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Missing man found dead in Barangay Bonbon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 50-year-old man who had been missing for two weeks was found dead in Sitio Golivas, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. The victim was identified as Adriano Fuentes Durano, a resident of Kiniasan, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. Police Major Philip John Libres, chief of Malubog Police Community Precinct, stated that on Tuesday.....»»
Village chief rewardscouple for missing girl recovery
Village chief rewardscouple for missing girl recovery.....»»
Probe ordered on fireman’s ‘promotion for sale’ scam
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday ordered a thorough and deeper probe on a fireman who was accused of being involved in a “lateral promotion for sale” scam at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The suspect, Fire Officer 1 Ramces Paul Benipayo of the Muntinlupa Fire Station, was collared by undercover operatives on Wednesday, 25 October, in an entrapment operation shortly after receiving P200,000 from his alleged victim. Policemen arrested Benipayo after accepting P200,000 in marked money from his classmate, a BFP firefighter from Western Visayas, whom he promised to assist in getting a promotion within the bureau in exchange for money. Benipayo’s modus is to convince his would-be victims to give him money in exchange for non-existent promotion which will allegedly be facilitated by his “contacts” in the BFP, which of course would never materialize. “I have been briefed on the case of FO1 Benipayo and I could say that what he did was unacceptable,” said Abalos. The BFP together with the Philippine National Police is an attached agency of the DILG. This, as Abalos also ordered a thorough probe on the case and background of Benipayo to determine if he has cohorts at the BFP who could be working with him. Abalos’ order came after BFP intelligence and investigation division director Chief Supt. Gilbert Dolot reported that three more complainants came forward and accused the suspect of also duping them using the same modus operandi. “We will not tolerate this kind of illegal activity. That’s why I’ve already ordered the PNP to work closely with the BFP to get to the bottom of this issue and prosecute everyone involved,” Abalos pointed out. “Walang puwang sa gobyerno natin at sa DILG or sa BFP for that matter ang mga katulad niya,” he continued. Benipayo had undergone inquest proceedings before the Muntinlupa Prosecutor’s Office and was slapped with complaints for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and estafa in relation to RA 10175, also known as the cybercrime prevention law. He is currently detained at the CIDG detention facility. The head of the CIDG’s anti-organized crime unit, Col. Reynaldo Lizardo, said Benipayo initially told them his cohort is with the BFP. . The post Probe ordered on fireman’s ‘promotion for sale’ scam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myanmar nationals ask Philippines to probe alleged war crimes
Five Myanmar nationals asked the Philippines on Wednesday to investigate alleged war crimes committed by 10 serving or former members of Myanmar's military against the mainly Christian Chin minority. Filipino lawyers representing the Myanmar nationals told reporters they lodged the "landmark" criminal complaint against junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and nine others at the Department of Justice in Manila. They asked prosecutors to open an investigation into alleged war crimes under a Philippine law penalising "crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide, and other crimes against humanity". The five Myanmar nationals are from western Chin state, but now live in Australia, Britain, Canada and India. They were at the justice department in Manila. "This is a landmark suit because this is the very first time that such a case is being brought before the Philippines," Romel Bagares, one of the lawyers, told reporters. Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said his department would "evaluate" the complaint, which he described as "very novel". "If this is sufficient in form and substance, that's the time when we will require the respondents to answer these complaints," Remulla told reporters. Among the accused is Chin Chief Minister Vung Suan Thang, who is a former military officer. The others are serving members of the military. The complaint alleged that members of Myanmar's military killed a pastor and two church elders in Thantlang town, Chin, in September 2021. It also accused the 10 of "intentionally" directing attacks on churches and the burning of hundreds of houses in the same town between August 2021 and June 2022. They also allegedly blocked relief supplies from reaching people in Chin state in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha in May. 'Truly historic day' Philippine law allows for the prosecution of war crimes committed elsewhere. One of the stipulations of the law is that the accused must be present in the Philippines. According to Gilbert Andres, another Filipino lawyer representing the Myanmar nationals, if the Philippine justice department were to decide to mount a case against the 10 accused, it could issue subpoenas to Myanmar's Central Authority or go through diplomatic channels. The toppling of Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in a 2021 coup sparked a huge backlash and the military junta is now battling opponents across swaths of Myanmar. Some of the bloodiest fighting has been happening in Christian-majority areas, including in Chin state. "This is a truly historic day," Salai Ling, one of the five complainants and also of the Chin Human Rights Organization, told reporters in Manila. "We are really hoping that with the solidarity and support from the Filipino people and people in the ASEAN region, that we will be able to get some form of justice for the atrocities that our people suffered." Myanmar and the Philippines belong to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The regional bloc's efforts to defuse the Myanmar crisis have been fruitless so far. The Philippines is now the subject of an international human rights probe, with the Hague-based International Criminal Court investigating "possible crimes against humanity" during former president Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drugs crackdown. In July, President Ferdinand Marcos said the Philippines was "done talking with the ICC" but would continue to question the tribunal's jurisdiction. The post Myanmar nationals ask Philippines to probe alleged war crimes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tulfo seeks Senate probe on Italian jobs scam, illegal recruitment
Senator Raffy Tulfo is urging his fellow legislators to conduct an investigation into the reported illegal recruitment of more than 200 Filipinos who were each supposed to be paid P120,000 (€2,500) up to P347,140 (€5,780) for "non-existent jobs" in Italy. Tulfo, chairs Senate committee on migrant workers, filed Senate Resolution No. 816 earlier this week, following reports that “hundreds of victims were charged by exorbitant placement and consultancy fees for jobs that turned out to be non-existent.” In a statement on Thursday, Tulfo said Alpha Assistenza SRL, the immigration consultancy firm allegedly victimizing Filipinos, is headed by Filipino chief executive officers Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro. He then cited the testimonies of the victimized overseas Filipino workers who bared that they were lured by a promise of higher-paying jobs. “Alpha Assistenza SRL had no legal personality whatsoever to process the work visa applications of Filipinos seeking jobs in Italy,” he said. Tulfo said about 68 complainants have already filed formal complaints before the Department of Justice in Manila. He added that the Philippine embassy in Italy has likewise alerted the Public Prosecutors Office in Rome, the SUI, the Questura, and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the alleged “large-scale fraud.” The allegations of victims on the supposed “non-action” by the Philippine consulate in Milan over the concern “should also be investigated,” said Tulfo. In filing SR 816, Tulfo stressed the need to “review existing laws and policies on illegal recruitment and adopt other legislative measures to curb the proliferation of such vicious acts.” The post Tulfo seeks Senate probe on Italian jobs scam, illegal recruitment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOJ to help 400 Filipino job-seekers duped in Italy
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday assured the 400 Filipinos allegedly victimized by an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that the Department of Justice will take the necessary steps to help them. “Affidavits will be taken so they can properly complain and put together a case. Whatever it is, we will help them draw out the truth,” said Remulla, adding that he has assigned Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan "to come up with a few draft affidavits so we can assist these people para di na sila maghahanap ng abogado.” Earlier, some 400 Filipinos who said they were duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. The Daily Tribune has run a series on the alleged scam by Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm. In Senate Resolution 814, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos dreaming of working in the European country. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino 'victims' with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. The senator said the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s chief executive officer and immigration consultant. She said the State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. Hontiveros added: “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas.” In an interview on Daily Tribune's digital show "Usapang OFW" last week, several complainants, namely Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo and Apple Cabasis, said Alpha Assistenza SRL headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. They also accused Consul General Elmer Cato of ignoring their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL. The post DOJ to help 400 Filipino job-seekers duped in Italy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alleged recruitment scam in Italy reaches Senate
The alleged recruitment scam, facilitated by the Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Alpha Assistenza SRL, has already reached the Senate. In filing proposed Senate Resolution No. 814, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the alleged recruitment activities conducted by the Alpha Assistenza SRL. In her resolution, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm which has preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy, which was first exposed by the Daily Tribune. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino “victims” with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. She continued: “The Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant.” Hontiveros also said that the “complainants alleged that they had paid the company ‘large sums of money’ to facilitate their relatives’ travel to Italy for work.” “The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” she said. “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas,” she added. ‘Aware’ Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos both from the Philippines and Italy. In an interview with Daily Tribune, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza denied the alleged non-action of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan in the victim’s complaints against the supposed scam. “The DFA is aware of the reports,” Daza said. “The Philippine Consulate General in Milan is acting on the complaints.” Victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune’s digital program, “Usapang OFW,” accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL. Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos. “The numbers are still being verified,” she said. In a recent interview over the Usapang OFW, the complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said that the Alpha Assistenza, headed by its Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega also denied allegations that Cato had sat on the Filipino communities’ complaints. De Vega said the Philippine Consulate General in Milan received a report on 31 August, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing. “They were interviewing victims and working on cases,” he said in a separate interview. Asked if the DFA is considering making Cato inhibited due to the accusations of the victims, De Vega said: “We are meeting him personally.” The DFA official also noted that they are coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Migrant Workers Office in Milan on how to proceed with the case. “The complaint is really to be filed with Italian authorities but our Consulate in Milan should assist them,” he said. The Daily Tribune has sought comments from the Italian Embassy in Manila but they had yet to respond as of press time. The post Alleged recruitment scam in Italy reaches Senate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400
The more or less 400 Filipinos duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy, found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. Less than a week into a series ran by the DAILY TRIBUNE on the reported scam of Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 814 detailing the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos who dream of working in the European country. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino “victims” with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. According to Hontiveros, the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant. “The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” she said. She added: “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas.” ‘Aware’ Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos from the Philippines and Italy. In an interview, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos. “The numbers are still being verified,” she said, denying alleged non-action against the supposed scam. For the hundreds of victims it does not help to hear the same tune and prompt action is the only way to address their hopelessness. It was the snail-paced efforts of the Philippine Consulate in Milan, Italy, that they sought Italian police assistance after the Consulate’s inaction to their complaints submitted in May 2023. Several victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune’s digital program, “Usapang OFW,” accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that allegedly preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy. In an interview over the Usapang OFW last week, several complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said the Alpha Assistenza SRL, headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. They accused Consul General Elmer Cato of neglecting their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL. And Allan Hernandez The post Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla rejects cult’s request to hold DOJ probe in Sitio Kapihan
The officers and members of the suspected “doomsday cult” Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. requested the Justice Department (DOJ) to conduct the preliminary investigation on the charges filed against them in Sitio Kapihan, Surigao del Norte. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla though categorically denied this request, stating, “That’s a big no. That’s not gonna happen.” Remulla made this clear during a press conference at DOJ yesterday. The DOJ chief justified the decision to move the preliminary investigation to the DOJ’s main office in Manila by highlighting that complainants and witnesses were unable to speak freely in Sitio Kapihan. Remulla said, “They want the Senate hearings to be held in their location and the DOJ to conduct the preliminary investigation there. Is the DOJ willing to do this? I don’t think that’s a good request.” While the SBSI had previously agreed to cooperate with the Senate’s investigation into the allegations against them, they insisted that the legislative hearing take place in their location. Remulla further explained the necessity of conducting the investigation in Manila: The reason we are stepping in and resuming the preliminary investigation in Manila is that the people there are unable to function properly due to threats and intimidation. That’s why we are investigating in Manila. We can send people there but not investigate there. The National Bureau of Investigation – Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City has recommended charging cult officers and members with qualified trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), violation of RA 7610, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention after a thorough investigation. The recommendation was forwarded to the Surigao del Norte Prosecutor’s Office in June. Named respondents are Jey Rence Quilaro, also known as “Senior Agila,” Mamerto Galanida, and 11 other alleged cult officers and members. But Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano revealed that the preliminary investigation encountered obstacles due to multiple motions for the inhibition of prosecutors. The allegations against SBSI are deeply concerning and involve accusations of abuse and coercion of over 1,000 children since February 2019. The post Remulla rejects cult’s request to hold DOJ probe in Sitio Kapihan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 hold uppers, 2 carnappers busted in police ops
Two carnappers and two hold-up men were arrested by the Manila Police District in separate operations on the same Saturday, one in Lawton and the other in Paco, Manila. In Lawton, police arrested two cousins engaged in hold-up activity who victimized three passengers at McArthur Bridge on Saturday morning. Police identified the suspects as Andy Ayuso y Bassig, 35, and June Braga y Ayuso, 29, both residents of 1652 Saturno St., Paco, Manila (Zobel Roxas, Barangay 783, San Andres). According to the complainants, Mark John Olito, 26, a restaurant server; Jerwin Riños, 21, a working student; and Maxine Opalic,18, they were inside a passenger jeepney going to Monumento. Upon reaching McArthur Bridge, the two suspects suddenly declared "hold up" and took their mobile phones. After the incident, the victims went to Lawton PCP where the police immediately conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of two cousins who robbed them of their belongings. The victims positively identified the two suspects whom they said held them up. Seized from the possession of the two suspects were two units of caliber .38 revolver and two cellular phones Charges for violation of Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10591 were filed against the suspects at the Manila City Prosecutors Office, Meanwhile, operatives of the Manila Police District - Anti-Carnapping Unit arrested two suspected motorcycle nappers Saturday night on Quirino Highway corner Anak Bayan Street in Paco, Manila. P/Maj. Alfredo Padilla, chief of the MPD Anti-Carnapping Unit identified the two suspects as Mac Is Acebes, alias Dagul, 27, resident of 1225 Trece De Agosto, Paco; and Richard Hizon, alias Putol, 52, residing at 1696 Angel Linao Street, Paco, Manila. Based on the complainant Miguel Joseph Darjuan, 22, store owner of 1268 Interior at 18 Burgos St., Paco, Manila, he parked his motorcycle Yamaha Mio with plate number 959 PSQ in front of his store at Afacible Street corner Paz Street, in Barangay 677, Paco, Manila. At 3:58 early dawn, he discovered that his vehicle had been missing so he went directly to MPD ACT to report the incident. Operatives of the MPD ACU immediately responded and conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen vehicle. Carnapping charges will be filed against the two at the office of the Manila prosecutors. The post 2 hold uppers, 2 carnappers busted in police ops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Barangay chair, 6 others slapped with graft raps
A Barangay Kaligayahan kagawad (village councilor) slapped his six colleagues and their chairman with graft and falsification charges before the Office of the Ombudsman Thursday, 24 August. Barangay Kaligayahan Kagawad Allan Butch Francisco Jr. in his complaint obtained by DAILY TRIBUNE, said barangay chairman Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Roxas, kagawad Jim Mahusay, kagawad Alexander Rivera, kagawad Perla Adea Mallari, kagawad Arnel Gabito, kagawad Dionisio Gascon, kagawad Sofronio Grimaldo, and barangay secretary Josephine Penarada violated Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Falsification of Public Documents, and Grave Misconduct for faking an approved resolution. Francisco claimed the said barangay officials made it appear that the Barangay Resolution No. 087 Series of 2023, “Interposing no objection to the application of M.M. Ledesma Laboratories Corp., located at Zabarte Ext.,” was approved on 15 April 2023. It was also certified by Penarada. However, Francisco explained that while they agreed to establish that regular session of their council shall be held every 1st and 2nd Saturdays of each month, 15 April fell on the 3rd Saturday, Roxas postponed it to give way for the Barangay Assembly Day held also on that day. “No session was actually conducted on that day,” Francisco said in his complaint referring to the date the said resolution was passed. He added that neither the supposed notice for the regular session was nor a notice for special session was issued by Roxas for the resolution to be passed. Roxas earlier was also charged of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act by Hernando Compendioa, barangay watchman, who suffered a stroke, and was told by the chieftain to stop working, but later learned that his name was still on the payroll list but not receiving a single centavo. Meanwhile, Graft and Falsification charges were also hurled against Barangay Pasong Tamo chairwoman Mae Tagle before the Office of the Ombudsman by three of her own village staff over a dozen “ghost employees.” Tagle had just been served with another six months suspension for leasing the space barangay pharmacy to private fish and meat vendor by the Special Investigation Committee of the City Council. Florence Andre Fabre, Ruvelinda dela Isla and Mary Lyne Casinos showed that Tagle hired them upon assuming her post on 1 July 2022. Tagle became the village chief because of rule of succession for being the number one kagawad (barangay councilor) when then barangay chairman Banjo Pilar won as a councilor in May 2022 polls. Fabre in their joint affidavit of complaint averred that he was a book keeper and assistant of barangay assistant treasurer Gloria Sareño who was in-charged of preparing payroll for the entire staff of their village. He said that from July to September 2022 nothing unusual happened in their payroll, until came October 2022, when there were 10 other names added to the list of their payroll, and was instructed by Tagle’s daughter Mary Jean, who acted as their admin aide IV, to also sign on behalf of the additional names on the list and be quiet about it. Fabre also found out that one of the names added was Tagle’s maid Melina Barcelo with a work item as “contact tracer” receiving a monthly salary of P6,500. To his estimate, about a million pesos has been pocketed by Tagle since that month until April 2023, as the names added in their payroll list were not really receiving their salary. Dela Isla, on the other hand, worked as an assistant trainer along with her daughter Florbhy who worked as a traffic enforcer from 1 July 2022 to 30 November, 2022. But the younger Dela Isla had resigned the following month. To her surprise, Dela Isla learned that the name of her daughter was still listed in their payroll when Tagle got her first suspension on June 2023, pocketing her daughter’s salary for six months. Casinos, on another end, who was also hired by Tagle as an Auxiliary member of the village watchmen team, also learned that even her husband’s name who was working at the nearby Himlayang Filipino was also listed as “ghost employee.” The three complainants also attached the affidavit of Daniel Tecson whose name was also listed as “ghost employees” who did not even received a single centavo from Tagle, when they filed the charges on 13 June 2023 for fear of being implicated in Tagle’s scheme. The post Barangay chair, 6 others slapped with graft raps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NCRPO putting up cybercrime desks in police stations
The National Capital Region Police Office on Wednesday said it is establishing anti-cybercrime desks in all police stations and sub-stations to address the increasing number of cybercrime cases in Metro Manila. NCRPO Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division chief P/Col. Celso Rodriguez said around 233 police officers who have undergone the basic investigation training for cybercrime will be deployed as desk officers at the cybercrime desks to be established in all police stations and sub-stations in the metropolis. “We are going to establish cybercrime desks to cater to all the complainants in all police stations in Metro Manila,” Rodriguez said in an interview during the launching of Police Station Anti-Cybercrime Desks at the Hinirang Hall in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. The establishment of the anti-cybercrime desks will help speed up response to problems pertaining to cybercrime, Rodriguez added. Rodriguez said that the establishment of the anti-cybercrime desks is in reference to or in connection with the Revised Penal Code wherein local police stations were also authorized to handle this. According to him, the incidents of cybercrime in Metro Manila in the first quarter of 2023 have reached more than 4,000. Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Executive Director Mary Rose Magsaysay lauded the NCRPO for establishing anti-cybercrime desks in all its police stations. “It should be appreciated by everyone, not only in the government but also the people, because at the end of the day, it’s really the people that we’re trying to secure cyber security in this case,” Magsaysay said. “Whether technology proliferates in the negative or in the positive way, at least the communities had someone to ask what to do–a hand to hold on to, and open heart to reach out to. And that is for the public what is most important,” she added. Nationally, cybercrime cases increased by 300 percent during the pandemic period, Magsaysay said. “And it’s because of the anonymity that it offers,” she added. The post NCRPO putting up cybercrime desks in police stations 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......»»
Genesis of graft, corruption
Graft and corruption grow luxuriantly in infertile soil. Sounds like an odd contradiction but Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, who is facing a complaint before the Ombudsman for his buy-now, authority-to-follow -later scheme, would surely understand this. Sounds cryptic? Let me explain. Just a few months after he was appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as senior undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture, he announced that 50,000 metric tons of fertilizer which the government would purchase on a government-to-government deal would be arriving sometime in October 2022. The shipment must have gone to Timbuktu because not a pound of it has arrived to this day. That volume of fertilizer should have substantially addressed the low productivity of rice and sugarcane. The same held true for rice farmers in the Cotabato provinces and elsewhere in Mindanao. This, plus the unjust and manipulative buying price of palay, is the basic reason we have run short of these consumer commodities. This is indeed a national shame considering that for a long period, we were exporting huge volumes of sugar and occasionally we, too exported rice. Panganiban served under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. when both rice and sugar production was at an all-time high. I surmised this could have been the reason PBBM got him to serve as his alter ego at the DA. After all, the success of the Masagana 99 program was partly attributed to him. However, he has outlived his usefulness or maybe was hopelessly overruled by some shady characters in the Palace who wanted to make a fast buck. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin owned up to Panganiban’s unusual rush to fast-track the huge shipments of sugar ahead of orders from the proper authorities. As a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Bersamin saw no legal impediment to Panganiban’s order to proceed with the importation. The complainants, however, saw it differently so let’s wait and see whether the Ombudsman will indict him or not. Whether the importation of sugar is legit or not is another story. Failure to respond to the more compelling need to address the low productivity in sugar and rice is a mortal sin. Importing these commodities as a solution is the height of idiocy and is actionable in hell. And this contributes significantly to the uptick in inflation that the country faces today. The late President Marcos Sr. left a template for agricultural productivity. It would take another column to explain that in detail, but PBBM should have looked into that first when he took up the job of Secretary of Agriculture on top of being President. Nearly a year in office and yet there is no indication whatsoever that PFEM’s legacy in the field of agricultural productivity has invited the curiosity of the new appointees in the Department of Agriculture. There is no hint this government is going to revive the National Food Authority, and nobody talks about the resuscitation of Food Terminal Incorporated. This is indicative of the ignorance, incompetence, and nonchalance of Marcos’ subalterns in the DA. If agriculture is indeed the backbone of the Philippine economy, then we are in for some trouble ahead of us unless PBBM overhauls the department and installs someone competent to handle the job. I cannot fault PBBM though since, as a kid growing up in those days of the agricultural bonanza, boys his age were fancying girls in miniskirts and Elvis Presley. But again, Panganiban is aware of it all except that these days his interests and priorities had taken a different turn and were misplaced. Importation and abetting of smuggling have been the order of the day and our law enforcers look on in what seems like a happy acquiescence. Such is the genesis of graft and corruption. The post Genesis of graft, corruption appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bantag facing new charges
The Department of Justice yesterday said former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag will be facing new charges, this time for physical torture and grave coercion. According to the DoJ, Bantag and former BuCor spokesperson Gabriel P. Chaclag will be charged before the Muntinlupa City metropolitan trial court with grave coercion for allegedly forcing prison personnel to sign a statement that no shooting incident took place at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in 2020. Earlier, the former BuCor top official had been charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of broadcast journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa on 3 Oct. 2022 and Cristito Villamor Palana, a person deprived of liberty at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, on 18 Oct. 2022. The Las Pinas Regional Trial court issued warrants of arrest against Bantag in the Percy Lapid case, and the Muntinlupa City RTC in Palana’s case. Bantag has yet to surrender and remains at large. The DoJ last Monday, 15 May, announced the filing of criminal charges against Bantag and BuCor’s former security officer Ricardo S. Zulueta for the stabbing in 2022 of two persons deprived of liberty at the NBP in Muntinlupa City. “In a resolution dated 02 May 2023, the DoJ State Prosecutors found probable cause to indict respondent Bantag for two counts of physical torture and mental/psychological torture under Section 4(a) and Section 4(b)(2) and/or (12) of Republic Act No. 9745, while respondent Zulueta is charged as an accessory thereof,” said the DoJ. Zulueta, who is also at large, is also a co-accused in the Percy Lapid and Palana killings. The DoJ said its new criminal case against Bantag is based on the preliminary investigation conducted into the criminal complaint filed by IPPF prison officers, namely Lazaro Rafols, Jr., Jer Sahid B. Mojado, Eddie Jimenez, Jr., Richie C. Ganja, Roy B. Gacasa and Asher B. Labrador. The incident of grave coercion allegedly took place at the NBP on 2 March 2020 when complainants were directed to report to Bantag when he was still director general. The DoJ said the complainants got admonished “for the alleged shooting incident that transpired at the IPPF on 1 March 2020, involving complainants and DG Bantag's men who were then detailed at the said facility.” During the incident on 2 March 2020, then DG Bantag, together with Chaclag, allegedly unlawfully coerced, through violence, threats and intimidation, complainant Canja into signing a document stating that there was no shooting incident at the IPPF on 1 March 2020 involving BuCor personnel. The post Bantag facing new charges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Church visits are allowed only until 10 p.m. – Police chief
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Church visits on Maundy Thursday will only be allowed until 10 p.m. the chief of the Cebu City police announced on Thursday, March 28. Police Colonel Ireneo B. Dalogdog, City Director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said that the public is not allowed inside religious places past 10:00 p.m......»»
Pentagon chief reaffirms support after latest China aggression in WPS
Austin emphasized US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in a phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday. .....»»
S& P: Philippines may miss growth goal this year
S&P Global Ratings sees the Philippines again missing its growth targets this year as it kept its gross domestic product growth forecast at 5.9 percent. While the projection is better compared to other economies in the region, it is again below the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth target......»»
New DCPO chief pledges technology-driven approach
THE new director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) underscored the utilization of technology to streamline their operations......»»
Hope for more survivors from Baltimore bridge collapse fades
BALTIMORE – The coast guard announced on Wednesday that hope of finding more survivors of the Baltimore bridge collapse has dimmed, and efforts have switched to searching for the bodies of the missing persons, as well as seeking more answers as to why a container ship crashed into the span. The coast guard announced on.....»»