#afp-pnp

[pannaginip]

Since 2021, such attacks have been documented by human rights groups, who stressed that these put marginalized communities in danger. As such, Karapatan said these incidents constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law (IHL).

From 2021 to 2024, Karapatan documented 9,163 individuals or about 1,953 families who were affected by aerial bombing and indiscriminate strafing in the province of Cagayan. Human rights groups attribute these attacks to the Philippine Air Force.

During this time, a total of 17 incidents were recorded in Cagayan: 11 bombings and strafing, 2 bombardment, and 4 strafing attacks. Six occurred under the Duterte administration while 11 happened during the Marcos Jr. administration. This is part of the 13 regions in the Philippines subjected to aerial bombings where Karapatan documented 378,203 victims.

“One of the emblematic cases under the Duterte administration was the bombing of Marawi City, when the President declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 that lasted until December 31, 2019.“ said Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay.

In the first year of Marcos Jr., there were 6,931 victims of bombings documented as part of the government’s counterinsurgency campaign, Karapatan said.

In May, an international people’s tribunal issued a guilty verdict to Marcos Jr. and the US government for violating the international humanitarian law.

In the initial verdict furnished to the media, the five-member jurors of the [International Peoples Tribunal or] IPT revisited the US government’s role in the counterinsurgency program that allowed such war crimes to happen, saying that the “heavy bombardment and forced displacement of communities, and the killing of civilians and hors de combat of state forces would not have been possible without the direction, arms, and training provided by the US government.

2024 Aug. 12

[carlocarrasco]

Several Chinese nationals arrested in Camarines Norte for illegal construction of processing plant

Recently in the province of Camarines Norte, eleven Chinese nationals were arrested by local authorities for the illegal construction of a mineral processing plant, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface… The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) reported on Monday the…

[beingjellybeans]

Generika Drugstore honors heroes with special discount program for National Heroes Day

As National Heroes Day approaches, Generika Drugstore is paying tribute to both uniformed and non-uniformed heroes through a special discount program designed to bring a little extra ginhawa to those who serve our communities. Starting August 6, 2024, all active personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of…

[jennyfoodrecipes]

Current Event:

Entry 1:

Illegal selling is a crime. Especially the vape because it can harm children or e-cigarettes smokers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is harmful to health and an urgent action is needed to control e-cigarettes to protect the children. Selling illegal vape for the sake of money is ethically wrong. On June 1, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry confiscated illegal vape products worth Php25,874,175. The confiscated products violated R.A. 11900. In March, the DTI suspended the sale and distribution of 'Flava' due to the illegal selling of vapes, because their establishment is 20 meters away from Paranaque Elementary School. This is action is a clear violation of R.A. 11900, which prohibits the sale of vapes within 100 meters of areas frequented by minors. Obviously, the DTI's decision to heighten the enforcement of the law aims to save the greatest number of victimized adolescents and children who were unaware of the illegal activities conducted by this group.

Entry 2:

On May 30, 2024, President Marcos intends to intervene to put an end to the illegal selling of babies through the internet. The PNPWCPC filed a complaint before the Department of Justice against Malaban and Dizon, based on the report by the National Authority for Child Care, regarding the ‘black market’ in social media groups where aspiring parents seek to illegally adopt children. Malaban was entrapped by the PNP-WCPC; he is selling a newborn for Php 90,000 to undercover law enforcers. Malaban's actions are immoral; babies are not goods or services that can be bought or sold. They are human beings with rights, gifts from God, and not products that can be purchased whenever and wherever one wants. Egoism can be linked to Malaban; he disregards the interest of the child in favor of his own to earn money from selling the child. However, he is not entirely equated with selfishness because it might be in his self-interest to help the aspiring parents and protect the child from suffering due to poor or unfavorable circumstances that are not good for the child's future or growth. Nonetheless, his actions are still wrong; they are illegal and violate the law. As for those who buy the children, they are also in the wrong because illegally buying children is not allowed. Even if they do not know or choose to close their eyes, ignorance of the law does not excuse them. They have another choice, which is to legally adopt children. Illegal child selling would not exist if there were no individuals willing to buy illegally.

Entry 3:

June 2, 2024 by GMA Integrated News, the AFP arrested a Chinese for possessing equipment possibly for communications hacking. When we heard the word hacking, we often think that it’s wrong. Yes, hacking is illegal, breaching the security system of a company or collecting private information without their consent or permission is what makes it illegal. A hacker action will be considered unethical, illegal or even morally based solely on whether the hacker has a permission to access the system or collect information. Hacking can be justified, when the hacker uses his acquired skills and techniques to identify vulnerabilities and loopholes in a system.it is justifiable if it is done with the intention of improving security rather than causing harm.

[thxnews]

Marawi Tragedy: PNP, AFP Collaborate

In a shocking turn of events, a blast at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on Sunday claimed four lives and left over 50 individuals injured. Contrary to initial fears, the Philippine National Police (PNP) dispelled concerns of a suicide bombing, shedding light on the incident.  

No Suicide Bombing Involved, Confirms PNP Spokesperson

Addressing the media at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP Public Information Office Chief Col. Jean Fajardo assured the public that there is no evidence of a suicide bombing. Speaking about the victims, she emphasized, "The four individuals tragically lost in the incident were Christians, attending a Mass when the explosion occurred. No indicators point to suicide bombing involvement." Fajardo further revealed that among the two persons of interest (POIs), one is a local terrorist. While their identities remain undisclosed, there are indications linking them to a group previously associated with bombings, especially bus bombings.   Heightened Security Measures in Mindanao as AFP and PNP Collaborate In response to the incident, the PNP has deployed additional teams to potential hotspots and areas of convergence. Fajardo emphasized the full alert status in all Police Regional Offices in Mindanao, ensuring swift responses to potential threats. At a command conference in Marawi City, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. urged troops to utilize all available resources and closely coordinate with the PNP. In a proactive move, Brawner engaged in a dialogue with Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and regional police officials to strategize interventions and enhance security measures. As investigations unfold, the authorities remain committed to providing clarity on the incident, assuring the public of their relentless efforts to maintain peace and order in the region. The collaboration between the AFP and PNP underscores a united front against potential threats, ensuring the safety of the community.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[connorthemaoist]

“In the last few weeks, Sara Duterte is under public scrutiny for spending Php125 million of people’s taxes within an outrageous short period of time. This is just a sample of the deep-rooted bureaucratic corruption in the reactionary government. Duterte may be the one in the spotlight now but both she and Marcos Jr, the two highest state officials, and their respective families and cohorts are responsible to the people for squandering millions up to billions of people’s money for many years.

The revolutionary movement has long been used as scapegoat by bureaucrat capitalists like the Marcoses and Dutertes to justify the allocation of large sums intended for education, healthcare, infrastructure and a wide-selection of dole-out programs to the anti-insurgency campaign. The pockets of corrupt generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are on the receiving end...”

- Cecil Estrella | Spokesperson | NPA-Northern Negros

[shopabbar]

Extortionist na miyembro ng Teroristang Grupo, huli sa PNP AFP Joint Ope...

[onenettvchannel]

COMELEC will hold a Negrosanon-wide Public Hearing on the proposal to postpone BSKE 2023 in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental

(Prepared by Chzianelle Salazar and Anthony Maguinsay / Faculty Teacher of U.E. or University of the East & Radio Reporter of DZXL-AM 558khz's RMN: Radyo Trabaho Manila, along with a separate male contributed news writer and news anchor of DYWC-AM 801khz's Radyo Bandilyo Dumaguete)

DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will hold a joint coordinating conference related to the proposed postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023 (BSKE) in the town of Dumaguete and a municipal province of Negros Oriental were all presided with COMELEC chairman named George Erwin Mojica Garcia, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Casuga Acorda Jr. and chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) - Gen. Andres Castor Centino.

A localized public hearing will be held from June 27th-29th, 2023 starting at 8am and 2pm (Dumaguete local time) in some selected places in the province.

Cluster 1 begins to Canlaon, Vallerhermoso, Guihulngan, La Libertad and Jimalalud. Cluster 2 will be implemented in Tayasan, Ayungon, Bindoy, Manjuyod and Mabinay. There will also be a public hearing for Cluster 3 in Bais, Pamplona, Tanjay, Amlan and San Jose. Cluster 4 includes Sibulan, Dumaguete, Valencia, Bacong and Dauin; while the last one ends in Cluster 5 are the municipal places in Zamboanguita, Siaton, Santa Catalina, Bayawan and Basay.

Here in Cluster 4, the scheduled public hearing on the postponement of the BSKE will begin locally at 2pm at the Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Complex in Brgy. Taclobo, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental and it will be streamed LIVE and exclusive on Facebook. This is to give way to give voices and to end public election violence per the assassination of the late Dumaguete governor Roel Ragay Degamo against a suspected murder mastermind and suspended Negros Oriental congressman Arnulfo "Arnie" Alipit Teves Jr.

The rest of our nation will continue to vote for BSKE, once its later approved by the COMELEC.

PHOTO COURTESY: COMELEC via FB PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZn7UL6xWYI [Referenced News Item via RMN News (skip the timestamp of 15m55s to listen this news item)] *https://www.facebook.com/100064675240177/posts/651504900348679 [Referenced FB Captioned Photo in Public Hearing Schedule Listings via COMELEC National] *https://www.facebook.com/100069326464967/videos/651710710163795 [Referenced FB LIVE Video via Police Regional Office 7] and *https://www.facebook.com/100068668860878/posts/561460372819587 [Referenced FB Captioned Photo via COMELEC Sibulan]

-- OneNETnews Team

[pannaginip]

Environmental defender Rowena Dasig has gone missing after a court dismissed the trumped-up charges against her.

Dasig, who was reportedly freed from the Lucena City District Jail (LCDJ) on August 22, has not been seen or heard from since her supposed release, leaving her family, legal team, and human rights advocates concerned for her safety.

Dasig was arrested alongside community health worker Miguela Peniero on July 12, 2023, by elements of the 85th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (IBPA).

The human rights group [Karapatan Southern Tagalog] recounted how their humanitarian team, along with the Free Owen & Ella Network, had been coordinating with LCDJ since August 21 to process Dasig’s release papers. Despite their efforts, they were met with what they called as “delaying tactics” from jail officials. The group said they were given the runaround by various offices without providing clear information.

According to LCDJ paralegal Almira Alfuerta, Dasig was allegedly picked up by her family—a claim immediately refuted by her relatives, who confirmed they had no knowledge of her whereabouts.

The disappearance of Dasig has heightened fears for her safety, especially given the long history of human rights abuses against political prisoners in the Philippines.

During her more than a year in detention, Dasig endured harassment and isolation, with her paralegals deprived from visiting and herself denied participation in activities with other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

2024 Aug. 24

[halkonensis]

Rumaragasang ilog ang katarungan:

Ang masaker sa pamilya Fausto at ang Kristiyanong pagsisikap para sa kapayapaan

Sa halip ay padaluyin ninyo ang katarungan, gaya ng isang ilog; gayundin ang katuwiran tulad ng isang di natutuyong batis. Amos 5:24 MBBTAG

Trigger warning: graphic descriptions of military violence

Nakagigimbal ang pagpaslang ng pamilya Fausto, mga magsasaka at kapanalig ng Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), sa kamay ng mga kagawad ng 94th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army (IBPA), sa Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Oriental noong Hunyo 14.

Kumikintil pa rin sa diwa ang mga litrato ng kubong tinutuluyan ng mag-anak: mga duguang bangkay na nakalaylay sa pintuan at sa hagdan. Apat na katawang balot sa puting tela, nakahandusay sina Roly Fausto, ama; Emelda Fausto, ina; at sina Ben at Ravin, mga anak.

Sinasalaysay lamang ng mga litrato ang isang parte ng kuwento. Marami pang mga pinagkakait ang 94th IBPA at ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na mga detalye.

Ayon sa September 21 Movement, isang grupo para sa karapatang pantao, matagal nang target ng panliligalig ang mga Fausto sapagkat kasapi ang pamilya ng Baklayan, Bito, and Cabagal Farmers and Farmworkers Association (BABICAFA). Kasama sa mga ginawang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga kagawad ng 94th IBPA ang panunutok ng sundang kay Emelda, pagnanakaw, pangtotortyur kay Roly upang pasukuin bilang di-umanong kasabwat ng New People’s Army (NPA), at pangraransak sa bahay, bago ang sukdulang pangmamasaker sa mag-anak.

Ngunit sa pag-iral ng kasamaan ng AFP, imbes na itaguyod ang hustisya at panagutin ang mga maysala sa kanilang hanay, pilit nilang binabalahura ang alaala ng pamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagbabaluktot sa katotohanan. Ayon kay Orlando Edralin, opisyal ng 94th IBPA, sa isang panayam sa DNX News, asset daw ng militar si Roly na nais nang bumaklas sa pagkakasabwat mula sa NPA, at ang pumatay raw sa mga Fausto ay ang mga NPA, bagay na pinabulaanan ng kaanak ng mga biktima.

Kade-kadenang Paglabag sa Karapatang Pantao

Di makakaila ang track record ng AFP (at ng estado sa pangkabuuan) sa karapatang pantao. Sa kasamaang-palad, pinupuno lamang ito ng mga paglabag.

Sa Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, minasaker noong Hulyo 22, 2022 ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng 62nd IBPA at PNP ang 18 taong gulang na si Everly Kee Jacolbe, buntis niyang ina na si Maria Christina Jacolbe, at kamag-anak na si Rodan Montero, matapos ang walang-humpay na red-tagging at pagpapahirap.

Sa ulat naman ng Karapatan Negros, pinatay naman noong Enero 9 ang magsasakang si Jose Gonazales sa Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City ng 94th IBPA, kapwa mga kagawad ding pumaslang sa mga Fausto. Nilapastangan pa ng mga sundalo ang bangkay ni Gonzales sa pagparada nito bilang babala sa mga mamamayan sa di-umanong rebelyon, ngunit pinasinungalingan ito ng mag-anak ng pinaslang.

Kamakailan lang din, nagsagawa ng seminar ang NTF-Elcac na primaryang pinatatakbo ng kasundaluhan sa mga pagawaan ng Philfoods Fresh Baked Products Inc. at Gardenia Bakeries, Phils. sa probinsya ng Laguna upang pigilan ang pagtatayo at paglakas ng unyon ng mga manggagawa. Di nagpapigil ang mga sundalong i-red-tag ang Unyon ng Panadero-Gardenia Bakeries, Phils. (PANADERO-OLALIA-KMU) at paratangang NPA ang opisyal nitong si Rhoel Alconera. Ganito ring panliligalig ang ginagawa ng mga kagawad ng NTF-Elcac at mga sundalo sa mga pagawaan tulad ng Wyeth-Nestle at Fuji sa Laguna.

Ang Kristiyanong Sagot: Kapayapaang batay sa Katarungan

Ngunit sa harap ng lantarang paglabag sa karapatang pantao, ano ang dapat itugon ng kabataang Kristiyano?

Ang sagot ay nakasaad sa Banal na Aklat: pagsikapang matamo ang kapayapaang nakabatay sa katarungan. (Isa 2:4, Mik. 4:3, Joel 4:10)

Batay sa katotohanang ang tao ay nilalang na kawangis ng Diyos, ang katarungan ay ang pagtataguyod ng dignidad ng bawat buhay ng tao. Nilalapastangan ng rehimeng Marcos-Duterte ang dignidad na ito sa porma ng pagkakait ng pagtataas ng sahod, pagpapabayang tumaas ang presyo ng bilihin, kawalan ng reporma sa lupa, hindi pagsasaayos ng matagalang krisis sa edukasyon, at pagpapatahimik sa mga balidong daing ng mamamayan. Isama pa ang pagdaragdag ng base-militar ng US sa lupain ng Pilipinas, pagraratsada ng Mandatory ROTC, at pagtutulak sa Maharlika Wealth Fund.

Kung totoo ngang kapayapaan ang nais makamit ng rehimen gamit ang mga galamay nito tulad ng AFP at PNP, ano ba ang pagpapakahulugan nila sa kapayapaan? Ito ang kalagayang wala nang lumalaban sa kanila upang magawa ang lahat ng gusto nila at makuha ang lahat ng luho nila.

Labis naman itong kaiba sa kapayapaan para sa sambayanang Pilipino. Simple ang hangad: magkaroon ng marangal na kabuhayan, tamang oras ng masustansyang pagkain, tirahang sasanggala mula sa init at ulan, karapatan sa pagpapahayag, at edukasyon ng mga kabataan. Kung ikukumpara sa kasalukuyang kalagayan, talagang nakaririndi ang kawalan ng kapayapaan lalo na at nabubuhay ang sambayanan sa panahon ng kawalang-katarungan.

Bilang mga kabataang Kristiyano naghahangad ng kapayapaan at nagtataguyod ng katarungan, kailangang balikan ang Mabuting Balita ayon kay Lucas. Mula sa pagsasalaysay, sinabi ni Cristo na kaakibat ng pagsunod sa kanya ang pagtatakwil sa sarili at pagpapasan sa krus (9:23). Mapapatotoo natin ang pangakong Kaharian ng Diyos dito sa lupa sa pagsunod natin kay Jesus. Dapat nating iwaksi ang pagkamakasarili sa pamamagitan ng pag-ugnay ng problema ng kabataan sa mas malawak na problemang kinahaharap ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ang krus na papasanin natin ay ang mabigat na krus ng aktibong pagbaka at pakikibaka laban sa namamayaning kasamaang nagpapahirap sa bayan ng Diyos.

Wika nga ni Jesus sa kanyang sermon sa bundok, “Pinagpala ang mga gumagawa ng paraan sa kapayapaan, sapagkat sila’y ituturing na mga anak ng Diyos.” (Mt. 5:9 MBBTAG) Gayong mahaba ang landasin ng Kalbaryo para sa Kristiyanong kabataan at sambayanang lumalaban, tayo rin ang bubukalan ng katuwiran upang dumaloy ang katarungang parang ilog (Amos 5:24).

Magsumikap para sa kapayapaan! Paragasain natin ang ilog ng katarungan!

Hustisya para sa pamilya Fausto! Singilin ang 94th IBPA at ang rehimeng Marcos-Duterte!

[sirkulongpulis]

AFP at PNP, bantay-sarado ang buong Negros Island; checkpoints at patrol...

[arun-pratap-singh]

Taekwondo family gathered at PTA General Assembly – Metropoler

0 0 The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) conducted its annual National General Assembly Meeting last January 8, 2023, participated by PTA National Instructors, the Regional Management Committee (RMC) Chairmen, Philippine National Police (PNP) Taekwondo and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Taekwondo.  The GA which also attended by more than 500 PTA certified instructors was held…

[jdnoriel]

WRIT OF PROHIBITION

ARTICLE 31 OF THE FAMILY CODE

LT. (SG) EUGENE GONZALES, LT. (SG) ANDY TORRATO, LT. (SG) ANTONIO TRILLANES IV, CPT. GARY ALEJANO, LT. (SG) JAMES LAYUG, CPT. GERARDO GAMBALA, CPT. NICANOR FAELDON, LT. (SG) MANUEL CABOCHAN, ENS. ARMAND PONTEJOS, LT. (JG) ARTURO PASCUA, and 1LT. JONNEL SANGGALANG, Petitioners,

v. GEN. NARCISO ABAYA, in his capacity as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and B. GEN. MARIANO M. SARMIENTO, JR., in his capacity as the Judge Advocate General of the Judge Advocate General's Office (JAGO), Respondents.

[G.R. NO. 164007 : August 10, 2006]

FACTS:

On July 26, 2003, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo received intelligence reports that some members of the AFP, with high-powered weapons, had abandoned their designated places of assignment. Their aim was to destabilize the government. The President then directed the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to track and arrest them.

On July 27, 2003 at around 1:00 a.m., more than 300 heavily armed junior officers and enlisted men of the AFP - mostly from the elite units of the Army's Scout Rangers and the Navy's Special Warfare Group - entered the premises of the Oakwood Premier Luxury Apartments on Ayala Avenue, Makati City. They disarmed the security guards and planted explosive devices around the building.

In order to avoid a bloody confrontation, the government sent negotiators to dialogue with the soldiers. The aim was to persuade them to peacefully return to the fold of the law. After several hours of negotiation, the government panel succeeded in convincing them to lay down their arms and defuse the explosives placed around the premises of the Oakwood Apartments. Eventually, they returned to their barracks.

The Solicitor General, representing the respondents, counters that R.A. No. 7055 specifies which offenses covered by the Articles of War are service-connected. These are violations of Articles 54 to 70, 72 to 92, and 95 to 97. The law provides that violations of these Articles are properly cognizable by the court martial. As the charge against petitioners is violation of Article 96 which, under R.A. No. 7055 is a service-connected offense, then it falls under the jurisdiction of the court martial.

Issue:

Whether or not the petitioners are entitled to the writ of prohibition

Ruling:

In imposing the penalty for such crimes or offenses, the court-martial may take into consideration the penalty prescribed therefor in the Revised Penal Code, other special laws, or local government ordinances.

Section 1 of R.A. No. 7055, quoted above, is clear and unambiguous. First, it lays down the general rule that members of the AFP and other persons subject to military law, including members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units, who commit crimes or offenses penalized under the Revised Penal Code (like coup d etat), other special penal laws, or local ordinances shall be tried by the proper civil court. Next, it provides the exception to the general rule, i.e., where the civil court, before arraignment, has determined the offense to be service-connected, then the offending soldier shall be tried by a court martial. Lastly, the law states an exception to the exception, i.e., where the President of the Philippines, in the interest of justice, directs before arraignment that any such crimes or offenses be tried by the proper civil court.

[occena-quinanahan]

Reflection Essay

Occena 2022-10510

BA - Political Science

Comm 10

Reflection Essay

Representation of the Philippine National Police in the Eyes of a Civilian 

     As we all know, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is responsible for upholding the law, preventing and controlling crime, maintaining peace and order, ensuring public safety and internal security with the active assistance of the community. In order for the government to carry out the aforementioned holy responsibility, the Philippine National Police (PNP), which has the mission "to serve and protect," is extremely important. But the big question is, are these illustrations appropriate to what the common civilians see in their day to day lives living in one of the world’s corrupt country? Or are these simply a description of what should be expected of a national police regarding its duty. 

     As we all know, the Philippines government and systems have been long plagued by corruption and the Philippine National Police is no exception. The administration, corruption, and threats to national security are only a few of the many difficulties the Philippine National Police (PNP) must overcome. In order to increase policing effectiveness and broad security sector changes, a strong leadership pipeline that is prepared to handle these issues is essential. Nevertheless the masses don’t see that the PNP strives to be competent as we don’t see changes within the system up until now. The reputation of the PNP really is bad as they are viewed as an institution that is involved in bribery, the patronage system, and corruption that are pervasive in all areas, including hiring, purchasing of supplies for logistics, and resource allocation. Additionally, the police have engaged in illegal operations including the trafficking of illegal drugs, abduction, vehicle theft, and most of all murder. That is what the Philippine National Police represents in the eyes of a common civilian. 

     There is something clearly wrong with the institution, what I see as a common citizen is that the typical police officer appears to really believe that everything is ok since they hold power that a normal civilian doesn’t have from fabricating evidence, shooting instead of arresting petty criminals, and defending other dishonest officers seems to be all acceptable and even encouraged inside their organization. I've known this ever since I was young as my dad is a soldier from the Philippine Air Force and he always mentions that the AFP and PNP is a very corrupt institution. Because of this image of these institutions ingrained to my head, I have always been elusive and distant to them except for the ones I truly know of. 

     This feeling grew even more as my first experience in contact with a police officer was not very pleasant at all. It was during the early days of the quarantine during 2020 when me and my friends went to our school to get our things that we’ve left behind. After that we went to a sari-sari store near our campus to get some drinks and something to eat before we head home, and then this police officer showed up. He was very hostile and aggressive towards us, instead of just reminding us not to stay there for too long as it is ECQ, he was shouting at us and the look on his face was very intimidating like he wanted to hurt us. That was one of the scariest things that had happened to me all my life, that was the day when I realized how bad it really is. I can’t imagine if it had been a different scenario, it was early noon when it happened, what if it was during night time? Would we be forced to get inside their patrol car and taken somewhere? Can we get ourselves killed just for doing that? It was a very unpleasant feeling that I hope no one should ever experience. My despise at that moment to the PNP was unexplainable, how much more to the families of those killed, kidnapped, abused, and the innocent arrested not only during the war on drugs, but the entirety of when the Philippine National Police have been serving the Filipino people.

     The government and the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) always asks the people to continue to trust and not be scared of the nation's police force despite a number of issues, including allegations of abuse. But, it seems hard to trust them if we can always see news about the wrongdoings of the cops and experiencing it first hand. How can the citizens trust an institution whose notorious for such crimes? What we see of the PNP is nothing more than the reflection of what they represent and make us see. If they want to gain the trust and the satisfaction of the Filipinos, I suggest rebuilding the institution from the ground up as it is hard to repair one who's been corrupt since the beginning of its time.

[cbholganza]

How the AFP Can Play a Significant Role in the National Sports Development Program

The AFP and PNP can play a big role in Philippine Sports. First, it can provide a sustainable career path for athletes. But more importantly, it can play a lead role in the country's grassroots sports development program.

Last week, we discussed how we can create a comprehensive grassroots sports development program for Bohol. This week, we talk about the AFP participation, and how it holds a significant role in that endeavor. Republic Act 6847 provides for the mandate of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Among others, it states that the “The State shall promote physical education and encourage sports…

[pannaginip]

PAMALAKAYA on Facebook:

ALERT!

Denounce the series of harassment against elderly fisherfolk leader Ka Romy Antazo.

Antazo, 80 years old, is former Secretary General of PAMALAKAYA and now a retired fisherman in Laguna de Bay.

During his active years in PAMALAKAYA, he was at the forefront of the fisherfolk’s campaign for the conservation of Laguna de Bay against profit-driven and destructive projects, including coastal conversion, reclamation, and proliferation of corporate-owned fish pens.

The veteran fisherfolk leader has been repeatedly approached by state agents and offered him livelihood support and assistance in exchange for his “cooperation”.

It has been presumed that the said “cooperation” equates that Antazo will be presented by the authorities as a “rebel returnee” to turn against and establish the red-tagging of progressive and mass-based organizations.

[...]

We are extremely alarmed over these incidents, as these could subject Antazo to further and worse kinds of attacks because of his firm stand against the authorities’ demands.

Moreover, the consistent effort to coerce Antazo to cooperate with the authorities is part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s tactics in counterinsurgency campaign, which blatantly violates the rights of civilians to freedom of expression and association.

We call on the human rights and environmental defenders, fisherfolk advocates, and champions of democracy, to denounce the government’s anti-democratic schemes that put our leaders and members at risk of exploitation and injustice.

2024 Jun. 11