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Islamic religion student slain near scene of deadly Maguindanao Sur ambush
Relatives want an extensive probe on the brutal killing of a 16-year-old Islamic religion student, found dead on Monday in Barangay Tuayan in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur near where four soldiers were fatally ambushed by local terrorists the day before......»»
Abra village chief survives ambush
A barangay captain in Tayum, Abra was unhurt in an ambush in Bangued yesterday......»»
Maranao couple killed, two hurt in Lanao del Norte ambush
A Maranao couple got killed while two others were wounded in an ambush at a stretch of a highway in Barangay Magpatao in Lala, Lanao del Norte on Thursday morning......»»
Ilocos village chief slain in ambush
A barangay chairman was killed in an attack by motorcycle-riding men in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur on Monday night......»»
Lanao del Sur ambush leaves 3 Maranaws dead, another hurt
Three ethnic Maranaws riding a tricycle were killed while another was wounded in an ambush in Barangay Masao in Pualas, Lanao del Sur on Sunday afternoon. .....»»
2 Army plainclothes agents killed in Lanao del Norte ambush
Gunmen killed two Army intelligence agents in an ambush on Wednesday afternoon in a secluded area in Barangay Lininding in Munai, Lanao del Norte......»»
Ex-barangay chief, son slain in Leyte attack
A former barangay chairman and his seven-year-old son were killed in an ambush in Villaba, Leyte on Monday afternon......»»
NGCP engineer killed in South Cotabato ambush
Gunmen shot dead a ranking Mindanao-based engineer in the country’s main power transmission service outfit in a daytime ambush in Barangay Carpenter Hill here this weekend......»»
Maguindanao del Sur principal dies in Sultan Kudarat ambush
Gunmen killed a school principal in an ambush in Lambayong town in Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday afternoon, widely perceived as related still to the October 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. .....»»
Pagadian City barangay chairman shot dead
A newly-elected barangay chairman was killed in an ambush while driving his tricycle on his way home in Barangay Lapedian in Pagadian City on Wednesday night......»»
Newly-elected councilor dead in Cotabato highland town ambush
Gunmen killed a newly-elected barangay councilman in an interior area in Antipas town in Cotabato province on Tuesday morning......»»
COMELEC reports second shooting incident of BSKE candidate
Commission on Elections chairman George Erwin Garcia announced on Friday that a candidate has been shot in Quezon Province. Garcia said they have monitored an ambush in General Luna, Quezon. “We have monitored an ambush in Quezon recently, the barangay chairman was taken in the hospital,” Garcia said. According to the report of the Quezon Police Provincial Office, the identified victim was Ruben Ilagan Pasia, 63, a resident of Barangay Malaya, General Luna, Quezon, and a running candidate for barangay chairman. This is the second BSKE candidate who has been shot in October. The first victim was running for barangay councilor in Bucay, Abra. “It’s sad because the election is almost two days away. Therefore, the increasing number of violence may not be election-related, other criminals are actually on it. We could not distinguish if it was election-related. What is important is for the police to be alert,” Garcia said. As of 26 October, the COMELEC Anti-Epal Task Force issued 272 show cause orders for illegal campaigning and filed petitions for disqualification against 10 candidates in violation of premature campaigning and three candidates against illegal campaigning. The post COMELEC reports second shooting incident of BSKE candidate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Suspects on MisOcc gov ambush known
The Philippine National Police on Wednesday revealed that it has identified persons of interest believed to be the perpetrators of the ambush on Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal recently. However, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo stressed that they could not give the details yet or the identities of the people behind the detonation of an improvised explosive device which Oaminal and his group narrowly escaped in Clarin town while en route to Ozamiz City less than an hour before midnight on 15 October. But Fajardo disclosed that they are now tracking a vehicle that was spotted in Barangay Lapasan in Clarin town before the ambush try. She added that investigations revealed that the IED used also has traces of ammonium nitrate and was triggered by cellular phone. Investigators, the police official said, are also not discounting that the attempt on the life of Oaminal was politically motivated. Following the incident, Fajardo said that security precautions were beefed up in the province and other areas where the governor frequently visit. The post Suspects on MisOcc gov ambush known appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Village chief aspirant dies in ambush
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Lanao del Sur Provincial Police on Wednesday reported that a barangay chairperson candidate in Barangay Sigayan, Kapatagan town in Lanao del Sur was killed while his wife and son were injured after armed men ambushed them. Lanao del Sur Provincial Police director Col. Robert S. Daculan identified the fatality as Kamar Bilao Bansil, who is running for barangay chairperson in Barangay Sigayan in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Meantime, the fatality’s wife — identified as Jasmin and his son Manmo — both sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies. They were immediately rushed to a hospital by policemen and emergency responders from the Kapatagan local government unit. Daculan also identified the leader of the armed group as Pabil Pagrangan, the husband of Sigayan’s incumbent village chair. Initial reports disclosed that Bansil was driving his multi-cab vehicle with his wife and son on board when they were fired upon by the group of Pagrangan who positioned themselves along the road of Sigayan. Bansil was supposed to contest the re-election bid of Pagrangan’s wife, the incumbent barangay chair of Sigayan. Daculan said policemen are now conducting a hot pursuit operation against Pagrangan who fled with his cohorts to the different directions after the incident. The post Village chief aspirant dies in ambush appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Barangay chairman hopeful killed in Lanao Sur ambush
Gunmen killed in an ambush a candidate for chairman of an interior barangay in Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday morning, an attack that left his spouse and their son badly wounded......»»
Police identify persons of interest in ambush attempt on Misamis Occidental Gov.
The Philippine National Police on Wednesday said they now have persons of interest in the attempt on the life of Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, said they could not give the details yet or identities of the people behind the detonation of an improvised explosive device when Oaminal and his group narrowly escaped death during a highway explosion in Clarin town while en route to Ozamiz City less than an hour before midnight on 15 October. Fajardo however said that they are now tracking a vehicle that was spotted in Barangay Lapasan in Clarin town before the ambush try. Fajardo added that investigation revealed that the IED used also has traces of ammonium nitrate and was triggered by a cellular phone. Investigators, the police official said, also are not discounting that the attempt on the life of Oaminal may have been politically motivated. Security precautions were beefed up in the province and other places where the governor frequently visits. Fajardo added that PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has instructed all the local police chiefs in the area to coordinate with the local executives to prevent similar untoward incidents. Governor Oaminal, on the other hand, said earlier that crime groups wanted him out because of the progress of the province in terms of peace and order. The attack on his life, Oaminal said, was orchestrated by those who are behind narco-politics trying to make a comeback in the province. The post Police identify persons of interest in ambush attempt on Misamis Occidental Gov. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maguindanao Norte ambush kills soldier
General Santos City — A manhunt operation has been launched following the death of a soldier who was ambushed by still unidentified suspects at Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao del Norte recently. The victim, identified as Staff Sergeant Darwin Alaba, was declared dead on arrival in a hospital while his companion identified as Private First Class Edwin Villa is still in critical condition. Initial reports disclosed that the two were gunned down upon reaching Sitio Sandakan, Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat last Saturday afternoon. It also revealed that the two victims just came from the 1st Brigade Combat Team Headquarters on board a motorcycle when the unidentified suspects ambushed them. The post Maguindanao Norte ambush kills soldier appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red-tagged individuals have only themselves to blame
These human rights groups and activists have been haranguing the government for every perceived action that threatens their democratic space or their existence as an organization. They are always at the forefront, slamming the government and its officials who do not conform to their progressive and radical views. They rev up people into a frenzy and rally them against certain policies and programs that will neutralize the revolutionary activities of the armed left and its front organizations. They organize protest marches and rallies and call on the people to reject government initiatives to eradicate the more than 50-year-old communist urgency, like the establishment of the NTF-ELCAC, which has successfully stopped the resurrection of the communist rebels. The NTF-ELCAC is an ingenious program commenced in the previous Duterte administration, institutionalizing the government’s “whole of nation” approach in confronting the ongoing communist rebellion and against groups that are front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines or CPP. The socio-economic program of the NTF-ELCAC at the barangay level succeeded in dismantling the communist hold on the depressed and neglected barangays. It led to hundreds of NPAs surrendering and returning to the law’s fold. These left-leaning individuals and aggregations exhibit their nationalist pretensions by embroiling themselves with national issues related to the people’s needs and sufferings, picturing themselves as victims of human rights violations committed allegedly by the government against them. They use social media to whip up support for them and use compelling political propaganda subjects like alleged summary killings, unlawful arrests, tortures, and harassment of political activists and progressive groups. Their comrades in Congress who managed to be elected have become effective political mouthpieces against the government. They are good at using the mass media, which is just too happy to accommodate them to boost their sales. Some have infiltrated the government bureaucracy and used their positions and offices to advance their political ideologies in the guise of good government. They have been successful, too, in recruiting young students of impressionable minds to embrace their causes, who end up either young NPA rebels, leading student activists, or dead resulting from government clashes with government troops. These self-proclaimed nationalists have peppered the air with accusations of extrajudicial killings against the government and have defended suspected terrorists and subversives when arrested and prosecuted. They readily proclaim their innocence. They have taken the cudgels of citizens murdered by common criminals or political warlords — but they are deathly silent when the communist armed rebels waylay, ambush, and murderously assault military men and women as well as civilians engaged in humanitarian missions during the occurrence of natural disasters. Even when they are confronted with this telling inconsistency and dared to condemn these terrorist atrocities, these leftists remain tight-lipped. They have never condemned the New People’s Army for its terroristic and undemocratic activities. Given this implied but glaring support to the enemies of the state by their deafening silence, can we reasonably accuse the government officials of classifying or describing them as supporters of the NPA or closeted members of the armed rebellion? Certainly not. They have only themselves to blame for being tagged as red supporters. Why should they be afraid, ashamed, or embarrassed to be called communists or communist supporters? The Anti-Subversion Law, where being a member of the CPP is a crime, has long been repealed. So why the fear or shame of being called a communist advocate or supporter? These democratic pretenders must unclothe themselves of their camouflage and join the parliamentary struggle. They should publicly articulate the virtues of communism against democracy and seek elective posts based on their true ideological selves. They should not use the Bill of Rights to undermine the authority of the constituted authorities, remaining as secret enemies of democracy while masquerading as its champions. It is about time they unmask themselves and be proud of their ideological beliefs. They should put an end to their pretense. They should be principled enough to present themselves as ideologues of communism — own to their loyalty to such ideology — and profess it publicly. Let the people judge who — and what they are — and not what they pretend to be. The post Red-tagged individuals have only themselves to blame appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alameda slay suspects refuse polygraph test
Senators on Tuesday slammed the sudden “change of heart” of the three persons of interest in the killing of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda to take a lie detector test as “advised” by their legal counsel. During the continuation of the Senate hearing by the Committee on Public and Dangerous Drugs, Freddie Molina, Dennis De Guzman, and Rommel Paltao surprised the panel by withdrawing their initial decision to accept the challenge of undergoing lie detector test to determine the accuracy of their statements regarding Alameda’s death, which was recommended by Senator Raffy Tulfo in the previous hearing. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said their move will only make the public doubt their credibility and will only draw a public perception that they are really involved in the killing of Alameda. However, Dela Rosa said it is their right to subject themselves to lie detector tests or not. “We respect your right Constitutional right mo ‘yan kung ayaw mo magpa-undergo pero iba ang dating sa committee na ito,” he added. Also, Aparri Mayor Bryan Dale Chan is also among the persons of interest in the death of Alameda. The Aparri vice mayor was killed along with five others; namely Alexander Agustin delos Angeles, Alvin dela Cruz Abel, Abraham dela Cruz Ramos, John Duane Banag Almeda, and Ismael Nanay, in an ambush attack last 19 February at the Sitio Kinacao, Barangay Beretbet in Bagabag town, Nueva Vizcaya. The post Alameda slay suspects refuse polygraph test appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»