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Phl Army belies abduction of 3 IP advocates; insists “they were NPAs”
The Philippine Army on Thursday belied reports that soldiers abducted three individuals “falsely identified” as Indigenous People’s defenders, insisting that they were members of the New People’s Army. Bgen Randolph Cabangbang, commander of the PA’s 203rd Infantry Battalion-2nd Infantry Division lambasted the Karapatan Group for accusing the military of abducting Alia Encelo, Job Abednego David, and Peter Del Monte. Cabangbang said the Karapatan’s claims on the disappearance of supposed rights advocates are “distorted and full of lies.” Karapatan group condemned the arrest of three personalities who were conducting a probe on “human rights violations in connection to reports of bombings and shelling by the 203rd IB around the area earlier this year.” In response, Cabangbang said the three individuals "were captured and arrested” during a legitimate military operation in Barangay Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro on 23 September. He then insisted that the three individuals were members of the NPA’s Main Regional Guerrilla Unit as he cited the guerilla’s combatant profile and gallery. “During the capture, they attempted to resist and reach for some objects inside their bags and upon seeing that they have been surrounded, decided to heed the soldiers' call not to move anymore,” he said. “They were in possession of improvised landmines and grenades inside their bags that they probably planned to use in ambushing government troops,” he added. The Army official said the three would be facing charges of violating Republic Act 9516 (An act Further Amending the Provisions of PD No. 1866, As Amended, Entitled to Codifying the Laws on Illegal/Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing in, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives or Instruments Used in the Manufacture of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives, and Imposing Stiffer Penalties for Certain Violations Thereof, and For Other Relevant Purposes) and Violation of Section 4(a) and 4(d), Republic Act No. 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020). Cabangbang said one of the captured, Alia Encelo, 19, was an active member of Gabriela Youth prior to joining the NPA in January this year. While Job Abednego David and Peter Del Monte, both 29 years old, have been with the NPA for more than 6 years, he added. “Job, from Quezon City, is a Fine Arts student at a prestigious school, and Peter, a high school drop-out from Tondo, Manila. They were later on identified by former rebels, who have surrendered, to be NPA members," Cabangbang said. “The captured rebels claimed that they have been in hiding for months, owing to the continuous military operations, and have not eaten a decent meal for two months,” he added. The post Phl Army belies abduction of 3 IP advocates; insists “they were NPAs” appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P23.6-B narcotics seized in PBBM term
Authorities have seized P23.62 billion worth of narcotics across the country since the start of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said on Monday. The latest PDEA data also showed 61,269 were arrested, including 4,174 high-value targets, during 44,338 anti-illegal drugs operations from 1 July 2022 to September 30 this year. It said a total of P23.62 billion worth of illegal drugs which includes over 3,000 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu, 25.78 kilograms of cocaine, 43,940 pieces of ecstasy, and 2,739.93 kilograms of marijuana were apprehended. Authorities likewise dismantled 683 drug dens and one clandestine shabu laboratory during the same period. At least 27,748 out of 42,046 barangays (villages) have been declared drug-cleared as of September 30 while 7,785 are still drug-affected. The barangays with drug-cleared status were issued certifications by members of the oversight committee on the barangay drug-clearing program. In a related development, Quezon City Police District Director Brg. Gen. Redrico Maranan on Monday said that 817 drug suspects and confiscated P41,124,151.60 worth of illegal drugs in a series of buy-bust operations conducted for the third quarter of this year in the city Maranan also said that a total of 458 anti-drug operations were conducted by the different police stations and units of QCPD which resulted in the confiscation of 5,699.72 grams of shabu, 18,442.13 grams of marijuana, and 158 grams of Kush or high-grade marijuana. On top of these were the operations conducted by the Novaliches Police Station 4 under Lt. Col. Jerry Castillo that led to the arrest of 74 drug personalities and the confiscation of P9,363,399.60 worth of illegal drugs followed by the District Drug Enforcement Unit under officer-in-charge Maj. Wennie Ann Cale who apprehended 29 drug peddlers and confiscated PHP8,851,200.00 worth of shabu and marijuana. Likewise, the Kamuning PS 10 under Lt. Col. Robert Amoranto confiscated P4,017,304.00 and arrested 78 drug suspects while the Talipapa PS 3 under Lt. Col. Morgan Aguilar nabbed 53 drug suspects and seized P3,962,680 worth of illegal drugs. Meanwhile, 55 drug peddlers were also arrested and P3,628,304 worth of illegal drugs and confiscated by the operatives of the Batasan PS 6 under Lt. Col. Paterno Domondon Jr. The post P23.6-B narcotics seized in PBBM term appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Court of Appeals backs judge in Atio hazing trial
The Court of Appeals has denied for lack of merit a petition for review of a Manila judge’s refusal to inhibit from trying the case of the fatal hazing of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III......»»
Travel patterns led to arrest of mother-daughter drug smugglers
Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco lauded on Friday the BI Anti-Terrorist Group (BI-ATG) for its role in the successful interdiction of two drug couriers on 27 September. In a report given to Tansingco, BI-ATG airport head Bienvenido Castillo III shared that the mother-and-daughter tandem, who were identified as Siti Aishah Binte Awang and Nur Alaviyah Binte Hanaffe, both Singaporeans, were intercepted after arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via a Qatar Airlines flight QR928 from Doha. According to Castillo, the two suspects attempted to transit to Hong Kong via the Philippines but the BI officer at NAIA 3 intercepted them after detecting suspicious travel patterns. Castillo said that they also received information about the suspects from their international counterparts. They observed that the suspects would come in and out of the country in several instances and noted suspicious travels. He added that they also discovered another individual with the exact same patterns; hence, they immediately coordinated the matter with the members of the NAIA-Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-DITG). After alerting the task group, members from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted an immediate entrapment operation with the assistance of airline representatives. A canine inspection showed that the duo’s luggage contained suspicious materials. Checks by the BOC confirmed that their bags contained six cookie tin cans and five cylindrical chip cans containing 564 pellets with a white powdered substance. The substance, identified as cocaine, totaled more or less 14,360 grams, with a current street value of PhP76,108,000. Tansingco hailed the arrest and commended the BI-ATG for the immediate and proactive actions that led to the interdiction. The BI chief said that the alertness of their immigration officers in analyzing the travel patterns of these criminals was instrumental in this arrest. Tansingco added that close coordination among government agencies in the airports is necessary to protect our borders from all kinds of criminal activity. Both suspects were arrested by the PDEA and remain under the agency’s custody for the filing of the appropriate charges against them. The post Travel patterns led to arrest of mother-daughter drug smugglers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
6 minors in online sex rescued
The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday said they nabbed two persons while six minors were rescued from alleged online sexual exploitation activities in Manila. Those arrested were identified as Lynette S. Cruz and Paulo R. dela Cruz who were caught last 8 September during an entrapment operation conducted by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the NBI. The operatives were armed with a Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data. The NBI said that aside from the rescuing six minors, the operation “also resulted in the seizure of various inventory indicated in the WSSECD.” The two subsequently were charged before the Department of Justice with violations of Republic Act 11930, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act; RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended; and RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The operation was conducted after the NBI Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Division received “information from Homeland Security Investigation Manila regarding an alleged facilitator in the Philippines who transmits sexually exploitative images and videos of minors to United States.” “NBI-AVAWCD reviewed the pieces of evidence which include child sexual abuse or exploitation materials, Skype and WhatsApp chat logs, Paypal Subpoena results, and screen record of video call through Skype between Subject Lynette and the poseur-customer,” it said. It added that operatives also went to HSI Manila Headquarters and it was found that Lynette was still offering live streaming and sexual shows. The post 6 minors in online sex rescued appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NBI arrests man for ‘sextortion’
Charges will be filed against a man who threatened his girlfriend that he would expose her sex videos, nude photos and rape of her teenage daughter if he would not shell out P10,000. This after the National Bureau of Investigation Anti-Organized and Transnational Crimes Division arrested him based on the complaint of the girlfriend, in an entrapment operation last 19 September in Quezon City. The NBI-AOTCD arranged the entrapment at the girlfriend’s place of work where she handed P10,000 to the man. “Upon handing over of the marked money, the operatives immediately approached the subject and put him under arrest,” the report said. Agents were able to seize the man’s cellphone which contained the nude photos and sex videos of the complainant. Charges were filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office with robbery and robbery with violence or intimidation of persons under Articles 293 and 294 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended; grave threats as defined and penalized under the RPC; and violations of Republic Act 9995, the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009; and RA 9262, the Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. The NBI said that the suspect’s cousin “offered his testimony in support of the complainant’s allegations, stating that he saw the threats that his cousin sent to complainant and confirmed that subject was extorting P10,000 from the complainant.” The cousin stated that the complainant showed him several online transactions of money transfers to the subject amounting to P50,000. The post NBI arrests man for ‘sextortion’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mediatrix controversy
Author’s note: In the last column, I wrote that the 1951 Pius XII decree that said the Mediatrix apparitions had “no supernatural character or origin” is not binding because it was never promulgated officially. Pope Francis recently appointed a new Prefect of the Dicastery, Cardinal-to-be Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, SJ. Like his predecessor, Fernandez is a Jesuit and an Argentinian. He is the “theological alter ego” of Pope Francis. How will controversial Archbishop Fernandez handle the 70-year-old Mediatrix issue? Will the current Dicastery, which is vehemently anti-Mediatrix, under the helm of Archbishop Fernandez tone down its stance? As a background, there was a decree of the Dicastery but not of Pope Pius XII. The Dicastery of 1951, whose members have died, claimed Pope Pius XII directly approved its decision (not to recognize the Mediatrix apparitions), but it was never formally entered into the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, the official Vatican publication, a requirement of Canon Law for it to take effect. What are the implications if the 1951 Pius XII decree is in truth non-existent? Under the domino principle, this implies that technically all subsequent declarations and orders of the Dicastery for 70 long years are also not binding, including the latest, wherein Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera was ordered by the Dicastery to ban all celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Mediatrix apparitions. However, the Dicastery never authenticated the Mediatrix apparitions, so the apparition celebrations are rightfully banned. But there is a contradiction that must be resolved — since the original 1951 Pius XII decree is in question. The members of the Dicastery in 1951 were caught in a lie because then apostolic administrator Bishop Rufino Santos stated in his decree of 12 April 1951 that he was still awaiting the Vatican decision regarding Lipa — when the Dicastery reported in its Protocol 226/1949 that a decision had been made, contradicting Bishop Santos. Archbishop Fernandez has to resolve this issue because the evangelization of Asia, which is the focus of Pope Francis, is at stake. Pope Francis looks to the Philippines, the only Christian nation in Asia, as the launch pad for the evangelization of Asia and the “conversion” of China. Conversion means stopping the persecution and massacre of Christians in China, permitting churches there to open, reuniting the Underground Church (who are the target of assassinations) and the Vatican-led Church, and finally, changing China’s belligerence to benevolence in the South China Sea to prevent a full-blown US-China confrontation. The Virgin can bring peace to Asia better than any military solutions. A well-publicized message of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Grace was a warning about China: “Pray hard for China’s dream is to invade the whole world. The Philippines is one of its favorites.” (17 October 1949). There is a Mediatrix shrine in a chapel in a small village near Nanjing that was built by Metropolitan Bank when it was commissioned by the Chinese government to develop two villages. This “foothold” in China is evidence the Virgin Mediatrix is fulfilling her mission of evangelization and conversion. Archbishop Fernandez and Pope Francis must be informed of the history of the Mediatrix to sharpen their perspectives on its geopolitical ramifications. The continued suppression of Mediatrix devotion and of the entire Philippine Church may hamper the Church’s efforts to evangelize Asia. In truth, Satan is scared of the Mediatrix, that is why, in his panic, he tortured Mediatrix visionary Sr. Teresing Castillo, as she wrote in her second diary that the Vatican failed to destroy but which is now available on the Internet. Is Satan behind the suppression of the Mediatrix by using Cardinals in the Vatican without them knowing it? For centuries, Satan has been penetrating the sacred halls of the Vatican and using the Cardinals without their being aware of it. That Satan works in the Vatican is nothing new. Historically, the Spanish Inquisition in the Middle Ages beheaded on mere suspicion about a thousand “heretics.” The ongoing “apostasy” (civil war) within the Vatican, which Fatima prophesied, is another sign of Satan’s works. It is thus in the interest of the Vatican to consider the Marian evangelization that it is suppressing — to have a change of heart. In the end, the Virgin will triumph over the Vatican, if need be, as revealed in the Bible. The Lord said, “I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the Woman (Mary), and between your offspring (demons) and hers (Jesus). Her offspring will crush your head and you will bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15. “A huge red dragon stood before the Woman about to give birth, to devour her Child. She gave birth to a Son destined to rule all nations. In utter rage, the serpent waged war against the rest of her offspring, those bearing witness to the Son born of Her womb.” Revelation 11:1-17 (excerpts). *** eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Mediatrix controversy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QCPD arrests 17 suspects; confiscates 17 firearms
Quezon City Police District Director P/Brig.Gen. Redrico Maranan on Thursday reported the arrest of 17 suspects and the confiscation of 17 firearms by the different police stations and units from 28 August to 11 September 2023. Maranan said this is in line with the COMELEC Gun Ban and as part of the QCPD commitment to combat illegal possession of firearms. A total of 15 operations were conducted by the different Quezon City police stations and units. The La Loma Police Station (PS 1), under P/Lt.Col. Romil Avenido, arrested three suspects and confiscated three firearms. The Talipapa Police Station (PS 3), under P/ Lt. Col. Morgan Aguilar, nabbed two suspects and seized two firearms. The Novaliches Police Station (PS 4), under P/Lt.Col. Jerry Castillo, apprehended four suspects and seized four firearms. The Batasan Police Station (PS 6), under P/Lt.Col. Paterno Domondon Jr., arrested three suspects and confiscated three firearms. The Holy Spirit Police Station (PS 14), under P/Lt.Col. May Genio, nabbed four suspects and confiscated four firearms. The District Special Operation Unit (DSOU), under P/Maj. Jun Fortunato, arrested a suspect which led to the recovery of one firearm. All the suspects were charged with violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in relation to the Omnibus Election Code (COMELEC Gun Ban). Maranan commended the relentless efforts of his officers in executing the QCPD's anti-criminality operations, which led to this notable accomplishment. “QCPD would like to extend its appreciation to the community for their vigilant support and cooperation in reporting illegal firearms and suspicious activities. Together, we are working towards a safer and more secure Quezon City”. The post QCPD arrests 17 suspects; confiscates 17 firearms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QCPD 24/7 anti-crime drive nets 27 offenders
A total of 27 individuals were arrested for various offenses by the different police stations and units of Quezon City Police District (QCPD) over the weekend. In its campaign against illegal drugs, the Anonas Police Station (PS-9) under P/Lt. Col. Ferdinand Casiano arrested Joselito Ruta Balones at 3:40 a.m. on 10 September 2023 in front of a house located along Maginhawa St., in Brgy. Sikatuna Village. Confiscated from his possession were 10 grams of shabu valued at P68,000. In addition, the PS-9 arrested Abdullazis Sandangan at the same day along Kamias Road corner K10th St. in Brgy. East Kamias. Confiscated from his possession were five grams of shabu valued at P34,000, a cellular phone, and the buy bust money. The suspects were charged for violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Meanwhile, by virtue of warrants of arrest, the Talipapa Police Station (PS-3) under P/Lt.Col. Morgan Aguilar served warrants of arrest to Loida Junio on 9 September at PS-3 Custodial Facility for violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 or the Anti-Bouncing Check Law and Estafa, respectively. The court of origin of the warrant will be notified regarding her arrest. Furthermore, in campaign against illegal gambling, 24 gamblers were arrested by the following police stations and units. The Masambong Police Station (PS-2) under P/Lt.Col. Resty Damaso arrested Jared Jorquia; Gaspar Lomboy; Jayson Monedero; Frederick Paje; Jonel Dela Cruz; Estelito Solayao; Dioscoro Sombrio; Elmer Andresa; and Rolen Beryoso at 5:30 p.m. on 9 September at West Ave. in Brgy. West Triangle for their involvement “Illegal cockfighting.” For playing “cara y cruz”, the Novaliches Police Station (PS-4) under P/Lt.Col. Jerry Castillo arrested Mark Gregory Bautista, Jayson Lorenn De Vera, and Ron Ron De Leon at 9:00 p.m. on 9 September at Victoria St., Brgy. Gulod in Novaliches; Emmanuel Odiaman, Albert De Guzman, and Joel Pangan at 9:30 p.m. on 9 September at Victoria St., Brgy. Gulod; Richard Datiles, John Carlo Datiles, Eduard Dela Cruz, and Ishang Perez at 11:00 p.m. on 9 September at Pacquita St., Brgy. Gulod; and Jalbert Erjas, Ardee Delos Santos, and Jefferson Leonardo at 11:30 p.m. on 9 September at Veronica St., Brgy. Gulod in Novaliches. Similarly, the Pasong Putik Police Station (PS-16) under P/Lt.Col. Reynaldo Vitto arrested Renante Nayon and Julies King Misola at 6:30 p.m. on 9 September along Mindanao Avenue Extension in Brgy. Greater Lagro, Quezon City. Several illegal gambling paraphernalia and bet money were confiscated from the suspects. A case of violation of PD 1602 or the Anti-Illegal Gambling Law were filed against them before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office “Let us continue our intensified campaign against all forms of criminality to maintain peace and order in Quezon City”, P/Brig.Gen. Redrico Maranan, the QCPD Director said, as he lauded the dedication and efforts of the men and women of QCPD. The post QCPD 24/7 anti-crime drive nets 27 offenders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP wants calls, texts bared
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs is considering amending Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, to allow the disclosure of computer data, including the content of communications such as calls and text messages, of individuals who are subjects of case investigations. The suggestion came during a public hearing on the ambush of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda in Nueva Vizcaya last 19 February. P/Lt. Col. Christopher Luyun, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Unit of Cagayan Valley, cited restrictions in RA 10175 as one of the challenges in the investigation of the ambush attack against Alameda and five others. Luyun said they had applied for a warrant to disclose computer data from the phone number of Mayor Bryan Chan, who is among the persons of interest in the case. However, Globe Telecommunications, the service provider for Chan’s phone number, initially said they did not have the equipment to save traffic data. When the warrant was amended and reapplied, Globe submitted traffic but not content data. Traffic data refers to computer data other than the content of the communication, such as the communication’s origin, destination, route, time, date, size, duration, and type of underlying service. The post PNP wants calls, texts bared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa: Amend cybercrime law to check suspects’ mobile data
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs is eyeing amendments to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to allow the disclosure of computer data, including the content of calls or text messages by individuals who are subjects of case investigations. This suggestion came during Monday’s public hearing on the ambush of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda in Nueva Vizcaya last 19 February, where Lt. Col. Christopher Luyun, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Unit of Cagayan Valley cited restrictions provided in RA 10175 as among the hurdles hampering the probe into the ambush of Alameda and five others. "We applied for a warrant to disclose computer data doon sa number ni Mayor Chan based sa affidavit ni Mrs. Alameda. However, noong una, sinagot ng (telecommunications firm) Globe na they don't have the equipment to save ‘yung traffic data. Pero nung inamend ‘yung warrant, nag-reapply kami Sir, nag-submit naman ‘yung Globe pero walang content" (At first, Globe responded saying they didn't have the equipment to save traffic data. But when we amended the warrant and reapplied, Globe submitted but there was no content), Luyun told the committee chaired by Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa. Aparri Mayor Bryan Chan was among the persons of interest in the attack on Alameda and his five companions in Purok 5, Sitio Kinakao, Baretbet, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. Under Section 14 of RA 10175, “law enforcement authorities, upon securing a court warrant, shall issue an order requiring any person or service provider to disclose or submit, within 72 hours from receipt of such order, subscriber’s information, traffic data or relevant data in his/its possession or control, in relation to a valid complaint officially docketed and assigned for investigation by law enforcement authorities, and the disclosure of which is necessary and relevant for the purpose of investigation.” Traffic data or non-content data refer to any computer data other than the content of the communication, including, but not limited to the communication’s origin, destination, route, time, date, size, duration or type of underlying service. "So maybe i-amend natin ‘yang batas na ‘yan na pagdating sa investigation ng isang krimen ay dapat obligado ang service provider like Globe to disclose to the investigating agencies ‘yung contents ng kanilang cellphone" (Maybe we should amend that law when it comes to the investigation of a crime, so service providers like Globe should be required to disclose to the investigating agencies the contents of their cellphone), Dela Rosa said. The committee also tackled several measures requiring the installation of closed-circuit television, the proposed Law Enforcement Body-worn Camera Act and the Checkpoint Regularization Act. The post Dela Rosa: Amend cybercrime law to check suspects’ mobile data appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Imee lauds ‘never off duty’ QCPD at anniversary event
Senator Imee Marcos graced the 122nd Police Service Anniversary celebration of the Quezon City Police District on Monday, held at the QCPD Grandstand, Camp Karingal, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. "Law enforcement officers are never off duty, it’s 24/7 for all of you. You are dedicated public servants, and even if we impose more and more instructions, duties and functions upon our PNP, it is important that we take care of our men as well," Senator Marcos said. For his part, QCPD Director P/Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said, "For 122 years, police officers have been at the forefront of safeguarding communities and upholding the rule of law. Today, another highlight of the program is to honor outstanding QCPD personnel, units and stations." Among those awarded were: Best Senior PCO Police Commissioned Officer for Administration -- PCOL Josefino D Ligan, former Chief District Directorial Staff Best Junior PCO for Administration -- PLTCOL Jerry Castillo, Station Commander, Novaliches Police Station (PS 4) Best Senior PNCO Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration -- PEMS Noel Borja, Fairview Police Station (PS 5) Best Junior PNCO for Administration -- PCpl Rosemarie B Allam, Public Information Office Best Senior PCO for Operations -- PLTCOL Benjamin P. Ariola, Chief, District Community Affairs and Development Division Best Junior PCO for Operations -- PLTCOL Rolando Lorenzo Jr., former Chief, District Special Operation Unit Best Senior PNCO for Operations -- PMSg Dan L Cabanting, Holy Spirit Police Station (PS 14) Best Junior PNCO for Operations -- PCpl Ranjay Refran, PS 14 Best Individual Awards NUP, Supervisory Level -- Lauren Gail Polintang, Non-Uniformed Personnel Project 4, Police Station (PS 8) Best Police Station of the Year -- PS 4 Best National Operational Support Unit of the Year -- Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-QCDFU Special Unit Awards with Most Number of Arrest Wanted Persons -- Criminal Investigation and Detection Special Unit Awards with Most Number of Firearms Confiscated -- La Loma Police Station (PS 1) Special Unit Awards with Highest Accomplishment on Anti-Illegal Drug Operations -- District Drug Enforcement Unit Special Unit Awards with Highest Accomplishment on Anti-Illegal Gambling Operations -- Payatas Bagong Silangan Police Station (PS 13) The post Imee lauds ‘never off duty’ QCPD at anniversary event appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QCPD ops net 27 suspects
Operatives from the Quezon City Police District have arrested 27 suspects in a series of operations on Thursday. The suspects were nabbed for various offenses, including illegal drugs, warrants of arrest, and illegal gambling. In the campaign against illegal drugs, 15 individuals were apprehended in a series of buy-bust operations. An aggregate value of suspected shabu worth P149,600, buy-bust money, and several drug paraphernalia were confiscated from the suspects. Seven wanted persons were also apprehended by virtue of Warrants of Arrest. Meanwhile, in the campaign against illegal gambling, the PS 5 arrested Dexter Morados; Benjamin Roque; Mark Gil Castillo; Jeric Abanes; and Eric Olapani at 11:45 p.m. at a vacant lot along Barangay Fairview for playing “Cara y Cruz.” Several illegal gambling paraphernalia and bet money were confiscated from the suspects. A case of violation of PD 1602 or the Anti-Illegal Gambling Law will be filed against them. The post QCPD ops net 27 suspects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EPD Task Force activated for Palaro
The Eastern Police District has created a task force to ensure the safety of athletes, delegates, and the general public during the whole duration of this year’s Palarong Pambansa from 26 July to 5 August in Marikina City. Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro has ordered the Marikina police to ensure that safety and security arrangements are in place. “We have met with our local police authorities to review their comprehensive security plan for a safe, peaceful, and orderly Palaro for the protection of athletes, delegates, and the general public,” Teodoro said. According to Marikina police chief P/Col. Earl Castillo, a total of 1,088 security personnel will be deployed to secure the delegations during the event. “We are 100 percent ready. As of now, there is no direct eminent threat in the staging of this year’s Palaro Pambansa,” Castillo said. The task force consists of 695 police officers, 138 barangay peace-keeping action teams, 155 bantay-bayan, and 100 Office of Public Safety and Security personnel. They are tasked to ensure the security and safety of the VIPs, student-athletes, sports officials and other guests, including sports venues, billeting quarters and other areas throughout the whole duration of the event. Castillo said the police deployment is not only intended for the Palaro as there will also be anti-criminality operations. An advance command post will be put in place in Marikina Sports Center. Some 60 police assistance desks will be assigned in 31 billeting areas and 29 playing venues The post EPD Task Force activated for Palaro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Is ‘reasonable certainty of conviction’ the ‘new probable cause’?
It is well settled in Philippine law and jurisprudence that criminal complaints subject to preliminary investigation are assessed by the prosecutors to determine “probable cause,” or the existence of such facts that would excite the belief in a reasonable mind that the person committed the crime. However, recent circulars of the Department of Justice or DoJ have imposed the additional stricter standard of “reasonable certainty of conviction” in certain cases before a complaint is filed or even when already pending in court, to de-clog and decongest court dockets. In February 2023, the DoJ issued Circulars No. 008 s. 2023 and 008-A s. 2023 directing all public prosecutors handling criminal cases for offenses cognizable by the Municipal Trial Courts or MTCs, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities or MTCCs, and Metropolitan Trial Courts or MeTCs to determine if each has a reasonable certainty of conviction based on the evidence, witnesses, and continued interest of the private complainants, and to withdraw the information if there is none. “Reasonable certainty of conviction” is expressly defined in DoJ Circular No. 016 s.2023 as follows: Section 2. Reasonable Certainty of Conviction. There is reasonable certainty of conviction when a prima facie case exists based on the evidence at hand, including but not limited to, witnesses, documentary evidence, real evidence, and the like, and such evidence, that on its own and if left uncontroverted by the accused, shall be sufficient to establish all the elements of the crime or offense charged, and consequently warrant a conviction beyond reasonable doubt. DoJ Circular No. 16 s. 2023 provides further specific guidelines on its applicability to cases falling under the Rules on Summary Procedure or those that are pending in the MTC, MTCC, or MeTC which (a) had no considerable movement over a period of three months or more; (b) where the complainant or his witnesses have repeatedly failed to appear without valid reason despite due notice; or (c) where the material evidence are not available or can no longer be produced despite earnest efforts by the complainant. In such cases, the absence of reasonable certainty of conviction should prompt the prosecutor to move for withdrawal of the information and/or dismissal of the case/s. On 31 March 2023, the DoJ issued Circular No. 20 s. 2023 which imposed a preliminary evaluation of the complaint based on the same standard prior to its docketing for preliminary investigation or the conduct of inquest proceedings in cases involving heinous crimes, capital offenses, violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. Heinous crimes include: (1) Treason under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); (2) Piracy and Qualified Piracy under Articles 122 and 123 of the RPC, respectively; (3) Qualified Bribery under Article 211-A of the RPC; (4) Parricide under Article 245 of the RPC; (5) Murder under Article 248 of the RPC; (6) Infanticide under Article 255 of the RPC; (7) Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention under Article 267 of the RPC; (8) Robbery with violence against and intimidation of persons under Article 294 of the RPC; :(9) Destructive Arson under Article 320 of the RPC; (10) Rape under Article 335 of the RPC; (11) Plunder under Republic Act 7080; and (12) Carnapping under Section 14 of Republic Act 6539. Sections 5 and 6 of DoJ Circular No. 20 s. 2023 further requires criminal complaints to be evaluated before preliminary investigation or inquest proceedings to determine if they contain all the necessary evidence to prove the essential elements of the crime. The investigating prosecutor would then issue a certification as to the existence of a prima facie case and a reasonable certainty of conviction based on the available documents, witnesses, and evidence. If assessed in the negative, this would be referred to the private complainant, together with a report, advice on the lacking evidence, and a directive to secure such lacking evidence. If this is not possible, then the complaint would be terminated without prejudice to refiling. It is worth noting that the Supreme Court has repeatedly held that a preliminary investigation is not the avenue for a full-blown display of evidence (PCGG v. Navarro-Gutierrez, GR No. 194159, 21 October 2015), and that probable cause does not require clear and convincing evidence establishing certainty of guilt (Galario v. Office of the Ombudsman, GR No. 166797, 10 July 2007). However, it is also undisputed that the determination of probable cause in a preliminary investigation is an executive function, where the public prosecutor is given broad discretion to determine whether probable cause exists (People v. Castillo and Mejia, GR No. 171188, 19 June 2009). We have yet to see the full implications and effects of the cited DoJ circulars, but it is certainly advisable to ensure the presence of sufficient evidence to support all elements of the crime charged before filing the complaint. The post Is ‘reasonable certainty of conviction’ the ‘new probable cause’? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 child exploiters nabbed
Operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation have arrested three individuals believed to be involved on offering videos on sexual exploitation of children for a fee in Taguig City. The NBI did not reveal the names of those arrested but they were already charged with violations of Republic Act 11930, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children; RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by RA 10364 and RA 11862; and RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Initial reports disclosed that the suspects were arrested last 11 July during an operation conducted by agents of the NBI’s Anti-Human Trafficking Division in Tipas, Taguig City. The agents were accompanied by officers of the NBI’s Digital Forensic Laboratory and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in implementing a Warrant to Seize, Search, and Examine Computer Data. The NBI said the results of examination turned positive on subjects’ cellular phones. The operation was launched by the NBI on “a report and case referral from Destiny Rescue International regarding the alleged sexual exploitation of young children committed by a certain person who appeared to be in the Philippines and is offering live sexual exhibition involving two-year-old child in exchange for a fee.” Destiny Rescue International is a global non-profit organization with a mission “to rescue kids from sexual exploitation and human trafficking and to help them stay free.” An NBI agent, posing as a private individual, was “able to establish communication with the Subject who was offering toddlers of seven to eight years old.” “From 50 CSAEMs or child sexual abuse and exploitation materials sent by the suspect, there were videos showing a toddler being sexually abused by her mother,” the NBI said. The post 3 child exploiters nabbed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Long arm of law catches up on woman
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — A 35-year-old woman found herself in the grasp of the law after eluding capture for six long years in connection to a case involving human trafficking. Michelle Gardoce, a resident of Taytay in northern Palawan, experienced a stroke of misfortune when she visited the local police station seeking a routine clearance, only to have her name trigger an alarm in the system, revealing an outstanding warrant for her arrest. It was at the Puerto Princesa City Police Station 1 where personnel, under the command of Major Pearl Manyll Marzo, apprehended Gardoce on 14 July at approximately 5:15 p.m. She was in the midst of applying for a police clearance when her past caught up with her. Captain Maria Victoria Iquin, the spokesperson for the Puerto Princesa City Police Office, said Friday that Gardoce was being sought for violating the provisions of Republic Act 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. The warrant of arrest against her pertaining to the offenses stated in Section 2 and Section 4(a) of the aforementioned legislation. “When a person’s name triggers an alert while obtaining a police clearance, it is promptly verified in the system for any outstanding warrant or the issuing authority is contacted. In this case, a positive match was found, leading to her immediate arrest, especially since it was a non-bailable offense. Perhaps she believed she would never be caught, considering the warrant was issued back in 2016. It took almost six years before she was apprehended,” explained Iquin. Section 4 of the law encompasses a range of prohibited activities linked to human traffickings, such as recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, provision, or receipt of individuals through various means, including disguising it as employment, training, or apprenticeship, both locally and overseas. The ultimate intention is to engage these individuals in illicit activities, including but not limited to prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude, or debt bondage. Given the severity of the charges against Gardoce, the court did not recommend bail, thereby denying her temporary freedom. She presently remains in the custody of City Police Station 1, awaiting further legal proceedings. The warrant for her arrest was issued on 28 June 2016 by Judge Ana Castillo of Branch 29, a trial court within the National Capital Judicial Region, situated in Metro Manila. She will soon face the issuing court, where her case will be appropriately addressed. The post Long arm of law catches up on woman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Outcry as Uganda’s anti-gay bill signed into law
Uganda announced Monday that President Yoweri Museveni had signed into law draconian new measures against homosexuality described as among the world's harshest, prompting condemnation from human rights and LGBTQ groups as well as Western powers. US President Joe Biden called for the immediate repeal of the measures he slammed as "a tragic violation of universal human rights", and threatened to cut aid and investment in the East African country. Museveni's office said the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 was among six pieces of legislation the president signed into law on Sunday. Lawmakers passed a new draft of the legislation earlier this month, vowing to resist what they said was outside interference in their efforts to protect Uganda's values from Western immorality. The amended version said that identifying as gay would not be criminalized but "engaging in acts of homosexuality" would be an offense punishable with life imprisonment. Although Museveni had advised lawmakers to delete a provision making "aggravated homosexuality" a capital offense, lawmakers rejected that move, meaning that repeat offenders could be sentenced to death, though Uganda has not carried out capital punishment for several years. A rights group announced later Monday that it had filed a legal challenge with Uganda's High Court, arguing that the legislation was "blatantly unconstitutional". "By criminalizing what we call consensual same-sex activity among adults, it goes against key provisions of the constitution including rights on equality and non-discrimination," said Adrian Jjuuko, executive director of the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum. Deeply repressive law Biden said he had asked his National Security Council to assess what the law means for "all aspects of US engagement with Uganda", including services providing AIDS relief and other assistance and investments. He said the administration would also consider sanctions against Uganda and the restriction of entry into the United States of people engaging in human rights abuses or corruption there. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the Ugandan government had "an obligation to protect all of its citizens and uphold their basic rights". "Failure to do so will undermine relationships with international partners," he warned in a statement. Britain, the former colonial power in Uganda which criminalized homosexuality during its rule, said it was "appalled" and called the law "deeply discriminatory". "It will increase the risk of violence, discrimination, and persecution, will set back the fight against HIV/AIDS," Britain's Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said. The UN Human Rights Office, whose commissioner Volker Turk in March described the bill as "among the worst of its kind in the world", also condemned its passage into law. "It is a recipe for systematic violations of the rights of LGBT people & the wider population," the office said on Twitter. Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, Africa deputy director for Human Rights Watch, told AFP that it was "discriminatory and is a step in the wrong direction for the protection of human rights for all people in Uganda". Amnesty International also said the signing of this "deeply repressive law is a grave assault on human rights". But the legislation has broad public support in Uganda, a majority Christian country that has pursued some of the toughest anti-gay legislation in Africa, where around 30 nations ban homosexuality. "We have stood strong to defend the culture, values, and aspirations of our people," parliament speaker Anita Among, one of the bill's main proponents, said in a statement. Living in fear Discussion of the bill in parliament was laced with homophobic slurs, and Museveni himself referred to gay people as "deviants". Frank Mugisha, executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, said the law would "bring a lot of harm" to the country's already persecuted LGBTQ community. "We feel so, so, so worried," he told AFP. The revised bill said, "A person who is believed or alleged or suspected of being a homosexual, who has not committed a sexual act with another person of the same sex, does not commit the offense of homosexuality". An earlier version also required Ugandans to report suspected homosexual activity to the police or face six months imprisonment. Lawmakers agreed to amend that provision, and instead, the reporting requirement pertained only to suspected sexual offenses against children and vulnerable people, with the penalty raised to five years in jail. Anyone who "knowingly promotes homosexuality" faces up to 20 years in jail, while organizations found guilty of encouraging same-sex activity could face a 10-year ban. Aid cuts Reaction from civil groups in Uganda has been muted following years of authoritarian rule under Museveni. But the European Parliament voted in April to condemn the bill and asked EU states to pressure Museveni to not implement it, warning that relations with Kampala were at stake. Asuman Basalirwa, the MP who sponsored the bill, said that aid cuts were expected and that Among, the parliament speaker, had already been informed her US visa had been revoked. The bill also risked undermining progress in combating HIV/AIDS in Uganda, according to a statement by UNAIDS, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. There has never been a conviction for consensual same-sex activity since independence from Britain in 1962. The post Outcry as Uganda’s anti-gay bill signed into law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Internet voting’ could reduce spending – Comelec
The Commission on Elections on Thursday said that they are eyeing reduced spending on logistical costs of overseas voting with the recent approval of overseas Internet voting for the upcoming midterm elections in 2025. In a radio interview, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the internet voting scheme for overseas Filipino voters could allow a higher voter turnout while reducing the costs of conducting such elections overseas. Referencing last year’s polls, Laudiangco said that 39 percent of the 1.7 million registered overseas voters cast their votes, despite spending P411 million to ensure that all voters could have one ballot to fill up. Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia, in a Viber message to reporters, called the said 39-percent turnout ‘dismal’ that needed another mode. “We think that — and because all our ballots are intended for one voter — the problem is that some of them may be far from their post offices or that they may be too lazy to return it. We saw this as a more convenient option as OFWs tend to connect to the internet to call to their families,” Laudiangco said. The Commission En Banc approved the proposal on Wednesday, citing Republic Act Number 9189 or The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003, amended in Republic Act Number 10590, which allows the poll body to explore other means to conduct voting procedures overseas. Comelec has already been pushing for a newer automated election system through Fully Automated System with Transparency Audit and Count or FASTrAC which, among other things, is eyeing a multiple voter transmission to city and municipal canvassers, central servers, majority and minority party servers, media servers and citizens’ arm servers. However, unlike the local AES which proposes newer ‘automated counting machines’ or ACMs, internet voting could require the use of a software where registered voters could log in using their accounts. “Our voters will be using their cellphones or any other gadgets and will be given a separate account that cannot be imitated. You will be given a distinct and independent log-in quote and you’ll set your password. Registered voters will be given that account. Of course, they should have access to the internet,” Laudiangco said. Laudiangco added that they are working on proposing the needed budget for such measures before the Congress, including protective measures such as a strong firewall, secured anti-hacking mechanisms and protected encryption. “COMELEC should have a strong firewall. Seven million overseas Filipino voters can make or break an election, can sway the votes so there should be a strong firewall, as well as anti-hacking and high-level encryption,” he said. The post ‘Internet voting’ could reduce spending – Comelec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Fake’ recruiters face human trafficking raps
Six Filipinos have filed human trafficking charges against their recruiters at the Department of Justice, who they say forced them to work as cryptocurrency scammers in Myanmar and Thailand. The Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking said the victims were recruited online to work as customer service representatives in Thailand by three Filipinos and a Chinese national. However, they were instead brought to Myanmar and forced to work for a cryptocurrency scam. The victims said they were locked in separate rooms, their passports and cellphones were confiscated, and they were subjected to physical harm and starvation. They were also told that they would have to pay $7,000 each in cash to be allowed to return to the Philippines. “They were locked out in separate rooms, their passports and cellphones confiscated, subjected to physical harm by hitting their buttocks and lower legs, hogtied, and starved,” the IACAT said. The IACAT is investigating the case and has warned the public to be wary of online job offers abroad. The victims were eventually able to contact their families and raise the money to pay their ransom. They were then released and returned to the Philippines. According to the council, the complaints of the victimized Filipinos were filed last 15 May. “The six victims were assisted by Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center and the DoJ-IACAT in filing a complaint against their recruiters — three Filipinos and a Chinese — for violation of Republic Act 9208 or Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by Republic Act 10364, the expanded anti-trafficking law. The IACAT is investigating the case and has warned the public to be wary of online job offers abroad. The council also urged people to report any information about human trafficking to the authorities. “We advise to check the legitimacy of the job offer abroad and the recruitment agency with the Department of Migrant Workers to avoid becoming victims of human trafficking,” the IACAT said. The post ‘Fake’ recruiters face human trafficking raps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»