Police official's lockdown party a 'big no-no': DILG

MANILA - The birthday party of the Metro Manila police chief is "a big no-no" under lockdown rules to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Wednesday. 

The enhanced community quarantine of Metro Manila prohibits celebrations like the party for National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, said DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, whose agency oversees the police. 

"That's a big no-no," he told DZMM. 

Subordinates could have organized the party without informing Sinas first, but he should have stopped the gathering "right there and then," said Año. 

"Ang aking sinasabi sa ating mga government official, lalo na sa nasasakupan ng DILG, iyong tinatawag nating delicadeza. May mga pagkakataon na kailangan maging example ka," he said. 

(I remind government officials, especially those under DILG, of the so-called delicadeza or sense of propriety. There are instances in which you should set an example.)

Photos shared by the NCRPO on Facebook showed police officers giving Sinas roses and cakes during the May 8 gathering. The official was also photographed mingling at a table while others lined up at buffet meals. 

Some of the photos in the FB post have been deleted. 

Sinas said his men wore masks and gloves during their visit and that he gave them packed lunches. 

"'Yung mga kaibigan ko na nagbigay nang lechon, pinamigay ko rin po, lechon at pansit doon sa 5 district at saka sa mobile force," he told One News. 

(My friends gave me lechon. I gave it and some pansit to the 5 police districts and mobile force.) 

He also denied that he had a party. The gathering was a mañanita, he said. 

Mañanita is a police and military tradition in which a commander gets birthday greetings from his or her key officials before dawn, said Año. 

"Kaya lang sa panahon ngayon (but in these times), that is uncalled for," he said. 

He said he would leave the investigation of the incident up to the Philippine National Police. 

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Tuesday he did not believe there was a violation in the gathering because according to Sinas, physical distancing was observed. 

"Una walang party nangyari ang sabi ni Gen. Sinas. Probably nagkaroon ng mananita pero doon sa mananita ang sabi ni Gen. Sinas is that inobserve pa din nila 'yung mga social distancing. Now I don't think naman na merong violation ito," he said.

"Now meron 'yung ginawa nyang programa kasi parang in-encourage niya lahat ng kanyang personnel even down to the PCP na magbigay ng ayuda as part of his celebration but of course these are coming from the different police stations, police personnel from NCRPO and he assured me that physical distancing was observed that time."

Gamboa, in a separate statement, said he directed the police Internal Affairs Service to investigate the incident. 

The PNP has recorded 164 COVID-19 cases among its members, including 4 deaths and 52 recoveries. The police force is also monitoring 595 "probable" and 389 "suspect" COVID-19 cases. 

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Legal questions raised over killing of ex-soldier

PNP defends cop while AFP calls for sobriety, impartial investigation

MANILA – The shooting of a retired soldier who had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in broad daylight has sparked another controversy in the Philippine government’s implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in mainland Luzon as several groups raise legal issues about his killing.

Retired Army Corporal Winston Ragos was shot twice by Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo, Jr. on Tuesday, April 21, near a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City, which led to his death.

WAS RAGOS ARMED?

Based on a police spot report, cops claimed Ragos was carrying a sling bag with a handgun and did not raise his hands when told to. Instead, he allegedly attempted to pull out his firearm inside the sling bag, prompting Florendo to shoot him, hitting him twice in the body.

But Ragos’ sister and witnesses said Ragos was unarmed. CCTV footage showed Ragos throwing away his sling bag before falling to the ground a few seconds after he was shot. In the footage, there was no sign that Ragos had a firearm but police later said a gun was found in his handbag.

One bystander was heard shouting, “Bakit niyo binaril, sir? Dapat kinapkapan niyo muna?”


Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) on Twitter asked: “Was Cpl. Ragos really carrying a firearm in his sling bag? What happened to the sling bag after he was shot? Who took it from the crime scene, searched it, and (allegedly) found the weapon?).”

Quoting the Revised PNP Operations Manual, Diokno said “it should be the investigator-on-case or the Scene-of-the-Crime-Officer, not the operatives involved in the incident, who should take charge of and process the crime scene.”

The latter part of the CCTV footage showed a police officer tossing the sling bag into the police van.

But in the police report, it was Florendo himself, the arresting officer, who allegedly turned over the firearm to investigators – “one caliber 9mm with magazine loaded of (sic) (13) pieces ammunitions/cartridge.”

Police later said on Thursday that they found a loaded caliber 38 revolver in Ragos' bag.

WAS RAGOS COMMITTING A CRIME?

Diokno also questioned what led to the confrontation.

Cops claimed Ragos approached 2 police trainees and told them “Ang sama ng tingin mo, anong problema?” Later, Florendo requested for police back-up.

“What led the police to point their guns at Cpl. Ragos in the first place? Was he committing or attempting to commit a crime at the time? Was he a threat to the lives of the police or other persons in the area?” Diokno asked.

Diokno echoed a statement earlier issued by FLAG expressing concern over the Philippine National Police’s policy of arrests without warning.

FLAG said warrantless arrests may only be made if a person has committed, is committing or attempting to commit a crime; or an offense has just been committed and the arresting officer has personal knowledge that the person to be arrested committed it; or that the person is an escaped prisoner.

The group of human rights lawyers also reminded cops of their obligation to inform the person to be arrested of their authority to make the arrest, their intention and the cause of the arrest, among other requirements under the law.

There was no indication in the video clips if the cops informed him why he was being arrested.

COULD RAGOS HAVE BEEN SUBDUED?

In a video which circulated online, Ragos could be seen stretching his arms with his back to the police for more than a minute.

He was asked to drop to the ground but he instead turned around and asked: “Bakit, anong problema ko sa’yo? Ano’ng problema ko sa’yo,” while stretching both of his hands on a railing before he reached for something on his sling bag.

That was when Florendo fired 2 shots.

“Why did the police officers not subdue him when his back was facing them and his arms were raised? Wouldn’t that have allowed them to restrain Cpl. Ragos without firing a shot?,” Diokno asked.

Rights group Karapatan said, there was a chance to stop Ragos without killing him.

“Footage from the incident clearly show that the police had ample time, opportunity and personnel to de-escalate and even potentially disarm the retired soldier without disproportionately resorting to the use of lethal force; instead, they shot him not only once, but twice,” it said in a statement.

“Nearby residents can be seen trying to stop the police from shooting him and one can even be heard screaming: “Bakit niyo binaril, sir? Dapat kinapkapan niyo muna!” (Why did you shoot him, sir? You should have frisked him first!),” it added.

The Commission on Human Rights, which is investigating the killing, reminded the police about their obligation not to use excessive force under international instruments and even their own operations manual.

“Law enforcement officials, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

If the use of force and firearms is unavoidable, de Guia said, authorities must practice restraint and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offense, making sure to minimize harm and injury, respecting the preservation of human life. 

FLORENDO’S DEFENSE

Florendo’s superiors have come to his defense.

“P/Msgt Florendo was the only person in the best position to make that judgment call, better than any observer, viewer, and opinionated analyst with 20/20 hindsight,” PNP Spokesperson BGen. Bernard Banac said.

PNP Chief Archie Gamboa also justified Florendo’s actions: “There were a series of warnings and the instruction was very simple, Tagalog pa…”

“Marami na rin kasing namatay na pulis. Actually ang instruction ko talaga ‘wag kayong magpauna. When you are confronted by a person armed with a pistol, its equivalent is also a pistol.”

But several rights groups have expressed doubt if Florendo could claim self-defense, as it requires the element of unlawful aggression on the part of Ragos.

Unlawful aggression refers to an actual, sudden and unexpected attack, or imminent danger thereof, and not merely a threatening or intimidating attitude, according to a 2003 Supreme Court case.

“The person defending himself must have been attacked with actual physical force or with actual use of weapon,” the Court said in People vs. Rubiso, where the Court rejected a self-defense plea.

It cited previous cases where “mere thrusting of one’s hand into his pocket as if for the purpose of drawing a weapon” was not considered unlawful aggression or even the “cocking of a rifle without aiming the firearm at any particular target” was not deemed sufficient to conclude that one’s life was in imminent danger.

“Hence, a threat, even if made with a weapon, or the belief that a person was about to be attacked, is not sufficient. It is necessary that the intent be ostensibly revealed by an act of aggression or by some external acts showing the commencement of actual and material unlawful aggression,” it said.

AFP REACTION

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, for its part, commiserated with the family of Ragos and said the Interior department and the PNP have assured them of a thorough and impartial investigation.

“We in the AFP agree that the action taken by policeman concerned was his ‘judgment call.’ But as to whether he made the right judgment and whether his actions are appropriate are his alone and does not reflect the PNP as an organization,” AFP spokesperson Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

Arevalo confirmed Ragos was a former soldier who served in the military for 7 years but who was placed on complete disability discharge due to post-traumatic stress disorder

“Records indicate that he might have acquired his condition in a heavy firefight sometime in 2010 when the detachment he manned was attacked and was nearly subdued,” he explained, disclosing that Ragos was last assigned to the 31IB under the 9ID.

Ragos’s sister had earlier said Ragos acquired PTSD after serving in Marawi.

But Arevalo was quick to point out, they do not want the incident to create animosity between the AFP and the PNP, especially at a time when both organizations are working closely against the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Suffice it to say that there is going to be an investigation and appropriate criminal and administrative charges will be filed and penalties will be meted as may be warranted,” he said.

BLAME ON DUTERTE’S “SHOOT THEM DEAD” ORDER

Karapatan blamed Ragos’ death on the President’s recent statements urging law enforcers to protect themselves if met with resistance by quarantine violators and threatening a martial law-like implementation of the quarantine.

“His killing only goes to show that the President’s ‘shoot them dead’ orders and threats of a martial law-like takeover are not mere exaggerations — we have heard this order in the bloody drug war before. They embolden the military and the police to kill, and the president’s orders translate to dead bodies. ‘Leftist’ or not, anyone — even a retired soldier — can become victims of State fascism,” Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said.

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers had issued a similar warning, saying the “rule of justice” has never ceased to operate and basic economic, social, political and civil rights cannot be reduced to an enumeration of do’s and don’t’s.

“The lockdown and the pandemic are not the government’s "passes" to sow a reign of terror, cultivate a climate of fear and blind obeisance, and commit human rights violations with impunity,” it said in a statement.

The CHR, meanwhile, urged the government to resort to a humanitarian approach instead of martial law-like enforcement of quarantines.

“As a public health measure, the quarantine rules are still bound by legal standards…Needless to say, fundamental rights remain even as some necessary measures need to be taken,” it said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

2018 Traslacion 'generally peaceful' says Metro Manila police chief

MANILA- The 22-hour Traslacion of the Black Nazarene this year was "generally peaceful" despite one recorded death, Metro Manila police chief Director Oscar Albayalde said Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in Camp Crame, Albayalde said no major untoward incidents and violations were recorded by the police during the procession.

"It has been generally peaceful until the Black Nazarene was home," he said.

Over 7.6 million devotees were estimated to have joined the procession which began 6 a.m. Tuesday at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta and ended at the Quiapo Church around 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Data from the Philippine Red Cross showed that fewer devotees needed medical assistance this year compared to last year.

Red Cross volunteers attended to a total of 1,906 devotees this year, lower than the 2,566 recorded in 2017. Most of the devotees experienced spikes in their blood pressure and minor injuries.

One devotee died after suffering from a heart attack upon touching the image of the Black Nazarene. He died at the hospital.

Albayalde said the fatality was a member of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

"Hindi naman siya sa Traslacion namatay. He is a member of the BJMP, SJO4 Ramil dela Cruz. Inatake siya, dinala sa ospital at doon namatay sa Jose Reyes [Memorial Medical Center]," Albayalde said.

(He did not die during the Traslacion. He had a heart attack, was brought to the hospital and passed away at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.)

The Metro Manila police chief added that the shutdown of cellphone signals during the procession would become part of the Philippine National Police's annual security measures for the Traslacion.

"...Magiging future template na ito sa security. Most probably, taon-taon na gagawin ito, at least minus one problem na," he explained.

"There's still a lot to improve with regards to security. Probably we can improve sa communication lalo na sa radio," he added.

Millions of Filipino devotees flock to Quiapo every January 9 to join the annual Traslacion in the belief that the centuries-old image of Christ has miraculous powers.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Kian shot twice in the head, no 'finishing shot': PNP Crime Lab

MANILA - An autopsy conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory shows 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos was shot twice in the head.

In a press conference Wednesday, medico legal officer Jane Monson, said the two bullets entered the left ear of the 11th grader and went out of the right ear.

An autopsy done by the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) forensic laboratory also showed that Delos Santos was shot 3 times—twice in the ear, once in the back.


The PAO forensic laboratory autopsy said the location of the gunshot wounds to his ears also showed that Delos Santos was on the ground when he was shot.

"Angulated 'yung trajectory. Ibig sabihin nakatayo lang 'yung shooter. Mukhang ang finishing shot 'yung tumama dito sa loob ng tenga," Dr. Erwin Erfe, chief of the PAO Forensic Laboratory, explained.

However, the PNP Crime Laboratory said the downward trajectory of the gunshots does not automatically mean that the teen was on the ground when he was shot.

"[Puwedeng] matangkad 'yung assailant kasi pababa, or 'yung position nasa steep [place] sila tas nasa taas 'yung bumabaril. Pero we cannot really say na nakahiga or ano," said Monson, saying it could be a finishing shot.

The PNP's medico legal officer, meanwhile, said a "finishing shot" is impossible as they did not find soot or stippling that would suggest that Delos Santos was shot pointblank.

The PNP autopsy also found an incision that shows the body was embalmed already before it underwent autopsy, which makes it difficult to identify entry and exit points.

"If it's embalmed,maraming limitations. Sometimes di mo talaga ma-recognize ang entry at exits if it's really embalmed na especially pag natahi na 'yan," she said.

Monson said under their protocol, bodies in violent crimes should not be embalmed before autopsy. But sometimes it is not in their control, she stressed, as families of the deceased want to embalm the body immediately.

Public outrage is growing over Delos Santos' death, which had been decried as a case of extrajudicial killing under the administration's war against illegal drugs.

CCTV footage showed Kian Loyd Delos Santos, Autopsy, PNP, Crime laboratory, Drugs, War on drugs that two cops in civilian clothes accosted Delos Santos towards the direction where he was killed. Witnesses also said they saw the officers blindfold and beat the teenager before the shooting. They added, Delos Santos was killed even though he was already pleading for his life.

Witnesses said they followed the cops and saw how they handed a gun to Delos Santos and instructed him to shoot it then run. When he heeded these instructions, the teenager was shot dead.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Justice for Kian'

Citizens cry for justice over the death of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos, during a protest at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Monday. Human rights groups have criticized the Duterte administration for the conduct of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, which allegedly resulted in death of people like Delos Santos, who was shot dead during a police raid in Caloocan City last August 16.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

VIRAL: Gun-wielding cop relieved from post

MANILA - A policeman who appeared to be boasting of his gun during a road altercation has been relieved from his post, the Philippine National Police said Friday.

The cop, identified PO2 Manuel Carvajal Taytayon, has been placed under the jurisdiction of the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City for preventive measure, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said in a statement Friday.

Taytayon will face a probe and has since been ordered to vacate his post, NCRPO said.

In videos that recently went viral on social media, Taytayon, an officer assigned at the Southern Police District, was seen wielding his gun and shouting expletives against 2 minors in Pasay City.

NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde said PNP will not tolerate misbehavior among its ranks.

“Kung mapapatunayan na may paglabag si PO2 Taytayon, ay hindi po mangingimi ang NCRPO na patawan sya ng karampatang parusa,” Albayalde said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: Police take De Lima mug shot

MANILA - Police on Friday took Senator Leila de Lima's activity shot at Camp Crame following her arrest at the Senate.

De Lima was arrested Friday after a judge found merit in criminal charges filed by the Department of Justice last week. She will be detained at the Custodial Center at the national police headquarters, Camp Crame.

EARLIER: PNP SOCO personnel preparing Sen. De Lima for her mugshots. @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/nte5e6ALrY

— Maan Macapagal (@maan_macapagal) February 24, 2017

The embattled senator has vowed to face all charges against her which she has branded as "political persecution."

"The truth will come out and I will achieve justice. I am innocent," she told reporters shortly before law enforcers escorted her away from her office.

Apart from De Lima, her former driver and bodyguard Ronnie Dayan was also arrested.

De Lima, a human rights lawyer before joining government, said the charges are a vendetta against her after she last year led a Senate probe into alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte's anti-drugs crackdown.

-- reports from Maan Macapagal, ABS-CBN News, Reuters

source: news.abs-cbn.com

De Lima ordered arrested by RTC

LOOK: RTC order vs. Sen. Leila de Lima saying there is probable cause and a warrant should be issued pic.twitter.com/J0HLGGHO7j

— Adrian Ayalin (@adrianayalin) February 23, 2017

 MANILA - A Regional Trial Court (RTC) has ordered the arrest of Senator Leila de Lima for her alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) illegal drug trade.

Presiding Judge Juanita Guerrero of Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 issued the arrest warrant.

De Lima's three criminal cases were raffled off to Muntinlupa RTC branches 204 (Judge Juanita Guerrero), 205 (Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz) and 206 (Judge Patria Manalastas-de Leon) last Monday.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told ANC Thursday he was expecting the issuance of the arrest warrant.

"I am expecting it because we have filed a strong case against the Secretary-Senator and in her defense, she did not file a counter affidavit," Aguirre said.

"The warrant of arrest is inevitable," he added.

Aguirre said "any of the police agencies—the Philippine National Police, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, or even the National Bureau of Investigation could arrest the senator."

"But I prefer that the service of the warrant of arrest be done not by the NBI," said Aguirre.

The order for De Lima's arrest is in connection with the criminal case pending before Muntinlupa RTC branch 204 filed by the Department of Justice.

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted De Lima for violating sections 5 and 22 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act pertaining to the sale, administration, dispensation, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs.

 Several complaints filed by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), former NBI deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala, and Bilibid inmate Jaybee Sebastian alleged that De Lima directed high-profile Bilibid inmates to distribute huge volumes of shabu to help fund her 2016 senatorial bid.

Also indicted along with De Lima were her former driver-bodyguard and estranged lover Ronnie Dayan, former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director-General Franklin Jesus Bucayu, former BuCor OIC and NBI deputy director Rafael Ragos, Wilfredo Elli, Jaybee Sebastian, Joenel Sanchez and Jose Adrian Dera.

Ragos, in his affidavit and testimony before the House of Representatives, claimed he delivered P10 million to De Lima and Ronnie Dayan in separate occasions.

He said he delivered a bag containing P5 million to Dayan in De Lima's residence in South Bay Village last November 2012. He claimed he saw Dayan hand the bag over to De Lima.

He also claimed delivering a plastic bag full of money from inmate Peter Co to Dayan inside De Lima's house in Parañaque in December 2012.

He also claimed giving P1.6 million to Dayan and another P800,000 for De Lima's expenses after Dayan asked for funds allegedly for De Lima's senatorial bid.

He also claimed delivering P1.7 million to Dayan at De Lima's house on four occasions in January 2013.


De Lima last Monday said she would challenge the jurisdiction of the RTC where the drug cases were filed.

She said her lawyers will be filing motions questioning the jurisdiction of the Muntinlupa RTC over her drug cases.

“Ang principal issue na nire-raise dito ay jurisdictional. Dapat dinerecho iyan sa Ombudsman, hindi sa RTC.”

(The principal issue to be raised here is the jurisdiction of the court. The cases should have been filed before the Ombudsman, not the RTC.)

But Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said recently that the local court is the proper venue to hear the charges.

"On the matter of jurisdiction, it is the RTC that has original and exclusive jurisdiction over the three cases, regardless of the high position of the respondent," Aguirre said. -- report from Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News

source: news.abs-cbn.com

40 more cops relieved over violent dispersal: NCRPO chief

               Police mobile, nasagasaan ang ilang militante pic.twitter.com/mg4hxJh1dU

— Jerome Lantin (@JeromeLantin) October 19, 2016

MANILA - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director
Oscar Albayalde said 40 more policemen have been relieved from their posts pending an investigation into the violent dispersal outside the United States Embassy in Manila on Wednesday.

Speaking on ANC, Albayalde said those who were involved in hitting the protesters have been relieved of duties.

"Forty of those involved in hitting the rallyists are now relieved, but not relieved from Manila Police. They were relieved from their post and are now in the district headquarters," he said.

He added that the other nine policemen were relieved from the Manila Police District and were sent to the regional headquarters.


According to Albayalde, they are investigating the incident to identify the lapses in the manner the policemen handled the situation.

"This is subject of our investigation and from there we, can establish kung ano talaga ang naging rason nitong driver na ito why he did what he, pagsagasa sa protesters," he said.

"He should have been reinforced so that could have been avoided, 'yung accident na 'yun. That's why this is being thoroughly investigated so from there, we can see the lapses of the leaders or the team leaders on the ground," Albayalde added, referring to PO3 Franklin Kho, who was caught on video running over protesters using a police car.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa said he has instructed Albayalde to place all officers involved in the police operation under administrative relief "to ensure utmost impartiality of the investigation."

He also expressed dismay over the violent dispersal, vowing to have the incident investigated.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

40 more cops relieved over violent dispersal: NCRPO chief

               Police mobile, nasagasaan ang ilang militante pic.twitter.com/mg4hxJh1dU

— Jerome Lantin (@JeromeLantin) October 19, 2016

MANILA - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director
Oscar Albayalde said 40 more policemen have been relieved from their posts pending an investigation into the violent dispersal outside the United States Embassy in Manila on Wednesday.

Speaking on ANC, Albayalde said those who were involved in hitting the protesters have been relieved of duties.

"Forty of those involved in hitting the rallyists are now relieved, but not relieved from Manila Police. They were relieved from their post and are now in the district headquarters," he said.

He added that the other nine policemen were relieved from the Manila Police District and were sent to the regional headquarters.


According to Albayalde, they are investigating the incident to identify the lapses in the manner the policemen handled the situation.

"This is subject of our investigation and from there we, can establish kung ano talaga ang naging rason nitong driver na ito why he did what he, pagsagasa sa protesters," he said.

"He should have been reinforced so that could have been avoided, 'yung accident na 'yun. That's why this is being thoroughly investigated so from there, we can see the lapses of the leaders or the team leaders on the ground," Albayalde added, referring to PO3 Franklin Kho, who was caught on video running over protesters using a police car.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa said he has instructed Albayalde to place all officers involved in the police operation under administrative relief "to ensure utmost impartiality of the investigation."

He also expressed dismay over the violent dispersal, vowing to have the incident investigated.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

VIRAL: Lady cops pose with Mark Anthony Fernandez

A photo of two smiling policewomen flanking Mark Anthony Fernandez after the former matinee idol was arrested for illegal possession of a kilogram of marijuana went viral Wednesday as the two lady cops appeared to be smitten by the former 'Gwapings' member.

Fernandez was arrested Monday night by police in Pampanga province for trying to slip past a checkpoint and for possession of marijuana with an estimated street value of P15,000

Some netizens criticized the two policewomen for allegedly being unprofessional, and for supposedly giving preferential treatment to Fernandez.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said no sanctions have been imposed against the unnamed lady cops as officials have yet to review if taking pictures with suspects is a violation of the PNP's ruled and regulations.

"Ako nakikita ko wala namang masama... Ang tinitingnan namin diyan ay ang tamang paggamit ng uniporme habang sila ay nakauniporme," PNP spokesperson S/Supt. Dionardo Carlos said.

[I personally do not see anything wrong with it, but we are looking into possible violations of the proper use of the PNP uniform.]

Carlos admitted that PNP personnel have to be reminded about their proper conduct, especially when using social media.

"Ire-review namin kung ano nagiging policy sa training service. Possibly baka kailangan sumabay sa kasakuluyan na teknolohiya ang regulasyon ng PNP," he said.

[We have to review the training service policy on social media. We might have to adjust some PNP regulations so that it will be at par with the current technology.]

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: Good Samaritans and honest Pinoys

In this day and age when almost everyone in the country is trying their best to make ends meet, it is heartwarming to know that some people chose to stay honest in the midst of temptation.

Doing small good deeds is also one of the advocacies of newly-appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, who urged all 160,000 officers and personnel of the national police for to do at least one good deed everyday.

Here are some stories of people from different walks of life who chose to be honest and kind in the midst of hardship.

Mobile users can view the desktop version of this slideshow here.

1. Airman Mario Teadilla, who bought food and dined with two street children in Cebu

A photo of Teadilla dining with two street children in a fast food chain in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu went viral. He said he decided to buy food for the children after he saw them sleeping by the sidewalk of a mall in the city.

 source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kin of Fallen 44 won't get US reward: official

WASHINGTON DC - Who will get the US$5 million reward for the death of Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan?

According to the police attache at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, only civilian informants are eligible for the bounty offered by the US government.

"It is not the [Special Action Force]. As a general rule, wala pong government employee katulad ng SAF or Philippine National Police or the Philippine Army or any member of Armed Forces of the Philippines...is eligible to receive any bounty because it's part of their job to arrest a wanted person," Senior Superintendent Jose Gentiles said.

"Ang binibigyan po ng bounty are those who gave the information. It's an incentive para po ma speed up yung paglocate ng isang wanted person."

Gentiles said the identity of the informant will remain confidential.

No bounty will be given to an ineligible informant if the person turns out to be a government employee or official, he said.

A total of 44 elite police commandos from the Philippine National Police Special Action Force were killed in the January 25 operation to take out Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The operation also claimed the lives of more than a dozen MILF rebels and civilians.

SAF troopers who killed Marwan severed his right index finger and took photos of his body because they couldn't carry it amid heavy fighting.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation later said the DNA sample provided by Philippine authorities belongs to Marwan.

"Although the results of the DNA examinations do not provide absolute identification, the results do support that the biological sample provided by Philippine authorities came from Marwan. Further testing and analysis will be conducted by laboratory examiners in an effort to fully identify the subject of DNA provided to the FBI," said David Bowdich, assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A source familiar with the testing process said there is believed to be a sibling connection between the sample and DNA from bin Hir's brother, Rahmat bin Hir, who is in US custody.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. said the sacrifice of the 44 police commandos was not in vain as he expressed his condolences to their family members.

The ambassador said he is also pleased that the FBI quickly confirmed the DNA samples provided by the PNP were that of the Malaysian terror suspect.

"We are thankful to the FBI that they have come back very quickly to us confirming that the DNA results show the person who was killed by the 44 by the Special Forces Commandos was Marwan himself. That should dispel any doubts that people have that it was Marwan of course we lost 44 heroes unfortunately but I think we are, of course gratified to know that this very dangerous, very much sought after terrorist has finally been eliminated

Gentiles said he coordinated the DNA testing of Marwan's sample at an FBI laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.

"So yung result nung preliminary testing indicate na yung tissues na sinubmit na kay Marwan matches yung tissues ng kapatid niya na nanduduon sa Guantanamo Cuba nakakulong. It appears that based dun sa findings nila that they are siblings, that they come from the same father. So yun po yung result na nung DNA analysis," he said.

He said the results are preliminary only and that further testing and analysis will be conducted to fully identify the subject of the DNA provided by the PNP.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Miriam tells Purisima to leave 'White House'

MANILA - Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago is advising suspended Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima to move out of the so-called White House, the official residence of the PNP Chief in Camp Crame.

"Hindi na siya dapat doon because all of these are inherent with the position. If the suspension order has been handed down, out of delicadeza he should move somewhere else. Maybe he thinks it's only six months, maybe he thinks of the fiscal inconvenience of moving out. It's the nominal consequences."

The Ombudsman earlier ordered Purisima's preventive suspension for six months for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty stemming from an anomalous contract with Werfast Documentary Agency.

An anonymous complaint has alleged that Purisima and other PNP officials got commissions from the mandatory delivery fees paid by gun owners in securing their gun licenses.

Purisima earlier ordered the closure of satellite offices of the Civil Security Group (CSG) tasked to process the licensing of firearms across the country.

Gun owners were then required to troop to the PNP's headquarters in Camp Crame for license renewal and other processes, while their license cards will be delivered by Werfast to their respective homes.

Purisima has sought an appeal of his suspension over a corruption case pending before the Office of the Ombudsman. The PNP chief is protesting the manner by which the suspension was implemented.

Santiago, a former trial court judge, however said: "Ano rason bakit ayaw sumunod? What stays in my mind [is he is] basing his argument on procedure. Mali pagbigay sa kanya. If that's the case, trial judges will always uphold substance of law rather than procedure of law. Argument is weak. It is merely procedural. Nagkamali sa pagbigay, natanggap niya, anong problema? He received the notice."

While President Aquino has been asked to replace Purisima, Santiago sidestepped the issue.

"I don't have any particular ambition to let go or not let go of some incumbent. That's for the President to decide. I must say that the tipping point will come when Purisima himself becomes fully aware he has turned into an embarrassment for the President then perhaps out of loyalty to his chief, he should offer to resign," she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Hunk cop wins beauty pageant

MANILA – A 29-year-old police officer from Tondo won the title of Mister International Philippines on Sunday night.

Mariano Flormata Jr., who joined the Misters of the Philippines pageant as Neil Perez, is a police officer under the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Aside from the Mister International Philippines title, Flormata also won Best in Swimwear, Mister Photogenic and Mister Multidestination, as well as the Mister Unisilver and Mister Informatics sponsored awards.

He is set to represent the Philippines at the Mister International 2014 pageant to be held in Seoul, South Korea next month.

Nicko Cruz of Sta. Cruz, Manila finished first runner-up. Judah Cohen of the United States received the Mister Tourism International 2014 award, while Adam Davies of the United Kingdom and Joseph Doruelo of Caloocan City bagged Mister Model International and Mister Global Philippines, respectively.

Flormata, who became an overnight sensation because of his pageant stint, earlier said he hopes to promote the healthy lifestyle of police officers.

The PNP previously said in a statement that it supports Flormata, calling him “an epitome of the true Filipino gentleman.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Bong to be detained in Camp Crame

Senator Ramon "Bong'' Revilla Jr. will be detained at the headquarters of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame, the Sandiganbayan said.

The anti-graft court's first division, chaired by Associate Justice Efren dela Cruz, approved Revilla's request that he be detained in Camp Crame and released a commitment order for the senator's detention.

Revilla arrived in Camp Crame at around 1 p.m. and went straight to the PNP multi-purpose center to undergo processing.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac said Revilla underwent physical examination and had his fingerprints taken.

Mugshots will be taken afterwards, Sindac said.

Revilla will be detained at the PNP Custodial Center.

Revilla has filed a motion for bail before the Sandiganbayan. The anti-graft court will hear this motion on June 26, after Revilla's arraignment.

Revilla is accused of amassing P242 million from his pork barrel funds. He has denied the accusations, saying his signature in the pork barrel releases were forged.

Revilla's camp has asked the Supreme Court to reverse and annul the Office of the Ombudsman's resolutions that found probable cause against him, and junked his motion for reconsideration.

Revilla claimed the Ombudsman violated his right to due process, and the cases against him were born out of government's intent to persecute him. - reports from Johnson Manabat, dzMM; and Jenny Reyes, ABS-CBN News

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source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

PNP releases mug shots of Janet Napoles

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday afternoon released mug shots of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles, who surrendered to President Aquino Wednesday night.

PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief Sr. Supt. Sindac showed reporters the mug shots and fingerprints of Napoles at Camp Crame, where she is temporarily detained.

Napoles is set to be transferred to Makati City Jail, but police said an inspection will be conducted at the facility first before she is cleared for transfer.

According to dzMM’s Edwin Sevidal, who saw the mug shots first hand, Napoles appeared stressed and tired in the photos.

“Sa hitsura ni Janet Napoles, base na din sa mga nakikita kong video sa TV na ayos na ayos, dito parang puyat: malalim ‘yung mata. Hindi katulad sa usual na nakikita natin na nakangiti, dito ay halatang puyat at malaki ang eyebags,” Sevidal reported.

Sevidal noted that in the mug shots, Napoles was wearing the same clothes she was in when she met with the President in Malacañang.

Napoles, who is wanted for serious illegal detention of pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy, gave herself up as she feared for her safety following the P10-million reward offered by the government for her arrest.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com