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PDEA-7: No marijuana-flavored vapes in Central Visayas
CEBU CITY, Philippines – No marijuana-flavored vapes have been monitored so far in Central Visayas, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the region, said. This was according to Intelligence Agent IlI Jonar V. Cuayzon, chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Section of PDEA Regional Office 7. Cuayzon, however, said that they are not discounting the.....»»
Dela Rosa on Marcos’ inclusion in drug list: ‘No idea ako’
MANILA, Philippines — Former national police chief turned senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa did not give a categorical answer on whether or not President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) drug users list during the administration of then president Rodrigo Duterte. “No idea ako, no idea. Hindi ko sinabing.....»»
Marcos not in narco-list – Bato
Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was never included in any narco-list when he was chief of the Philippine National Police......»»
Brawner backs call to tap gun owners as reservists
PALAWAN, Philippines — General Romeo Brawner Jr., the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has endorsed the idea of enlisting gun owners as reservists and highlighted the need for more reservists in the country. Brawner made the remark in reaction to Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Mark Villar’s call.....»»
Bomb components, ammo seized
DUMAGUETE CITY — Authorities here reported that it seized a cache of ammunition and bomb components at a temporary harbor site of New People’s Army rebels in Mabinay, Negros Oriental. Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office Police Community Affairs and Development Unit deputy chief Lt. Stephen Polinar disclosed that they discovered the items in a cave at Sitio Cansanaan in Barangay Abis on Tuesday. He added that the 704th Provincial Mobile Force Company received a report of the presence of unidentified armed men believed to be NPA members and immediately conducted an operation in the vicinity of Barangays Bato, Abis and Samac. They found the cave reportedly been used by suspected NPA members. A subsequent search yielded one red chest bag containing assorted medicines; a container with suspected ammonium nitrate and fuel oil of approximately four liters; an orange backpack containing two pieces of electric blasting cap; two pieces of 9-volts battery; two rolls of firing wire 10-20 meters each; and several rounds of live ammunition of various caliber for short and long firearms; two magazines; a pair of rainboots; and assorted “subversive” documents. The post Bomb components, ammo seized appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner denies 2 activists tortured
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr., on Wednesday denied the allegations of torture by the two young activists who claimed they were abducted by soldiers in Bataan province. Brawner clarified that environmentalists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano have undergone the military’s standard operating procedure for the rebel returnees. “We applied everything that is stipulated in our SOP when someone surrenders. We let them undergo medical examination the very first hour that they were brought to our custody when they surrendered,” Brawner said during the Senate deliberation on the proposed 2024 national budget of the Department of National Defense and its attached agencies. Brawner stood firm that Castro and Tamano “voluntarily surrendered” to the Philippine Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion in Plaridel, Bulacan, after going missing on 2 September. “When they surrendered. The first hour, we called for a doctor to do a physical examination on them. That’s why their statements that they were tied up with their other allegations of torture — are not true,” he said. In a government-sponsored press conference last week, Tamano and Castro made a surprising statement that they were “coerced to surrender” and “threatened” by the military. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Brawner’s assertion about the surrendering of Tamano and Castro could be backed by the statement of Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta. “Everything that they said was properly debunked by PAO chief Acosta. In that alone, their claims were already destroyed,” Dela Rosa said. Perjury raps Meanwhile, Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the government is preparing perjury charges against the two activists after they recanted their earlier statements, which were put through a “handwritten affidavit.” “There is a case preparation now, multi-agency case preparation for the filing of perjury charges against them. The sworn statements of the witnesses are being reviewed,” Teodoro said. The post Brawner denies 2 activists tortured appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner denies military torture vs activists Tamano, Castro
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday denied the allegations of torture by the two young activists who claimed they were abducted by the soldiers in Bataan province. Brawner clarified that environmentalists, Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, have undergone the military’s standard operating procedure for the rebel returnees. “We applied everything that nandoon po sa ating SOP kapag meron pong nagsu-surrender In fact, ang ginawa po natin pina-medical examination po natin the first hour na nadala po sa ating custody when they surrendered (We applied everything that is stipulated in our SOP when someone surrenders. In fact, what we did was we let them undergo medical examination the very first hour that they were brought to our custody when they surrendered),” Brawner said during the deliberation of the Senate Committee on Finance on the proposed 2024 national budget of the Department of National Defense and its attached agencies. Brawner stood firm that Castro and Tamano had “voluntarily surrendered” to the Philippine Army’s Philippine Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion in Plaridel, Bulacan after going missing for weeks. “When they surrendered. The first hour, we called for a doctor to do a physical examination on them. That’s why, their statements that they were tied up with their other allegations of torture—are not really true,” the AFP chief stressed. In a government-sponsored press conference last week, Tamano and Castro said they were “coerced to surrender” and “threatened” by the military. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said Brawner’s assertion about the surrendering of Tamano and Castro could be backed by the statement of Public Attorney's Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta. “Everything that they said was properly debunked by PAO chief Acosta. Wala talaga, sirang-sira sila doon (In that alone, their claims were already destroyed),” said Dela Rosa. Meanwhile, Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. noted that the government is preparing perjury charges against the two activists after they recanted their earlier statements which were put through a “handwritten affidavit.” "There is a case preparation now, multi-agency case preparation for the filing of perjury charges against them. The sworn statements of the witnesses are being reviewed,” said Teodoro. The post Brawner denies military torture vs activists Tamano, Castro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Perjury raps vs 2 activists underway
Perjury charges are now being prepared against the two environmentalists who recanted their “handwritten affidavit” stating they have “voluntarily surrendered” to the military and declared that soldiers abducted them after they went missing. During the deliberation of the Senate Committee on Finance on 2024 proposed P229.9-billion budget of the Department of National Defense and its attached agencies, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa asked on the case update of Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro who earlier retracted what they said in their affidavit. “May case preparation ngayon, inter-agency case preparation for the filing of perjury charges sa kanila. Nire-review lang ang mga sworn statements ng mga testigo (There is a case preparation now, multi-agency case preparation for the filing of perjury charges against them. The sworn statements of the witnesses are being reviewed),” Teodoro told Dela Rosa. In a previous press conference organized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Tamano and Castor denied that they surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion. Philippine Army chief LtGen. Roy Galido earlier admitted that the two young activists had tricked the military, contrary to their earlier statements sworn before the Public Attorney's Office. "We felt betrayed that's why we will file the necessary case, to use our laws, just like when you are also betrayed when your clients are betrayed, they file a case against you, so we just have to follow the rule of law in our country," Galido said. Meanwhile, Dela Rosa urged the DND to push through with the filing of perjury charges against Tamano and Castro. "We should do that. I am encouraging you. Grabe 'yung maka-kaliwa, grabe maka-jump sa bandwagon nung epekto na 'yun. Talagang all-out sila. Dapat tayo rin, sumagot din tayo. Parang lumalabas na para bang inaamin na lang natin na totoo ang sinasabi nila (The leftists are really jumping on the bandwagon following their retraction. They are really all-out. We must answer that. It seems like we are just admitting that what they are saying is true),” said Dela Rosa. The senator said the security forces should be aggressive in their actions against propaganda of the communist-leaning parties. Teodoro noted that the intelligence information on the two activists is liable. “Your honor, talagang sigurado po ako sa ebidensya dito (I’m really sure about the evidences),” said Teodoro, noting that the recantation of the two activists is just part of the dramas being perpetrated by the left-leaning organizations. ‘Lesson learned: Be wary’ Dela Rosa also warned the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. to be wary of entertaining communist surrenderers. “Lessons learned, General Brawner. Ingat kayo kasi pwede kayong saksakin sa likuran niyan (Just be careful because they can stab your back),” he said. "Masyado tayong mabait, masyado na tayong gentleman. Masyado tayong mapagbigay to the point na 'yun pala, nilalason na pala tayo sa sarili nating tubig (We are too kind, we are too gentlemanly. We are too generous to the point that we are being poisoned in our own waters),” Dela Rosa added. On the other hand, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri emphasized the need to provide sufficient funds for the NTF-ELCAC, to augment the military’s efforts on its Balik-Loob program. “We should help in their budget, we should continue providing funds for NTF-ELCAC, especially in barangay projects because that’s what winning hearts and minds. It has been very successful in Bukidnon and any other provinces,” he said. Dela Rosa supported Zubiri’s suggestion. However, the funds of the anti-insurgency task force are being lodged in the expenditure program of the National Security Council. The post Perjury raps vs 2 activists underway appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Up to 2M reservists eyed once ROTC becomes mandatory
There could be about two million reservists who will be able to augment the reserve force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines every year if the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps becomes mandatory again. This was bared by Major General Joel Alejandro Nacnac, Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservists and Retiree Affairs of the AFP, over the weekend during the opening of the National Reservists Week. “Every year, if ROTC becomes mandatory, we expect an additional two million students from all of the universities,” Nacnac told the reporters in an interview. He said projected servicemen from ROTC will be classified as a “standby reserve”—which is mobilized only in times of national emergency or war. The AFP reserve force is currently at 1.2 million as of June 2023, which is composed of over 71,000 “ready reservists,” more than 15,000 affiliated units from other organizations and institutions, and 1.1 million standby reservists—with most of them from the Philippine Army. The ready reservists are called at “any time to add to the regular forces.” The National Reservist Week is the AFP’s annual activity of the “purposely to widen the Reserve Force manpower build-up and for the existing reservists to be accounted.” The event also provides reservists an update on the current AFP policies and directives with regard to the Reserve Force Development Programs as well as establish a robust operational Reserve force by way of checking their individual readiness in order to provide support to the Regular Force to fulfill its mandate. The bill requiring ROTC for students enrolled in at least two years of an undergraduate degree is pending in the Senate plenary. On the other hand, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa the government may allot P4.2 billion for free uniforms yearly if the proposed mandatory ROTC program becomes law. “If it will materialize, every year we’re going to budget P4.2B for uniforms alone for cadets,” he said in a recent hearing on the budget of the Department of Science and Technology and its attached agencies. Dela Rosa also made a recommendation that ROTC uniforms should be locally sourced. The Philippine Textile Research Institute welcomed the senator’s suggestion. The post Up to 2M reservists eyed once ROTC becomes mandatory appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Viral OTS screening officer relieved
The Office for Transportation Security confirmed on Thursday that the female security screening officer involved in the theft of $300 from a departing Chinese national passenger at NAIA Terminal 1 has been relieved. According to OTS administrator Ma.O Aplasca, the footage from the CCTV camera is clear and was used as basis to prove the passenger’s complaint about the loss of money in his wallet when he went through the final security check. However, the OTS chief refused to name the 28-year-old female OTS personnel because they have to conduct a follow-up investigation on who the accomplices were in the robbery. The OTS initially hid the incident of theft involving their SSO, but the said issue erupted after some OTS staff spoke to the airport in-house media because they also sympathized with the robbery issue. Reports disclosed that the incident happened on 8 September and the OTS did not release it to the media for almost two weeks, giving the reason that the investigation was still ongoing. Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority expressed dismay at the incident as MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co issued a warning that any airport frontliners whose actions undermine MIAA’s efforts to improve service standards at the airport have no place in the NAIA. The OTS, on the other hand, was instructed by the Department of Transportation to file the requisite charges against the security screening staff. In other developments, some senators on Thursday were one in saying that unscrupulous activities of airport officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport must be put to an end. In separate statements, Senators Grace Poe, Joel Villanueva and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa demanded an investigation into the new scheme of airport screening officers to steal valuable items from passengers at the country’s main gateway. Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, condemned the incident which she described as “infuriating and embarrassing.” “It seems that they [airport officials] never run out of gimmicks to steal money at the airport,” she said referring to the viral video. Villanueva echoed the same sentiment, adding that the incident would drive tourists away from visiting the country. For his part, Dela Rosa said the OTS and DoTr should work hand in hand to “get to the bottom of this newly discovered modus operandi at NAIA.” “We are hurting our own reputation before the international arena if this crime is not being addressed immediately,” Dela Rosa said. With Jasper Dawang and Jom Garner The post Viral OTS screening officer relieved appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday ordered an investigation on reports that a religious cult is collecting the cash grant of its members who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The DSWD chief ordered the probe following the privileged speech of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, 18 September, which detailed the activities of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which the senator alleged to be a religious cult in Surigao del Norte. “We have taken stock of the privilege speech of the good senator, Madame Chair, and we took inventory immediately of how many 4Ps households we have there. But obviously, these are initial numbers because it could not be in just one sitio but in more sitios,” Secretary Gatchalian told senators during the hearing on the DSWD’s proposed P207.37 billion on Wednesday, 20 September. Secretary Gatchalian said that in Sitio Kapihan in the Municipality of Socorro, there are 74 households which are 4Ps beneficiaries. “In that barangay itself, Barangay Siring, we have 503 households,” he said. “We’ve already spoken about getting our city links and our municipal links to pry into the well-being of these 4Ps beneficiaries in that area,” the DSWD chief said as he promised to provide the Senate with an update on the investigation. The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0 to 18. Gatchalian maintained that as a matter of practice in the DSWD, “What is for the beneficiary is for the beneficiary.” “It’s against the creed of the Department when may tumabas, no matter kung sino man yan (whoever violates, no matter who it is), no government official, no private individual can take what is given directly to the beneficiary,” Gatchalian told senators during the budget hearing. Gatchalian told the senators that the Department will also look into the beneficiaries of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) in the Caraga Administrative Region (Region 13), with a focus on those barangays and sitios that are within the area of influence of the religious cult. “Whenever we get allegations of AICS misuse, we take it seriously, and even here in the Central Office, in any of our Field Office,” the DSWD chief said, adding that the Department’s Caraga regional director is already looking into the AICS track distribution in the area. “And then we can do backtracking and our standard investigation tracks also… We will immediately copy furnish the office of the committee as well as the office of the good senator on the findings of the 4Ps as well as the AICS clusters,” Gatchalian said. Senators Hontiveros and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, each filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into the activities of the alleged religious cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which is based in Surigao del Norte. The post DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Disguised military force
Wrongheadedly asserting outdated notions about the China Coast Guard or CCG show us exactly why some sitting senators shouldn’t be senators. Worse, despite having been schooled by maritime law experts and defense officials, Senators Robinhood Padilla’s and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s smarmy refusals to believe they are wrong about the CCG embarrass the Senate. Hear Padilla sarcastically telling experts during a joint Senate panel hearing into West Philippine Sea issues: ““Ibig niyong sabihin, iba ang definition ng coast guard ng China? Wow, ha, talaga lang, ha (So you mean, the Coast Guard is defined differently by China? Wow, really, are you sure about that)?” Most of us may be excused if last week we didn’t know or pay much attention to the fact that since its 2021 transformation by Chinese domestic law, the CCG is now a military force disguised as a civilian force. But sitting senators can’t claim the same excuse. Senators are expected to at least possess some knowledge of recent international developments since the Senate is constitutionally tasked with scrutinizing and approving the country’s treaties with other countries. Senators are supposed to enlighten us then. But both Padilla and Dela Rosa inspire us instead of their sheer ignorance of recent Chinese developments that directly affect our national interest. Not taking Filipino expert counsel, too, is wholly pathetic. It isn’t only Filipino experts but international maritime law experts who said the CCG’s command and control structure had been changed to that of a military-like organization under the centralized command of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission. True, putting military organizations in charge of maritime law enforcement — which coast guards typically do — is not unique to China. For instance, the United States Coast Guard is one of America’s five armed forces branches and has an explicit defense readiness mission. The French, too, have the Maritime Gendarmerie, a paramilitary police force under the operational control of the chief of staff of the French Navy. Still, the US and French coast guards are considered exceptions rather than the rule insofar as how most countries conceive, structure, and operate their civilian-led coast guards. China did follow the general practice when it put up its coast guard in 2013. Since 2021, however, after a comprehensive China Coast Guard Law took effect, China set its coast guard apart from the rest of Asia, except for Vietnam. China ensuring that military, not civilian government agencies, exert control over its coast guard undoubtedly has far-reaching consequences in the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. For instance, one consequence of a militarized CCG is that China doesn’t need to declare war in her attempts to expand her de facto control over disputed waters. A militarized CCG is enough to bolster China’s preferred strategic approach of “slow intensity or low-intensity coercion.” Other important consequences of CCG’s militarization abound, particularly thorny questions about Chinese CCG law violating significant provisions of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. But that’s for another time. On a more recent topical note, however, our military officials say our armed forces are already preparing for any eventuality should the CCG go beyond firing water cannons when blocking our ships resupplying the beleaguered Ayungin Shoal detachment. Our military’s fears are not unfounded. Article 22 of the CCG law authorizes a CCG vessel to use its weapons without warning against foreign government and civilian vessels. And there are fears the CCG might use weapons deadlier than water cannons and lasers. Some CCG vessels, in fact, are equipped with destroyer-class 76mm guns. It behooves the military, therefore, to keep a close eye on any major equipment changes — like larger caliber guns and missiles — on CCG vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea. The post Disguised military force appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fintech firms see ideal Phl market
The Philippines is being looked at by financial technology companies as a key test market to expand their reach in Southeast Asia due to the unique character of the population which are predominantly well versed in English and familiar with technology but are mostly immersed in poverty and are unbanked. Delegates from the Singapore Fintech Association, or SFA, recently expressed interest in exploring business opportunities during a courtesy call on the Board of Investments, or BoI. The Singapore mission sought information about the investment climate, regulations, investment opportunities and government support for companies in the fintech industry. Heading the delegation, Reuben Lim, chief operating officer of the SFA, pointed out that the Philippines is being recognized as an emerging investment destination and market for fintech companies. “We are now looking into the Philippines, as we are seeking to expand in Southeast Asia. Singapore’s success depends on its neighbors’ success,” Lim underscored. Delegates expressed optimism in the potential of the Philippines, wanting to find more business opportunities. In particular, Bato Purev-Ochir, head of sales and solutions, expects a number of potential clients in the Philippines. According to Executive Director Evariste Cagatan of the BoI’s Investments Promotion Services, the Philippines is an ideal investment destination for fintech. Highlighting the country’s thrust towards digital transformation and our world-class talent, she described the country’s demographic sweet spot for young, creative, technology-savvy and cost-efficient English-speaking workforce. She also shared that while the country’s fintech industry is nascent, it is fast growing and very promising. “The Philippines is gaining traction due to the fast-growing use of mobile banking in the country, the enabling regulatory environment, and the high number of unbanked and financially underserved Filipinos, which represent around 70 percent of the adult population.” The post Fintech firms see ideal Phl market 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......»»
Gun-toting ex-cop in viral road rage incident apologizes, claims self-defense
Wilfredo “Willie” Gonzales, the dismissed police officer in the viral road rage incident in Quezon City, has apologized for pulling out and cocking his gun at an unarmed cyclist. During Tuesday’s investigation of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs into the viral road rage incident, Gonzales admitted that he assaulted cyclist Allan Bandiola during their altercation near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City last month. “I apologize for that part – for hitting him in his head and for pulling out and cocking my gun at him. I apologize to everyone, not just [to Bandiola], but to all of you. It was my fault. I was shocked,” Gonzales told lawmakers. The dismissed police officer, who has yet to return his separation pay despite being ordered to do so, claimed that he did such an act to defend himself from Bandiola. “In my mind, I must defend myself because I have yet to recover from my spine operation. He admitted that he attacked me. For me, it was solely to shock him so could not hit me,” he said. “If he catches me, he might kill me because I am still weak. I am yet to cover from my operation,” he added. For his part, Bandiola confirmed that he planned to retaliate after being hit by Gonzales. “It was my normal reaction because he hit me in the head. That is why I got off my bike,” he said. “He could have just talked to me.” ‘Gloves with hard knuckles’ Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito asked Gonzales about his claim that Bandiola was wearing gloves with hard knuckles during their altercation last month, which the latter allegedly used to cause a dent in his car. “Mr. Gonzales claimed that Mr. Bandiola was wearing gloves for motorcycles that had knuckles. Is that correct?” Ejercito asked. Gonzales replied, “Yes.” Ejercito then asked Bandiola whether he was wearing gloves, which the latter denied. Bandiola’s claim was validated by a screencap from the now-deleted viral incident, shown during the Senate panel’s investigation. This prompted Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who presides the hearing, to interrogate Gonzales. “Mr. Gonzales, this picture won’t lie. He was not wearing any gloves. Now, you are making stories that he was wearing gloves with hard knuckles. Look at it,” Dela Rosa said. Gonzales stood by his claim that Bandiola was wearing gloves, stressing that police who responded to the incident could prove his claim. “The police who were there can prove that he was wearing gloves. I’m telling you the truth, I’m not lying,” he said. The dismissed police officer’s response angered Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. “This picture can prove that he was not wearing gloves. Mr. Gonzales, whatever you say, people who watch us will say that you are a former cop,” he said. “It will be a shame that people will always call police liars. You’re a police, I am a police. We don’t want our organization to be branded as liars,” he said. Unfazed, Gonzales insisted that Bandiola was wearing gloves in his right hand, which Bandiola denied. Ejercito supported Bandiola’s claim by showing another screencap which proved that the cyclist was not wearing any gloves. Dela Rosa, who identified himself as a cyclist, echoed Ejercito’s observation. “I am also a biker, wearing gloves with hard knuckles would make you look like a fool.” He then urged Gonzales not to manufacture stories in the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which he chairs. After the hearing, Bandiola maintained that he would not file cases against Gonzales. “People who know me know what kind of person I am. They know the truth. I will let God take care of him,” he said. The post Gun-toting ex-cop in viral road rage incident apologizes, claims self-defense appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bato alarmed at cops’ abuse of power, drugs
Former Philippine National Police chief now senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa yesterday expressed concern that more police officers are getting involved in recent road rage incidents and abuse of police power......»»
Permit to carry firearm not a license to threaten, assault anyone — Dela Rosa
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday said a permit to carry firearms outside residence granted to armed personnel does not give them the right or license to threaten or assault anyone. The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief turned lawmaker also lauded the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) move to revoke the The post Permit to carry firearm not a license to threaten, assault anyone — Dela Rosa appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Lady pusher nabbed in drug sting
Operatives of the Manila Police District District Special Operating Unit arrested a notorious lady drug pusher in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo during a buy-bust operation on Wednesday night. Police identified the suspect as Mary Ann Evaresto y Mejica a.k.a Maan, 27 years old , female, single, Filipino, jobless, and a resident of No. 457, Area B, Gate 10, Parola Compound, Barangay 20, Tondo, Manila. According to PMAJ Rommel Purisima, acting chief, DSOU, the suspect was reportedly a member of the dreaded Sagnip Criminal Gang responsible for a series of holdups and robberies in the vicinity. Confiscated pieces of evidence during the operation were one piece of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be Shabu weighing more or less three grams with an SDP value of P20,400. Charges for Violation of Section 11, Article II of RA 9165 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) will be filed against the suspect at the Manila City Prosecutors Office. The post Lady pusher nabbed in drug sting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate panel to probe QC road rage next week
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs is set to conduct an investigation on 5 September regarding the viral road rage incident that happened in Quezon City, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said over the weekend, as he reiterated his call for the proper use of firearms by gun owners, including uniform officials. Meanwhile, Dela Rosa commended the Philippine National Police for their decision to revoke the gun privileges of Wilfredo Gonzales, a dismissed cop involved in a viral video, carrying a handgun and threatening a cyclist in Quezon City. Dela Rosa cited PNP chief Benjamin Acorda who ordered the Firearms and Explosives Office to immediately strip Gonzales of his License To Own and Possess Firearm, Firearm Registration, and Permit To Carry Firearms Outside his Residence. Authorities also seized three .45-caliber handguns and one 9-millimeter pistol from Gonzales. Dela Rosa stressed the need for all firearms owners to become more responsible in their actions. ‘Yung pagbigay sa’yo ng Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence ng PNP ay ginagamit ‘yon pamproteksyon sa sarili mo, hindi panakot or panggawa ng (The PNP, giving you the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence, is inteded for your protection and not to threaten or commit) aggressive actions against anybody,” he added. “So it just right for the PNP to revoke Gonzales’ gun license and permits that were previously given to him,” he added. Gonzales was dismissed from service in 2006 for being charged with an administrative case due to grave misconduct, simple misconduct, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. He was then reinstated after he appealed his case before the National Police Commission in 2012 with rank demotion as penalty. In June 2018, according to Acorda, the ex-cop was again dismissed due to oral defamation and gun-toting. The post Senate panel to probe QC road rage next week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MPD nabs notorious lady drug pusher in Tondo
Operatives of the Manila Police District –DSOU (District Special Operating Unit) arrested a notorious lady drug pusher in Islang Puting Bato, Tondo, Manila during a buy-bust operation conducted on Wednesday night. Police identified the suspect as Mary Ann Evaresto, also known as Maan, 27 years old, jobless, and a resident of Parola Compound, Brgy. 20 in Tondo, Manila. She was arrested in a buy-bust operation along Isla Puting Bato on 30 August 2023 at around 7:15 p.m. According to P/Maj. Rommel Purisima, acting chief of DSOU, the suspect was reportedly a member of the dreaded Sagnip criminal gang, which is responsible for a series of hold-ups and robberies in the vicinity of Isla Puting Bato. Confiscated pieces of evidence during the operation were one piece of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be "shabu" which weighed more or less three grams with an estimated value of P20,400. Charges for Violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) will be filed against the suspect at the Manila City Prosecutors Office. The post MPD nabs notorious lady drug pusher in Tondo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»