3 drown in Pangasinan, Bulacan

By Eva Visperas

BUGALLON, Pangasinan — Two women drowned while gathering shellfish in Agno River in Barangay Cabayaoasan in this town on Jan. 30.
    In an interview over Bombo Radyo Dagupan, town police officer-in-charge Maj. Daryl Nevado identified the fatalities as Jennifer Santos, 40, and Janet Biag, 33, both residents of Aguilar town.
    Santos’ body was recovered on the same day.
    Rescuers retrieved Biag’s body on Monday.
    In Bustos town in Bulacan, two children drowned in an irrigation canal on Jana. 29.
    A belated report reaching Col. Rommel Ochave, acting Bulacan police director, said Jay Ar Gutierrez, 9, was pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital.
    The companion of the boy, Cristina Gutierrez, 11, is now in stable condition at the Baliwag District Hospital. – Ramon Efren Lazaro

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5 kids get Covid- 19 in Pangasinan, Bulacan towns

By Ramon Efren Lazaro and Eva Visperas

FIVE CHILDREN were among the new Covid-19 cases in Pangasinan and Bulacan.

Two of the three cases recorded in Donya Remedios were one-year-old girls.

There are now four cases in the town, which had been COVID-free until July 3.

Bulacan recorded 37 new cases on Tuesday.

Eight were listed in San Jose del Monte City, seven each from Sta. Maria and Malolos City, four from Meycauayan City, three from Marilao and one each from Norzagaray, Baliuag, Calumpit, Balagtas and Guiguinto.

Two deaths were also reported in the province.

There are now 726 cases in Bulacan, with 39 deaths.

In Pangasinan, the provincial health office said three children, aged one, six and eight, tested positive for the virus.

Barangay San Felipe East in San Nicolas, where the children reside, was placed on lockdown.

San Nicolas Mayor Alicia Primicias-Enriquez said the father of the children is the first confirmed case in the town.

Eight cases were recorded in Pangasinan on Tuesday, the highest in one day.

Meanwhile, Calasiao Mayor Joseph Arman Bauzon said an overseas Filipino worker who tested positive for COVID-19 in a quarantine facility of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration was allowed to travel to the town.

Bauzon said the patient would be transferred to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital Covid treatment center depending on the result of her confirmatory test.

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Bulacan has 3 new Covid cases, one death; Baguio villages locked down; 1 dead in Ifugao

By Ramon Efren Lazaro

MALOLOS, Bulacan — Another patient died of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 in Bulacan as three new cases and seven recoveries were reported afternoon of May 3.

The latest fatality was a 56-year-old man from Baliwag town. The new cases included a 23-year-old man from Marilao, a 22-year-old woman from Pandi and a 56 year-old man from Baliwag, the provincial health office said.

The latest figures brought the total number of confirmed cases in the province to 121, the recoveries to 27 and the deaths to 25.

On the same day in Nueva Ecija, a couple from Fort Magsaysay recovered from the disease, bringing the total number to 18.

The couple had traveled to Europe and tested positive for COVID-19 on March 29, according to the provincial inter-agency task force.

The number of suspected cases in the province climbed to 945 as of Sunday.

In Baguio City, Mayor Benjamin Magalong lifted the lockdown in Barangay San Vicente after observing that residents have been complying with quarantine rules.

The lockdown remains in seven areas – San Luis Extension in Barangay San Luis, Woodsgate Subdivision at Camp 7, Purok 1 at Camp 8, Teachers’ Village in Barangay Sto. Tomas Proper, Sitio Sto.Niño in Bakakeng Central, Sector 5 in Dominican-Mirador and BGH compound.

Meanwhile, the town of Lamut in Ifugao reverted to enhanced community quarantine after its request to extend the ECQ was approved by the Cordillera inter-agency task force.

Mayor Mariano Buyagawan Jr. earlier asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government to extend the ECQ in his town.

Ifugao is among medium-risk provinces that were placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) effective April 30.

The province’s lone COVID case was recorded in Lamut.

The municipal government expressed fear over the shift to GCQ as the town serves as a gateway for tourists to the Cordilleras.

As this developed, a request of the provincial government of La Union to remain under ECQ was denied by the national inter-agency task force on emerging infectious diseases. – With Ric Sapnu and Raymund Catindig

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Ex-solon, 6 others face court cases for ‘quarantine breach’

NORZAGARAY, Bulacan – Police arrested former Anakpawis congressman Ariel Casilao and six other members of the leftist group who were reportedly caught violating quarantine rules here on April 19.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government ordered the filing of criminal charges against the group even as those arrested said they had permits to go here and distribute relief goods.

DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the six leftists conducted unauthorized travel and attempted to organize a mass gathering.

The PNP said the group claimed they were on their way to distribute relief goods when they were arrested in Barangay Bigte.

Police said the group used the relief operation to cover its true intention, which was reportedly to conduct a propaganda against the government.

Casilao is also facing charges of usurpation of authority after he allegedly tried to intervene in the arrest.

This, as four foreign students were among 13 persons arrested for violating quarantine rules in Dagupan, Pangasinan on April 19.

Ethiopians Usman Abteleje Abokor and Mohamed Abdi Musse, and Somalians  Ahmed Abdulrahman Hamoud and Mohamed Sheikh Guned were reportedly caught loitering along De Venecia Highway at around 7:45 a.m.

Aside from the foreigners, nine Filipinos were also arrested in the area for committing the same offense.

The violators were reportedly not wearing masks.

In nearby Bayambang town, two barangay councilmen were arrested for bringing in three persons who are not residents of the village.

Rodrigo Ramos, 55, and Joel Lamsen, 49, both of Barangay Banaban, reportedly used a private vehicle to pick up the women in Rosales town.

The women, who were dropped off in the area by a vehicle they hired, contacted the barangay officials. – With Eva Visperas, Cesar Ramirez, Raymund Catindig

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Baliwag mayor urges prayers for his fast recovery from Covid-19

By Freddie Velez

BALIUAG, Bulacan – Mayor Ferdie Estrella has asked his constituents to pray for him after he tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Tuesday.

“Mga minamahal kong Dugong Baliwag, Pusong Baliwag, nais kong personal na ipabatid sa inyo, na ang inyong Punong Bayan ay nag-positibo sa Covid19, batay sa resulta ng pagsusuring inilabas ng RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) ngayong araw,” Estrella said in his Facebook post Tuesday.

He related how he developed colds and felt weak a week ago, and thought it best to seek medical advice.

” At ngayong araw ay lumabas na nga po ang resulta na ako ay kabilang sa may taglay ng nasabing virus, ” Estrella said.

He said that after RITM confirmed that he was COVID-19 positive, he deemed it proper to inform his constituents about his condition.

“Minabuti kong agad itong ipaalam sa inyo, dahil deserve nyong malaman ang totoo,” the 60-year old mayor said.

“Bilang Ama ng Baliwag, tungkulin kong tiyakin na maayos kayong lahat. Katunayan, noong araw na ako ay nagpunta sa pagamutan ay siya ring araw nang inilabas ang aking executive order para sa Task Force Covid19, he said.

As of this writing, Estrella said that he was already in stable condition, and was hoping that, in the next few days, he will be discharged from the hospital.

“Ang akin pong panawagan sa lahat, ano man ang edad, kasarian at estado sa buhay, manatili muna po tayo sa loob ng bahay dahil sa ngayon, ang inyong tahanan ang pinaka-ligtas na lugar upang hindi kayo madapuan ng Covid19. Sundin ang direktiba ng mga inatasan ng pamahalaan upang tiyakin ang inyong kaligtasan at kalusugan.

             Tayo po ngayon sa Baliwag, sa buong Bulacan, sa buong Region 3 at sa buong Isla ng Luzon ay under Enahanced Community Quarantine. Pansamantala lamang po ito. Subalit ang pagikli o pagpapalawig ng kondisyong ito ay nakasalalay sa inyong aktibong pakikibahagi. Kaya sana po ay sumunod tayo, para sa ating sarili at sa ating pamilya, ” he said.

And despite his condition, Estrella announced that alcohol, soap, face masks and vitamins will soon be distributed among his townmates as part of the local government’s efforts to help protect the public against the viral disease.

“At kung maisisingit po ninyo sa inyong kaabalahan, hihiling po ako ng maikling panalangin para sa aking kagalingan. Marami na po tayong napagdaanan bilang isang bayan. At hindi isang virus ang magpapabagsak sa ating lakas at pagkakaisa bilang mga Dugong Baliwag, Pusong Baliwag,” he said.

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6 drug peddlers slain, 28 more busted in Bulacan

By Freddie Velez

CAMP GENERAL ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan — Two suspected drug peddlers were killed Tuesday while trying to escape during a drug sting conducted by the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of City of San Jose del Monte along Pacolis Road, Barangay Gaya-Gaya, City of San Jose del Monte on Tuesday.

Four drug suspects were killed earlier in separate operations on Feb. 14 and 15 in this city as part of the continuing anti-illegal drugs drive of Bulacan police.

In latest case, Col. Lawrence B. Cajipe, acting Bulacan police director, identified the slain suspects as Jim Joshua Galvez Cordero, alias Jhay, and Erwin Nadura Mergal, alias Amata, who were both included in the unified Philippine National Police-Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency watch list.

Based on the report of Lt. Col. Gil Domingo, acting CSJDM police chief, Cordero and Mergal shot it out with the operatives while trying to escape when they sensed that they were dealing with a poseur police buyer, leaving the law enforcers no choice but to defend themselves. However, one of their cohorts only known as Egay managed to escape onboard a motorcycle.

Recovered from the slain suspects were 20 sachets of “shabu”; one cal. 38 revolver without a trademark, one improvised shotgun (sumpak) loaded with shotshell; drug paraphernalia; and buy-bust money.

Meanwhile, in different drug raids conducted in the cities of Malolos, Meycauayan and San Jose Del Monte, and in towns of San Rafael, Guiguinto, and Balagtas 10 drug suspects were arrested.

Seized were 34 plastic sachets of “shabu”; 10 dried “marijuana” leaves; assorted drug paraphernalia and buy-bust money. The arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Crime Laboratory for examination.

Appropriate criminal complaints against the suspects are now being prepared for filing in court.

Four drug suspects were killed in separate operations on Feb. 14 and 15 in the town.

                In a report submitted to, it was learned that the two suspects were killed in a buy-bust operation conducted in La Poblacion, Barangay Muzon here, early Feb. 15,

The suspects were reported to have engaged operatives in a firefight after they noticed that they were dealing with an undercover agent.

One of the slain suspects was identified as Edmar Samson Aspirin, while his cohort remains unidentified.

Recovered from the suspects were two improvised shotguns loaded with two 12G fired empty shell, three pieces of fired 9mm cartridge, two fired cal. 22 TCM cartridges, 18 plastic sachets of shabu, the P500-bill marked money and a motorcycle without plate number.

Night of Feb. 14, in a buy-bust operation conducted by Bulacan police at Amihan road in Barangay Tungkong Manga also in this city, two other suspected drug pushers were killed.

They were identified as Chamberlain Santos Domingo and Chadwin Dela Rosa Santos.

Police reported that a firegfight ensued after the suspects sensed they were being set-up by undercover agents after they sold shabu to them.

Recovered from them were a cal. 22 revolver loaded with three bullets, three spent cartridges, an improvised shotgun, 20 plastic sachets, the P500-bill marked money, and a motorcycle.

Meanwhile, 18 other drug suspects were arrested in anti-illegal drugs operations conducted by the police in Meycauayan, Norzagaray, San Miguel, and Balagtas.

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Bulacan cops serving as bodyguards recalled

By Ramon Efren Lazaro

MALOLOS, Bulacan — At least 67 police officers in Bulacan serving as security escorts to local chief executives and private individuals have been recalled. 

Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, Central Luzon police director, issued a memorandum ordering the recall of unauthorized security detail in line with the implementation of a “one strike policy” for violators of the Revised Guidelines and Procedures Governing Availment of Protective Security to Government Officials, Diplomats and Private Individuals Authorized to be Given Protection. 

Col. Emma Libunao, acting Bulacan police director, said she sent official communications to concerned local chief executives, former elected officials and private individuals on the strict implementation of the memorandum circular. 

The recalled police personnel were assigned at the provincial holding and administrative unit to undergo retraining.

They will be required to attend the ”pulisteniks” fitness program and participate in other command activities.

Libunao said the police officers would be deployed in stations where there are inadequate personnel.

 

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CHR probes slay of ex- Bulacan mayor, bocap

PLARIDEL, Bulacan -- The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to  conduct a parallel probe into the killing of a former vice mayor and a barangay chairman in Bulacan. 

 Oca Marquez, former vice mayor of Pandi, and his brother-in-law Mauro Capistrano, chairman of Barangay Bagbaguin, were shot in an eatery here on Jan. 19. 

“The commission condemns this act of violence and calls on law enforcement agencies to expedite efforts to identify and persecute the perpetrators, determine the motive for the crime and give justice to the victims and their family,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said. 

“Vigilante killings whether politically or not politically motivated violate the right to life and contribute to the growing culture of impunity,” De Guia said. 

She said the CHR-Central Luzon regional office would investigate the incident “in recognition of the right to life of the victims and to help bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The Bulacan police created a task force to probe the killing.

The two were shot in the eatery in Barangay Bulihan in around 1 p.m.  

Col. Emma Libunao, acting Bulacan police director, said probers are eyeing either illegal drugs or business issues as motives for the killing.

In April last year, Marquez’s daughter survived an ambush in Barangay Bunsuran. Libunao said she does not want to speculate if the incident was related to the killing.

De Guia said the commission would also investigate the murder of peasant leader and human rights advocate Jennifer Tonay in Northern Samar on Jan. 17. 

The CHR said Tonag was an organizer of the Northern Samar Farmers Association and had supported farmers in defending their rights over the land they till and in demanding relief for victims of calamities. 

De Guia said the CHR regional office in Eastern Visayas deployed a quick response team to conduct the probe.

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Two ‘drug dealers’ slain in shootouts 20 nabbed

Freddie Velez

CAMP GENERAL ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan – Two alleged drug peddlers were killed, while 20 other suspects were arrested, in relentless police operations conducted by the Philippine National Police in Bulacan since Jan. 9.

Based on the report submitted to Col. Emma M Libunao, acting Bulacan police director, the slain drug suspects were identified as Ace Monteno Gonzales, a resident of NHV, Barangay Bitungol, Norzagaray, Bulacan; and Richard Delara, alias “Tuklaw.”

Investigation disclosed that operatives of Norzagaray MPS conducted a buy-bust operation against Gonzales in Barangay Bitungol, Norzagaray Bulacan at about 11:30 p.m. last Jan. 8.

In the middle of the transaction, the suspect reportedly became suspicious that he was transacting with police officers so he drew his .38 caliber revolver and fired several shots at the operatives. This forced the lawmen to retaliate, causing the suspect’s death.

Recovered from the crime scene were five plastic sachets containing shabu, a caliber-.38 revolver the P500-buy-bust money, among others.

Meanwhile, a buy-bust operation targeting Delara was staged in Barangay Pandayan, Meycauayan City, Bulacan at about 1:50 a.m. on Jan 10.

According to the police, like Gonzales, Delara sensed that he was dealing with police operatives, prompting him to draw his revolver and fire at one of the undercover policemen.

The policeman was able to dodge the shots and, together with a back-up operative, fire back at the suspect, who was no match for the lawmen’s firepower.

Recovered from the crime scene were the suspect’s gun, some live and spent bullets, and four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing shabu.

Different anti-illegal drug operations were conducted by the operatives of Municipal/City Police Stations of Obando, Meycauayan, Angat, Santa Maria, San Jose Del Monte, Malolos and Meycauayan that resulted in the arrest of 16 drug suspects.

A total of 63 plastic sachets of shabu and buy-bust money were confiscated from the suspects during the operations.

Marilao, Malolos and Bocaue Police responded in different crime incidents that resulted in the arrest of four suspects identified as Kyle Emanuele Asistio Suarez, 23, from Brgy. Loma de Gato, Marilao, Bulacan for allegedly raping a 23 year-old girl; Lhegine Odyssey Herrera, 21, and Jean Andrea Joson, both cashiers at Malolos mall for qualified theft; and Juan Carlos Pomeda, 37, of Bocaue, Bulacan for qualified theft.

Appropriate criminal charges are being prepared for filing against the suspects.

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Bulacan’s first female PNP chief assumes post

By Ramon Efren Lazaro

MALOLOS, Bulacan — The Bulacan police has a new director.

Col. Emma Libunao took over the post held by Col. Chito Bersaluna at the turnover ceremony held at Camp General Alejo Santos in this city yesterday.

Prior to her appointment, Libunao was assigned to the directorate for police community relations at the Philippine National Police headquarters. She also served as police chief of Balagtas town.

Libunao vowed to continue the campaign against  illegal drugs, terrorism and other forms of criminality to maintain peace and order in Bulacan.     

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2 drug pushers killed in Bulacan; 29 nabbed

By Freddie Velez 

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan–Two drug pushers were killed while 29 other drug peddlers were arrested in separate buy-bust operations conducted by the Bulacan police on Thursday.

Provincial Director of Bulacan, Police Colonel Chito G. Bersaluna, identified one of the fatalities as Orlan Rondina Montecalbo, who was included in the PNP/PDEA watch list, and his unidentified cohort.

Based on the report of Lt. Colonel Orlando Castil Jr., SJDM police chief, the drug transaction was made in Paradise, Barangay Tungkong Mangga, CSJDM Bulacan on Thursday.

Montecalbo and his unidentified companion engaged the police officers in a firefight while trying to escape onboard a MIO motorcycle without plate number, which prompted the lawmen to retaliate. This resulted in the deaths of the two suspects.

Recovered from them were one Cal. 38, revolver with no trademark and serial number; one improvised shotgun; 1 orange and black Yamaha Mio; 15 plastic sachets of shabu, and buy-bust money.

Bersaluna added that 29 other drug suspects were arrested in a series of anti-illegal drug operations conducted by operatives from San Jose Del Monte and Malolos and in the towns of Bustos, Hagonoy, Marilao, Bocaue, and San Ildefonso.

A total of 50 plastic sachets of shabu, four plastic sachets of dried marijuana leaves, assorted drug paraphernalia, and buy-bust money were confiscated from the suspects during the operation.

The arrested suspects and recovered pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for appropriate examination while criminal complaints for Violation of RA 9165 against the suspects are now being readied.

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12 ex-NPA rebels get cash assistance

MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Twelve former New People’s Army guerrillas who recently surrendered to authorities have received financial assistance from the government.

The distribution of financial aid for rebel returnees was held in Malolos, Bulacan over the weekend, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez.

The beneficiaries were among those who surrendered to the military in Central Luzon on Wednesday.

“The communists have no regard for the young ones like this baby. We in the government, we protect them,” Galvez said in a speech, referring to an 18-year-old returnee who was carrying her  two-month-old infant.

Concerned government agencies will further assess the rebel-returnees to determine the needs that should be extended to them, Galvez said.

The former NPA guerrillas turned over six firearms and other weapons to the authorities.

Galvez encouraged the returnees to help the military convince their comrades who are still in the mountains to return to the fold of the law.      

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Drug suspect slain in Bulacan town

By Ramon Efren Lazaro

MALOLOS, Bulacan — A suspected drug dealer was killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Tuesday.

Michael Kristan Dandan drew his gun when he sensed he had transacted with an undercover agent in a sting in Barangay Gaya-Gaya, Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director, said.

Bersaluna said a caliber .38 revolver, 10 sachets of shabu and a sachet of marijuana were recovered from the fatality.

Meanwhile, in Pampanga, 200 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P700,000 were recovered from a certain Red Ayo in a sting in Barangay Pulung Maragul, Angeles City, also on Monday.

In Zamboanga City, sachets of shabu valued at P500,000  were recovered from businessman Domen Yu and Normal Cabili in a drug bust at a hotel.

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Suspect in Bulacan massacre shot dead

By Freddie C. Velez

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan — Another person of interest in the gruesome killing of five members of a family here last week was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen inside his residence Thursday morning.

Supt. Fitz Macariola, city police chief, in his report to Bulacan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat Jr., identified the victim as Rosevelt Merano Sorema alias ‘Ponga.’

Initial investigation disclosed that two unidentified armed men, their faces concealed by masks and helmets, barged inside the house of Sorema and shot him several times.

Sorema is being eyed as one of the possible suspects in the massacre of members of the Carlos family.

Sorema was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Last Tuesday, a few hours before President Duterte and Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa visited the wake of the massacre victims here,  Dapsy Daud, president of the homeowners association, said  Rolando Pacinos alias “Inggo”, linked to the family five victims of massacre, was found dead under a tree at around 6:30 a.m.

A piece of cardboard left on top of the victim’s body bore a message claiming that he was a drug addict and rapist who should not be emulated.

Carmelino Ibañes, who confessed to the killings, pointed to Pacinos as one of his two accomplices.

Meanwhile, even the high heavens apparently wept yesterday as rains poured as the victims were brought to their final resting place at the Citrus public cemetery here Thursday morning.

Macariola said more than 2,000 people, including relatives sporting white headbands as sign of sympathy and belief that the victims will rest in peace and go to Heaven, attended the burial amid inclement weather.

Dexter Carlos Sr., a security guard and the husband, father and son in law of the victims, said he is still in shock.

“Hindi ko pa alam kung kailan ko malalampasan ang pangungulila sa pamilya ko. Ang hiling ko lang sa mahal na Pangulo ay kung sakaling maibalik ang death penalty ay unang sampolan ang mga gumawa nito sa aking pamilya,” Carlos said.

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Suspect in massacre of Bulacan family shot dead

By Freddie C. Velez

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan -- Another person of interest in the gruesome killing of five members of a family here was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen inside his residence early morning last week.

Supt. Fitz Macariola, city police chief, in his report to Bulacan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat Jr., identified the victim as Rosevelt Merano Sorema alias ‘Ponga.’

Initial investigation disclosed that two unidentified armed men, their faces concealed by masks and helmets, barged inside the house of Sorema and shot him several times.

Sorema is being eyed as one of the possible suspects in the massacre of members of the Carlos family.

Sorema was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Last Tuesday, a few hours before President Duterte and Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa visited the wake of the massacre victims here, 

Dapsy Daud, president of the homeowners association, said  Rolando Pacinos alias “Inggo”, linked to the family five victims of massacre, was found dead under a tree at around 6:30 a.m.

A piece of cardboard left on top of the victim’s body bore a message claiming that he was a drug addict and rapist who should not be emulated.

Carmelino Ibañes, who confessed to the killings, pointed to Pacinos as one of his two accomplices.

Meanwhile, even the high heavens apparently wept as rains poured as the victims were brought to their final resting place at the Citrus public cemetery here Monday morning.

Macariola said more than 2,000 people, including relatives sporting white headbands as sign of symphaty and belief that the victims will rest in peace and go to Heaven, attended the burial amid inclement weather.

Dexter Carlos Sr., a security guard and the husband, father and son in law of the victims, said he is still in shock.

“Hindi ko pa alam kung kailan ko malalampasan ang pangungulila sa pamilya ko. Ang hiling ko lang sa mahal na Pangulo ay kung sakaling maibalik ang death penalty ay unang sampolan ang mga gumawa nito sa aking pamilya,” Carlos said.

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No Islamic State terrorists operating in Bulacan:PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has not received any intelligence report on the alleged threat posed by a terror group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) in Bulacan contrary to rumours.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde gave the assurance after a draft police memorandum warning the public that IS terrorists are moving to Bulacan was posted on Facebook and Twitter.

Albayalde urged residents of Bulacan to remain calm, saying the threats are confined in critical areas in Mindanao.

“We want to assure the public that government forces are doing everything to prevent a spillover,” Albayalde said.

The supposed memorandum from the Bulacan police office was dated Sept. 6. It said IS-inspired militants would attack religious communities as well as Catholic and Christian churches inthe province.

Col. Chito Bersaluna, provincial police director, said there was miscommunication with a PNP personnel who wrote the memo.

Bersaluna said a non-commissioned officer whom he did not identify misunderstood his verbal instructions. He said what should have been written is for police units to be on full alert following recent bombings in Mindanao.

“We had two major events in the province so we intensified our security measures,” he said, referring to the Singkaban Festival, which started on Monday, and the Iglesia ni Cristo’s Grand Baptism at the Ciudad de Victoria in Bocaue on Saturday.

Bersaluna said he relieved the non-commissioned officer. – Ramon Efren Lazaro

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Grab driver held, 2 slain in Bulacan for gunrunning

STA. MARIA, Bulacan — A driver for the ride-hailing service Grab was arrested while his two companions were killed in a sting for illegal firearms Tuesday.

Ed de Guzman, the alleged leader of the gunrunning syndicate, was arrested during the operation here led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Northern Metro Manila District Field Unit.

The suspects received P150,000 for the purchase of an M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, and two.38 caliber revolvers from an undercover police officer.

His two companions, identified only as Johan and Kojack, were riding motorcycles when they were killed in an alleged running gun battle along McArthur Highway, police said.

Police said De Guzman, who was also working as a Grab driver, was out on bail on a drug charge in Bulacan.

Police recovered a loaded .45 automatic rifle, two .38 caliber revolvers, a hand grenade and 100 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu from the suspects.

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Man slain, P6-M taken in buy-bust operations

PLARIDEL, Bulacan -- Ron Aldrin Cruz was shot dead when he allegedly fired at police officers who posed as buyers of  shabu here in Barangay Parulan on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, around a kilo of shabu valued at P6 million was recovered from five persons arrested in a sting in Barangay Cabalantian, Bacolor, Pampanga also on Tuesday.

Human rights groups have complained Bulacan had a high incidence of drug-related deaths sue to anti-drug operations.

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Three men slain in Bulacan drug war

BULACAN -- Three drug suspects were killed in alleged shootouts with police officers in this province on Aug. 17.

The fatalities were identified as Julius Ace Lavarro, Alfie Garcia and Harold Sunpongco.

Lavarro reportedly opened fire at the officers who were about to arrest him following a sting in Barangay Bambang, Bulakan at around 11:55 p.m., according to Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director.

Bersaluna said the police officers retaliated, killing Lavarro at the scene.

Probers recovered from the suspect 18 plastic sachets containing shabu and marijuana, and a pistol.

An hour earlier, Garcia was killed in an encounter in Barangay Sampaloc, San Rafael town.

Bersaluna said Garcia pulled out a gun and shot at the officers after sensing that he was dealing with undercover agents.

Police said they recovered a .38 caliber revolver and six plastic sachets containing shabu from Garcia.

Sunpongco was killed in another encounter in Barangay Poblacion, Norzagaray.

Probers said a .38 caliber revolver and four plastic sachets containing shabu were found from the suspect.

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Tattoos used to identify corpse dumped in Bulacan

By Minka Klaudia Tiangco

Those who were close to 23-year-old Jaybee Castor would describe him as a true “family man.” In fact, he was so close to his family that he had tattoos of the names of his parents and the faces of two of his three children on his body.

His partner, however, never imagined that these same tattoos would be used to identify his corpse which was found dumped in a secluded area in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan on July 6, a few weeks after he was abducted in his home in Caloocan City.

The autopsy report showed that Castor suffered from three gunshot wounds on his head and ligature marks around his neck and ankles. According to a police report, seven sachets of suspected shabu and a sign accusing Castor of being a drug addict and a thief were found beside his corpse.

But his partner denied these accusations and stressed that they did not see any piece of evidence in the pictures they were sent.

Castor lived in an alley in Caloocan dubbed “Patayan Street” by residents due to the number of killings in the area.

One of those who were killed three years ago was 17-year-old Michael Dela Cruz who was Castor’s childhood friend.

Castor’s partner, who requested anonymity, recalled that they were having dinner with their children—aged five years old, three years old, and nine months old—and Castor’s father and siblings at about 9 p.m. on June 25 when four armed men wearing masks and hoods went inside their house.

The men grabbed Castor, dragged him out of the house, and pushed him inside a white Ford Everest van before speeding away.

“Sinasabi nung asawa ko ‘Sir, sandali lang po’ (My partner was begging the men, ‘Sir, please, wait’),” Castor’s partner said. “Ang lakas ng ulan noon. Hinabol namin siya ng mga anak ko (It was raining hard then but my children and I chased after them).”

Castor’s brother, who followed the men, told them “Hindi na makatao ‘yang ginagawa niyo (What you are doing is inhumane).” But the assailants only pushed him aside and said “Umalis na kayo dito, kung hindi, babarilin namin kayo (Leave this place or we will shoot you).”

Castor’s sister immediately went to the police for assistance after the incident, but the policemen said her brother can only be considered a missing person if he is not found after 24 hours.

The incident left Castor’s partner and his eldest son traumatized. Every time the five-year-old boy saw a white car, he would chase it down, hoping that his father was inside. Castor’s partner would flinch whenever she would hear keys unlocking a door and see white vans and motorcycles, remembering the men who took away her partner. Still, they continued their search.

Three days later, they came to the Caloocan City Police Station for help but the policemen told them that they should not write a blotter report until they have searched in Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, and Quezon City, Castor’s partner said.

After two weeks of searching, Castor’s partner saw a Facebook post by the San Jose Del Monte Police Station dated July 5 which showed a body with Castor’s tattoos.

The next day, they went to Bulacan to take Castor’s body back home. They claimed his body at Faith Funeral Services and on July 8, he was laid to his final resting place at the Manila North Cemetery.

“Gusto ko na mabigyan siya ng hustisya, pero wag muna ngayon. Nanganganib pa ang mga buhay namin. Natatakot pa ako (I want him to receive justice for what happened, but not now. Our lives are still in danger. I’m still afraid),” Castor’s partner said.

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