MANILA, Philippines — Six people linked to a supposed destabilization plot were arrested and charged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday. NBI deputy director Vicente de Guzman Jr. said NBI operatives and troops from the Army’s 80th Infantry Battalion also seized a cache of high powered firearms from the suspects during the raid on a six-hectare farm in Barangay Dalig, Teresa, Rizal on Tuesday. Chinese businesswoman Lily Ong, Brandy Solinap, Victor dela Cruz, Diosdado Bohol, Bi-Eian Ke and Ke Quiao Li were presented to the media yesterday and later charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives before the prosecutor’s office. The military linked the arrested individuals to the communist New People’s Army (NPA), citing surveillance operations showing the suspects were often visited by known rebel leaders in the region. Lt. Col. Melencio Ragudo said they were applying for a search warrant against Ong, a known NPA supporter, when … [Read more...] about Raps filed vs group eyed in destab plot
Arrested vs charged
DoJ junks raps vs Tunisian ‘terrorist’
The Department of Justice dismissed the criminal charges filed by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines against a Tunisian suspected to be a member of the Islamic State (IS). Acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. signed the resolution dismissing the charges of illegal possession of explosive devices and firearms against Fehmi Lassqued and his Filipina live-in partner Anabel Moncera Salipada for lack of merit. The Regional Police Intelligence Operations Unit (RPIOU) of the National Capital Region Police Office filed the complaint against Lassqued and Salipada. “After a careful review and evaluation of the evidence submitted by the parties, the undersigned finds no probable cause to charge respondents for violations of R.A. 10591 and R.A. No. 9516,” Catalan said. “Basic and well-established is the rule that the party alleging has the burden of substantiating his allegation and any declaration … [Read more...] about DoJ junks raps vs Tunisian ‘terrorist’
Duterte threatens raps vs ‘uncooperative’ Boracay stakeholders
MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday threatened charges against Boracay business owners and residents who would refuse to cooperate in the government’s cleanup of the island paradise. Duterte said the national government must step in as the mess in Boracay, which he earlier called a "cesspool," involves public interest, health, and law and order. Duterte slams Boracay as ‘cesspool,’ threatens to shut down island “Sa Boracay, suplado iyung mga tao. Ayaw mag-cooperate,” Duterte said in a speech in Tarlac City. “It is our interest to preserve its pristine state, just like before… Kung ayaw nila mag-cooperate and they begin to protest… arestuhin ko kayong lahat. If you put up a fight, I’ll arrest you for sedition, preventing the government for doing what is good for the Filipino people.” Duterte has blamed local government officials for the sorry state of Boracay, famous for its long wide beach and powder-like … [Read more...] about Duterte threatens raps vs ‘uncooperative’ Boracay stakeholders
PDEA warns public vs fake agents
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday warned the public against unscrupulous individuals masquerading as anti-illegal drug agents. PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino reiterated the warning in light of the arrest of a man posing as a PDEA agent and his female companion during a shootout in Parañaque City on Feb. 24. Aquino, in a press statement, said Jhay-R Repana, 31, a resident of Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque City, and Rosemimi Facal, 30, a resident of Bayanan in Taguig City, were involved in a shooting incident along Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Gate 2 of Loyola Memorial Park, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City. According to a witness, the pair, who were onboard a Mitsubishi Lancer with plate number XHU-835, figured in a shootout with another vehicle left Repana wounded in the left leg. 2 'pekeng PDEA,' arestado; pero 'confidential agents' daw sila During a follow-up operation, Parañaque City Police Station discovered Repana and Facal’s … [Read more...] about PDEA warns public vs fake agents
Davao del Norte Rep. Floirendo ordered arrested for graft
MANILA - The Sandiganbayan on Monday ordered the arrest of Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. for alleged graft, which was based on a complaint filed by his political opponent, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Alvarez accused Floirendo of benefiting from the lease of 5,000 hectares in government land, that was allegedly disadvantageous to the government. Ombudsman finds probable cause in Alvarez graft complaint vs Floirendo Floirendo denied the charge. He said he was not a board member of Tagum Development Co from 2000 to 2007, when it used land owned by the Bureau of Corrections for a banana plantation. Alvarez and Floirendo reportedly had a falling out after their girlfriends feuded in 2016. Floirendo's partner on feud with Alvarez: 'It all boils down to greed' Speaker denies 'war of girlfriends' behind raps vs Duterte ally … [Read more...] about Davao del Norte Rep. Floirendo ordered arrested for graft