shot dead after rally appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hypocrites humbled
The Ombudsman’s decision to throw out the complaint of New York-based Filipino-Americans who keep stirring controversy in the country led by billionaire Loida Nicolas-Lewis exposes a deeper agenda in the effort. Lewis is known to be the heavy gun behind the Liberal Party who provided the bulk of the funding for the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo’s lost pink cause in the 2022 polls. The long-distance meddling had been repeatedly disclosed in the past with no less than former President Rodrigo Duterte pointing to a rich Filipino-American, who was obviously Nicolas-Lewis, as leading the effort to destabilize the government. In one of his abrasive speeches, Duterte foretold the international offensive against him emanating from the group of Nicolas-Lewis. “For all I care, I do not have any illusions, do not give me a reason to leave because you might get your wish,” he had said. “A certain financier, a rich woman who married a black (American) and is now a millionaire, she is planning to do protests,” he added. The plot was confirmed by then Communications Secretary Martin Andanar who recalled rumors in the Filipino-American community about plans to oust Duterte because of his alleged human rights violations and continuous attacks against the US. Duterte then mockingly told Nicolas-Lewis he’d follow her advice and even provide staff for her. “If you think that you can help, tell me because I will appoint a group of presidential advisers and (I will give you) a Cabinet position without a portfolio but with Cabinet rank. And I will follow your instructions to a tee,” he said. “I was listening to the tapes of their conversation. It was provided to me by another country but the conversation was somewhere in the Philippines and New York,” Duterte said of the plot. He said the recordings included one in which Lewis told another person, “See you in the headquarters when the case is filed.” Being referred was the International Criminal Court case that was a successful campaign considering the recent decision of the tribunal to proceed with an investigation into the war on drugs of Mr. Duterte. Nicolas-Lewis had led a 25-person delegation from the US-Philippines Society, a private group comprised of executives and diplomats, who met with Duterte a week before his inauguration on 1 June 2016. The top-notch mission included tycoons, retired American diplomats, executives of Coca-Cola, SGV, JP Morgan, and other top corporations. Nicolas-Lewis’s sister was former National Anti-Poverty Commission chairperson Imelda Nicolas who was part of the “Hyatt 10” — members of the Cabinet who turned on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005. Imelda and most of the Hyatt 10 members were recruited to key posts in the succeeding administration of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Imelda was appointed head of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Duterte is being targeted for investigation for the complaint of crimes against humanity as a result of the methods undertaken in the anti-drug campaign. The late plaintiff Jude Sabio admitted using manufactured numbers that at one point reached 20,000 so-called extrajudicial killings, which a Senate investigation found dubious since it came from Philippine National Police figures that tallied all forms of deaths investigated, including those unrelated to police operations since Duterte assumed office. Veteran lawyer Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said that from the start, he was against the proceedings at the ICC. “We’re an independent sovereign country and they want to unduly interfere in our internal affairs,” Enrile said. He pointed out the drug war was a policy to rid the country of its narcotics problem and involved law enforcement. “Who are they to tell us what is good for our society?” Enrile asked. “In the case of the insurgency, the government conducts operations. Are we going to answer to the ICC on the way that we defend ourselves from an internal threat?” Enrile demanded. The persistence of the ICC was discovered to have a sinister origin, based on information that Duterte had gathered. It all started with the designs of meddling Filipinos living overseas who wanted to impose their brand of hypocrisy on the hapless nation but were effectively foiled. The post Hypocrites humbled appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Human rights in Phl ‘improved’ under Marcos admin – EU chief
The state of human rights in the Philippines has improved under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday. In a television interview, Von der Leyen, who is currently in Manila for a two-day visit, said the Philippine government is now “more cooperative.” "The government now is much more cooperative with the United Nations and other international organizations; this is very important. Therefore, we see progress," she said. "As I said, there's much improvement, still topics that we have to discuss, issues that are raised in the constant dialogue that we have with the Philippines. But the environment is much better and this is important for us that there's improvement in the steps forward," she added. Earlier this year, European Union’s Subcommittee on Human Rights Chair Hannah Neumann made a similar observation when she visited the Philippines. Neumann noted that the human rights in the country is “better” than it was during the term of Marcos’ predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte. “It was better than it was under President Duterte. I think that it is what we can clearly state,” she said. “We had an impression that everyone is very willing to discuss human rights issues with us which has not been the case during the previous administration,” she added. Neumann, likewise, welcomed the new approach of government under the Marcos administration in terms of its anti-narcotics campaign. Duterte is accused of committing crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court in relation to his bloody war on drugs that killed at least 7,000 people, according to government data. However, both local and International human rights groups disagreed with the figures, stressing that it was way higher than the said numbers. ‘GSP+ extended’ Von der Leyen also announced the Philippines would still be able to enjoy the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), as it was extended until 2007. "We evaluated the situation, and we found that we can extend the status quo, that is good news... till 2027," she said. Under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), developing countries will be given special incentives which include cutting import duties to zero on more than two-thirds of the tariff lines of their exports. The Philippines is among the developing nations that currently enjoy the perks of the EU’s GSP+. The trade preference allows 6,274 Philippine products into Europe duty-free. In 2021, the European Parliament warned then-president Duterte that it will suspend the country’s trade privileges under the GSP+ unless it complies with human rights obligations and ensures free and fair elections during last year’s elections.. The post Human rights in Phl ‘improved’ under Marcos admin – EU chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belgica, 4 others ordered dismissed
Despite separate rulings by the Justice Secretary and the Office of the President on the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s, or ARTA, directives pertaining to the assignment of frequency to NOW Telecom, an Omnibus Order and Minute Resolution was issued by the officers of the agency affirming its earlier resolution and Order of Automatic Approval which is illegal. With this, former Anti-Red Tape Authority director general Jeremiah Belgica and four other officials of the agency were ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman after finding them guilty of grave misconduct. The termination order was contained in a 14-page decision prepared by a four-member special panel and approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires. It declared Belgica, his former deputy Eduardo Bringas, division chief Sheryl Pura-Sumangil, and directors Jedrek Ng and Melamy Salvadora-Asperin accountable. The ruling carries the accessory penalties of cancellation of civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification to hold public office. If the accused were already separated from the service and the penalty could no longer be, the same shall be converted into a fine in the amount equivalent to the respondents’ salary for one year, payable to the Office of the Ombudsman, and may be deductible from their retirement benefits, accrued leave credits or any receivables by respondents from their office. The case against Belgica and company stemmed from a complaint filed by DITO Telecommunity Inc., which accused the respondents of giving preferential treatment to NOW Telecom. Sweetheart deal The alleged preferential treatment was evidenced by ARTA’s 1 March 2021 OAA assigning contingent frequencies to NOW Telecom, which came after the government awarded the same frequencies to DITO as the country’s new telco major player. The order cited the respondents’ “clear intent to violate the law” when they issued the assailed ARTA Resolution and OAA despite being aware beforehand of the status of NOW Telecom with the National Telecommunications Commission. As early as December 2005, NTC records showed Now Telecom was already found to be non-compliant and was disqualified from the assignment of 3G frequency bands due to unpaid supervision and regulation fees and spectrum user fees amounting to P2.6 billion. The telecom company in January 2006 was issued a provisional authority that was not specific to 3G and was premised on the condition on the payment of its outstanding SRF and SUF obligations. At that time, the issue on the outstanding SRF and SUF was already pending with the Supreme Court. In December 2017, NOW Telecom was assigned the 20MHz contiguous bandwidth, 3520 to 3540 MHz, under the 3.5 GHz on the same condition that it settle its outstanding SUF and SRF. NOW Telecom’s PA was extended for 36 months until September 2020 subject again to the condition regarding the SUF and SRF, but was never fulfilled by the company. The post Belgica, 4 others ordered dismissed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Acorda: BBM’s second SoNA ‘peaceful’
About 5,000 protesters were allowed by the police to express their grievances along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City Monday as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his second State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa before a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. said he had ordered maximum tolerance to be employed by the cops in dealing with the protesters, who also held activities near Mendiola Bridge in Manila, within sight of Malacañang Palace, the seat of government power. Acorda said as he inspected police lines near the SoNA venue that, “we are professionals and we exercise [restraint] in all our dealings [with the people] while providing the proper security for the President.” “We talked with our personnel and we emphasized the observance of human rights and maximum tolerance,” he added, explaining that the police made sure that pro-administration and anti-Marcos groups did not get close to one another. He said they were allowed to hold their respective programs far from each other so as to prevent untowards incidents arising from misunderstanding and the taunting that attended encounters of rival groups in the past. The Quezon City government designated places where the groups could hold their respective programs. “Regardless of affiliation, whether pro or anti and whatever, our guidelines included maximum tolerance, and we appealed to them to stay in their designated areas,” the PNP chief said. The PNP deployed more than 20,000 policemen, who were augmented by personnel from various government agencies that included the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the military, the Bureau of Fire Protection and local government units. The anti-SoNA rally was staged along Commonwealth Avenue while pro-Marcos supporters held their own program near the Commission on Audit compound. Acorda said the SoNA was delivered by the President in relative peace, with no untoward incident reported. Earlier, Metro Manila chief P/Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned protesters that as much as the police do not want to use unnecessary force, they would arrest anyone who would cause trouble. “When you are struck, you’ll be in pain so don’t strike anyone. The police are ready and we have the necessary protective gear. Our cops know what to do and they will affect arrests as needed,” Nartatez said. He had vowed to enforce the Clean Air Act should protesters burn effigies. No arrests were reported, however, when a “two-faced” effigy of the President was burned. Still, Nartatez said they were documenting everything and violators “will face penalties.” Progressive groups started their protest march near the Philippine Coconut Authority and ended it along Tandang Sora near the Commission on Human Rights, where they held a program. The NCRPO earlier deployed two Skydio drones, along with a mobile command center bus, for a wide aerial view coverage. These drones, the NCRPO said, were used to effectively monitor the movement of people and vehicles and prevent untoward incidents. A gun ban was also imposed over Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon, starting 12:01 a.m. on 24 July until midnight the next day. Small groups of militants staged their rally at Claro. M. Recto Avenue in Manila. The post Acorda: BBM’s second SoNA ‘peaceful’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prosecutor dismisses case vs realty people
BAGUIO CITY — The Office of the Baguio Prosecutor has dismissed the complaints against the owner and 23 employees and individual partners of a realty company, 40 days after their arrest by the Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit-Cordillera. On 19 July 2023, the City Prosecutor’s Office released the dismissal order on the case of Casa Infini Builders and Realty Co. Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Jennylyn Floresca and 23 others. The Securities and Exchange Commission had charged Floresca and the others with violations of Sections 8, 26, and 28 of the Securities Regulation Code and violations of certain provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act. The prosecutor’s office stressed that the complaint against the respondents was dismissed due to the illegal warrantless arrest and the subsequent illegal warrantless search conducted by the SEC personnel and other government authorities on the company’s premises. “In fact, the petition which initiated the investigation against Casa Infini by SEC was not even attached to the complaint for us to truly determine if there is indeed any evidence of fraud or deceit,” stated the Office of the Prosecutor. On 10 June 2023, operatives from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, RACU Cordillera and the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department launched an entrapment operation against the Casa Infini owner and partners. Two of the operatives posed as registrants and participants to the company’s business presentation. When the undercover police allegedly noticed something “fishy” going on, they signaled to the other operatives who barged into the venue of the presentation. The law enforcers started arresting the participants, confiscating laptops, cellphones and money amounting to more than P1 million as evidence. Prior to the mass arrest, the EIPD received a petition for revocation of Casa Infini’s license permit filed by an unnamed lawyer. In the petition, the complainant accused Casa Infini of illegal activities. On March 2023, EIPD investigators started to track the activities of Casa Infini and on 5 June 2023, the EIPD filed a motion for the issuance of cease and desist order against the company. The SEC En Banc issued the CDO on 8 June 2023 against the Casa Infini. The respondents complained that their arrest caused a great commotion that traumatized senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities attending the business presentation. The post Prosecutor dismisses case vs realty people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5 cops cry foul over extort case
The five Manila Police District cops who were allegedly involved in extorting a computer shop in Sampaloc, Manila denied the allegations and maintained that the operation they conducted was legal. This comes as the five cops surrendered to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission at Camp Crame in Quezon City late Monday night. In a statement, one of the suspects — identified as Patrolman Jhon Lester Pagar — stressed that they voluntarily presented themselves as the case was already elevated to the fiscal’s office. He added that they will answer all the allegations in court. Another suspect — Police Staff Sergeant Ryan Paculan — reiterated the claim the Sampaloc computer shop is running illegal casino activities and they were able to secure videos that confirmed their illegal activities. He added that the Brexicon Internet Cafe is not registered in the city of Manila. The other suspects were PSSg. Jan Erwin Isaac PCp Jonmark Dabucol and Pat. Jeremiah Pascual. The suspects were presented to Philippine National Police chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. before they were transferred to the Manila Police District on Monday evening. “They are currently under MPD restrictive custody while their case is undergoing investigation, they will remain here then they have surrendered their firearms,” said MPD director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon. To recall, the suspects were allegedly caught in CCTV footage as they forcibly entered a computer shop in Barangay 525 on the night of 11 July and introduced themselves as police personnel conducting an operation against illegal gambling. The five then allegedly accused 73-year-old Herminigildo dela Cruz, the owner of the computer shop, of being involved in an illegal gambling den before they took the shop’s earnings from a drawer amounting to P44,000. They also did not present any search warrant and were in plain clothes, according to the PNP. The suspects allegedly demanded from the shop owner a weekly “protection money” of P4,000 just to continue the shop’s operation. The post 5 cops cry foul over extort case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC family courts handling all Dengvaxia cases — SC
The family courts in Quezon City was designated by the Supreme Court to handle exclusively all Dengvaxia-related cases. This affirmed an earlier ruling by the high bench that designated QC courts as the proper venue for dengvaxia cases. The high tribunal in a five-page notice also dismissed “for lack of merit” the motions for reconsideration sought by the principal respondent — former Department of Health secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin — and other co-respondents opposing the consolidation of all cases to a family court. The SC’s Second Division Clerk of Court Teresita Aquino-Tuazon pointed to Republic Act 8369 that establishes family courts that have exclusive jurisdiction over child and family cases. “RA 8369 is clear that the Family Court and not the regular court which has jurisdiction over the subject cases,” Aquino-Tuazon said. “That all cases involving the Dengvaxia vaccine wherein the parties were assisted by PAO shall be transferred to the family court in Quezon City,” the SC official added. The court was referring to other PAO-assisted pending cases for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide which will be dismissed by the first level courts for lack of jurisdiction to avoid conflicting rulings/decisions and “for the orderly administration of justice.” The respondents have argued that QC’s family courts had no jurisdiction but the regular courts because there was no living minor that deserves special attention and protection of a family court. The high court said the family court has jurisdiction over cases where the victim is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense and “there is no distinction whether the minor victim is dead or alive.” Aquino-Tuazon made it clear that the purpose of the transfer to the family court is to ensure uniform decisions/rulings and the orderly administration of justice. With regard to the respondents’ arguments that QC’s family court is not the proper venue as most of them had their offices at the National Capital Region, SC’s second division said otherwise. “The SC said the Quezon City is the proper venue since it is the best venue due to its accessibility to the parties as compared to the other venues and that while it is true under RA 10660 (Functional and Structural Organization of the Sandiganbayan), cases falling within the jurisdiction of a Regional Trial Court cannot be tried in the judicial region where the public official holds office, the same is not applicable in the instant case,” it said. Aquino-Tuazon added that assuming the RTC and not the family court has jurisdiction over the cases, Quezon City may still be the proper venue as the subject criminal cases in the petition for transfer of venue is different from the cases in Section 2 of RA 10660 and although some of the accused are public officials, there is no allegation of bribery or corruption against them. The high court with respect to its denial in the consolidation of cases, said that each case should be tried separately because they are not based on the same facts. It said they involve different victims whose medical histories are distinct from that of the other victims. The SC said that the PAO, being the counsel of the parents of the school children whose deaths were linked to the controversial anti-dengue vaccine, can file the instant petition “considering further that there is no cogent reason for the Court to deviate from its earlier resolution granting the transfer of venue as some of the grounds relied upon are mere rehash of the issues and arguments.” PAO chief Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta said with the latest SC resolution, they can now expect state prosecutors from the Department of Justice to file the criminal cases directly to QC’s family court and not Metropolitan Trial Courts. Garin is facing criminal cases filed by the initial batch of parent-complainants and is also the principal respondent in separate multiple criminal and civil cases, also involving Dengvaxia over 160 more deaths filed against her and other accused including former Health secretary Francisco Duque 3rd. Other respondents aside from Garin and Duque, include Sanofi executives and vaccine distributor Zuellig Pharma, and officials of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Food and Drug Administration. The post QC family courts handling all Dengvaxia cases — SC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unveiling the shabu bust scandal
On 13 June, Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced that criminal charges have been filed against 50 police officers, including Gen. Benjamin Santos, former PNP-Drug Enforcement Group chief, and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo. The investigation leading to the charges was conducted jointly by the National Police Commission and the Philippine National Police’s Special Investigation Task Group which uncovered the officers’ alleged involvement in a coverup in the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu worth around P6.7 billion in October 2022. They were charged with violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Revised Penal Code (specifically, falsification, perjury, false testimony, and malversation of public property), and Presidential Decree 1829, which deals with obstruction of justice. Much of the evidence was obtained from closed-circuit television camera footage which captured the alleged involvement of police officers in the attempt to pilfer 42 kilograms from the total 990 kilograms of shabu seized at WPD Lending, a finance company owned by Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo. The CCTV footage taken on 8 October 2022 corresponded to the day Mayo was apprehended during a drug operation at WPD Lending which resulted in the seizure of the 990 kilograms of shabu. What appeared to be a momentous victory for the PNP, however, quickly turned into a massive scandal seemingly straight out of the big screen. On 10 April, Secretary Abalos stepped forward to unveil a complex syndicated coverup surrounding the shabu bust. For the first time in public, he presented the CCTV footage that revealed a stark disparity between the reports filed by the PNP regarding the arrest of Mayo. This revelation, coupled with multiple reports, prompted Abalos to issue a statement exposing the “massive attempt to cover up” Mayo’s arrest and implicating certain PNP officials in the process. Subsequently, the House of Representatives Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs initiated separate inquiries into the anomalies surrounding the drug bust. Mayo and several PNP officials were summoned to shed light on the matter during these investigations. During the congressional hearings, Congressmen Barbers and Acop were able to spot several conflicting details from the PNP officials ranging from the date, time, and place of the arrests of Mayo and his alleged accomplice, Ney Atadero. Among those questioned about the conflicting details were Brig. Gen. Narcisco Domingo Jr., Lt. Col. Julius Olonan, and Capt. Jonathan Sosongco. The three officers were among the 10 ranking officers who were placed on leave after an alleged attempt to cover up Mayo’s arrest was uncovered by the National Police Commission’s fact-finding board. Olonan claimed that only Atadero was arrested at 1 p.m. at WPD Lending in Tondo, while Mayo was arrested in Bambang. Sosongco said both Mayo and Atadero were captured at around 4 p.m. at the Western Police District. The CCTV footage, however, showed that on or about 1:40 p.m. at WPD Lending, Mayo appeared in handcuffs as he alighted from a grey SUV while being escorted by the team of Sosongco who were followed by a black sedan from which Sosongco alighted. This was in stark contrast to what was reported by the PNP that Mayo was arrested by a Captain Piñon. The CCTV footage further showed several PNP officers entering and exiting WPD Lending, carrying suitcases that were loaded into vehicles and on a motorcycle. These vehicles and the motorcycle were then driven to a nearby establishment suspected to belong to another PNP official named Jimenez, where the suitcases were believed unloaded. This Jimenez was a subordinate of Colonel Ibañez of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 4A, who was also listed in the Drug Watch list along with Mayo and Jimenez, whom Ibañez specifically asked to be part of his team. Domingo denied a coverup and said that the senior officers seen in the CCTV footage were discussing their next moves. He said efforts were being made to identify other cohorts of Mayo, recover the pilfered drugs, and cooperate with the Department of Justice in building a case against the suspects. The ramifications of these revelations led former president Rodrigo Duterte to accuse the PNP of being the “gatekeeper” of the illegal drug trade and challenged its personnel to resign. He expressed concern about the significant volume of drugs allegedly passing through the hands of the police, even reaching the level of the generals. Secretary Abalos assured Duterte and the public that they were taking action on the issue of alleged drug ties among police officers and that they were actively carrying out their responsibilities and conducting investigations into the matter. As we delve further into the shabu bust scandal, it is crucial that we remain focused on our ultimate objectives: purging the PNP of corruption, rebuilding public trust, and upholding the rule of law. He should be applauded for his courage in exposing the complicity of senior PNP officials, despite the potential risk to his personal safety from both internal and external syndicates. His unwavering resolve to root out drug connections in the PNP and restore its damaged reputation is truly commendable and deserving of our admiration. The post Unveiling the shabu bust scandal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Raps vs P6.7-B ‘shabu cops’ filed at Ombudsman
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. disclosed on Tuesday that criminal charges against the 50 policemen involved in the biggest shabu haul — 990 kilos worth P6.7 billion in October 2022 — were already filed at the Office of the Ombudsman. Abalos said that the charges were based on the investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police Special Investigation Task Force and the parallel investigation by the National Police Commission Fact-Finding Committee. Meantime, Napolcom vice chairperson Alberto Bernado said that the 50 policemen charged include 12 high-ranking commissioned police officers led by former PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr. and former PDEG chief P/Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo. The 38 others included former P/Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., whose arrest led to the confiscation of almost a ton of shabu worth P6.7 billion. The DILG chief revealed that the charges filed were violations of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti- Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerours Drug Act, the Revised Penal Code for falsification and perjury, malversation of public property and Presidential Decree 1829 for Obstruction of Justice. Abalos also said that the 48 cops who appeared in the CCTV footages and two that were not seen were charged with conspiracy. The post Raps vs P6.7-B ‘shabu cops’ filed at Ombudsman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»