Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a 14.34-percent decrease in crime rate across the country for the first nine months of 2025.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame on Monday, PNP public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the national police force recorded 27,306 focus crime incidents from Jan. 1 to Oct. 9, 2025.

This was 4,572 incidents less than the 31,878 focus crime incidents recorded during the same period in 2024, according to Tuaño.

Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carjacking of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

The PNP public information chief particularly highlighted that rape incidents dropped by 22.52 percent from 7,623 incidents during the said period in 2024 to 5,906 incidents during the same period in 2025.

Tuaño also touted that cases of murder dropped by 17.35 percent from 3,217 cases in the first nine months of 2024 to 2,659 cases over the same period in 2025.

Further, he maintained that physical injury incidents similarly decreased by 16.42 percent from 4,312 cases from January to October 2024; to 3,604 cases over the same period this year.

At the flag-raising ceremony in Camp Crame earlier on Monday, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. further touted that at least 337 cases against erring police officers were resolved by the agency between Aug. 26 and Oct. 10.

New Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao has given the registered owner of a luxury car involved in a viral incident until Monday to surrender the vehicle and its driver to the LTO main office.

Lacanilao made the pronouncement on Monday after the agency issued a show cause order on October 11 to the driver of the vehicle, directing him to explain the unauthorized use of a protocol plate and blinkers on October 8.

The LTO also identified Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso as the passenger of the vehicle, while Lacanilao named Stanwich Philippines as its registered owner.

‘I’m giving them until the end of the day to surrender the vehicle and the driver here at the LTO main office, considering that we all know there were numerous violations committed by the vehicle, the driver, and the owner,’ Lacanilao said, speaking in Filipino, during a press conference.

‘They shouldn’t wait for the LTO to make a more drastic decision, which is why I’m giving them the entire day to comply,’ Lacanilao warned.

In a statement on Monday, the LTO said that a Lexus LX570 was seen using blinkers and a protocol plate number ’10,’ which is designated only for the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Solicitors General.

The LTO added that the incident showed Alfonso’s driver and security aide confronting and allegedly slapping a driver of an Isuzu multicab after a traffic altercation.

In the same statement, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that Alfonso apologized to him and dismissed the driver involved in the incident.

The LTO has also suspended the license of the driver for 90 days and is directed to surrender the license.

Lopez on the same day issued an order revoking the protocol license plates of officials of DOTr and its attached agencies.

Executive Order No. 56 order, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., provides the protocol license plates numbered 1 to 11, then 14, to the following;

President (1)

Vice President (2)

Senate President (3)

Speaker of the House of Representatives (4)

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (5)

Cabinet Secretaries (6)

Senators (7)

Members of the House of Representatives (8)

Associate Justices of the Supreme Court (9)

Presiding Justices of the Court of Appeals (10)

Presiding Justices of the Court of Tax Appeals (10)

Presiding Justices of the Sandiganbayan (10)

Solicitors General (10)

Chairperson of the Constitutional Commission (11)

Ombudsman (11)

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (14)

Chief of the Philippine National Police (14)

The EO also states that ‘all other officials with equivalent rank as the above-authorized officials’ may be allowed to use protocol license plates based upon the recommendation of the LTO, the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and based on the list of all officials with equivalent rank as the above-authorized officials of the Department of Budget and Management.’ /jpv

The stars seemed to align for Tina Salak in her official regular season debut as Akari’s head coach.

After a tough five-set loss to ZUS Coffee on opening day-a result later nullified due to the issue over delayed International Transfer Certificates endorsement for imports-the Chargers had a chance to regroup. The league decided to replay the doubleheader ‘in the spirit of fairness, competitive parity, and delivering the best possible experience’ for fans.

Given a second shot, Salak’s squad made it count.

Facing Creamline-a team that had haunted Akari since the club joined the league in 2022-the Chargers finally broke through. Powered by American import Annie Mitchem’s 33-point eruption, Akari pulled off a 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12 win on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, handing Salak a meaningful victory in her Cavite homecoming.

‘As a Caviteña, we’re known for being tough,’ said Salak, who hails from Bacoor. ‘I just really want people from Cavite to be proud of us. Whether as a player or now as a coach, I hope we’re representing the province well.’

‘But wherever we’re from, what matters is that we play with heart and strength as a team,’ she added. ‘And that we carry that pride wherever we go.’

The Chargers had lost all 10 of their previous meetings with Creamline. Saturday’s win was more than a breakthrough-it was the product of Salak’s meticulous mindset and emphasis on consistency.

‘Every game matters to us, no matter who we’re playing,’ she said. ‘We give every opponent the respect they deserve. Each pool match, we take seriously-not just to perform well, but to give the fans a good game.’

Salak took over the reins from Japanese mentor Taka Minowa last May, and her arrival marked a cultural shift. Though the team is still in transition, particularly with newcomers like Mars Alba adjusting, Salak has seen steady progress.

‘It hasn’t been easy. The transition for some players, like Mars, who came from another team, is tough,’ she said. ‘But watching them today, you can tell everyone’s mindset is starting to change.’

The win also served as redemption. Creamline dominated Akari in last year’s Reinforced Conference finals. But since then, Salak has witnessed a deeper level of commitment within her squad, which also claimed bronze in the All-Filipino Conference six months ago.

‘The key is showing up every day in training,’ she said. ‘There’s a big difference when you’re consistent. It really shows in the game-the motivation, the joy, how much they enjoy practice.’

While Salak emphasized that the journey is far from over, she acknowledged the psychological lift that comes from toppling the defending champions.

‘This win is a big motivation for us,’ she said. ‘Actually, tomorrow’s training is going to be even more fun, right? Win or lose, we still have to train. We have to prepare for Tuesday, and this win just adds to the drive. I think the players will be even more excited to train

Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco ‘Kiko’ Barzaga Jr. arrived late to his own ethics hearing Monday-missing it entirely-after admitting he had stayed up late ‘playing computer games.’

Barzaga made the admission in an ambush interview at the House of Representatives when asked why he failed to attend the hearing.

‘My hearing was already over when I arrived. I was very busy last night. I was just playing games with my computer,’ he said.

The lawmaker briefly joined a protest outside Forbes Park Village in Makati City late Sunday night, where demonstrators called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s resignation amid corruption allegations.

Last month, members of the National Unity Party (NUP), led by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, filed an ethics complaint against Barzaga, citing his ‘unusual behavior,’ including his sudden declaration of a speakership bid and ‘lewd’ photos posted on social media.

Puno said the party believes Barzaga may have committed four violations:

Not acting in a manner that reflects creditably on the House

Engaging in acts contrary to law, good morals, customs, and public policy

Conduct that incites seditious activity

Conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and unbecoming of a member of Congress

Barzaga, a former NUP member, left the party after Puno reportedly accused him of plotting to oust House Speaker Martin Romualdez./mcm/abc

Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro on Monday filed perjury complaints against the two female police officers assigned as his close-in security who accused him of committing various forms of sexual abuse.

Teodoro filed the complaints before the Office of the City Prosecutor, according to his legal counsel Atty. Alma Mallonga.

Previously, one of the respondents filed a complaint for acts of lasciviousness, while the other filed rape by sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness c0mplaints. Both are punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

Mallonga, however, said Teodoro is prepared to ‘vigorously defend’ himself against what she called unsubstantiated and made-up accusations.

‘In the end, he is confident that the truth will prevail. But, as duty demands, he will pursue the perjury charges against the women,’ Mallonga said in a statement.

Teodoro maintained that the charges are politically motivated.

‘I am confident that I will achieve justice and that these fabricated complaints will be dismissed,’ Teodoro said in a statement.

‘But those who lie must be held accountable,’ he added.

The driver’s license of a motorist who let a child steer the wheel of his car in Butuan City will be suspended for 90 days, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said on Monday.

In a video posted on Threads last Saturday, a child was seen steering the vehicle while sitting on the lap of the driver, both of whom were not wearing a seatbelt, the LTO reported.

According to the LTO, the car was being driven on a road somewhere in Butuan City.

The LTO directed the driver and the registered owner of the vehicle to appear before the Intelligence and Investigation Division to explain why they must not be held liable for reckless driving, failure to wear or use a seatbelt device, allowing the child to sit in front of the motor vehicle, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

Once the driver is identified, his license will immediately be surrendered to the LTO and placed under the 90-day preventative suspension.

Moreover, the vehicle involved was placed under alarm pending an investigation to void any transactions that may be made with the said vehicle.

The vehicle owner and the driver must submit a sworn statement by Wednesday, or risk being investigated without their comment, the LTO said. /jpv

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. commended the military forces in Maguindanao del Sur for the successful arrest of one of the suspects in the beheading of a tribal leader on Sept. 30.

‘I welcome the swift and successful law enforcement operation that resulted in the apprehension of alias Tagal, a key suspect in the brutal murder of IP tribal leader Ramon Lupos in Maguindanao del Sur,’ Galvez said in a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.

Specifically, he commended Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division; Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade; and the forces of the 90th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Loqui Marco.

Lupos, a former village councilman, was resting in his nipa hut in Barangay Limpongo, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, when gunmen arrived, confronted him, and eventually killed him. Relatives later found him beheaded near his nipa hut.

According to Timuay Labi (tribal chieftain), Leticio Datuwata of the Teduray Indigenous community, Lupos was executed because he refused to vacate his farm that is part of the tribe’s ancestral domain.

Lupos was the 102nd non-Moro indigenous person killed in the Bangsamoro region since 2019, according to Timuay Justice and Governance, which documents harassments and killings against tribal members in the Bangsamoro region.

‘Alias Tagal,’ a suspected member of the extremist Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist group, was arrested during the joint police and Army law enforcement operation in Sitio Pangayawan, Barangay Tukanalugong, Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao del Sur, on Oct. 11, or 11 days after Lupos was killed.

Galvez said the arrest of ‘Alias Tagal’ is ‘a clear testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring that those who commit heinous crimes, especially against our vulnerable indigenous peoples, are held fully accountable.’

Galvez said the arrest sent a strong message that state forces are determined to ensure public safety and protect all citizens from terrorism and criminality.

‘As we mark Indigenous Peoples Month this October, a time to honor the invaluable heritage and inherent rights of our IPs, the tragic loss of Ramon Lupos – who was reportedly killed while defending his ancestral land – is a somber reminder of the continuing threats they face,’ he added.

‘Lupos represents a continuing challenge we must face head-on,’ Galvez said, adding that the ‘IP rights, their ancestral domains, and their very lives must be secured from all forms of violence, exploitation, and intimidation.’

Galvez also stressed that the pursuit of peace is inseparable from the pursuit of justice.

‘We stand firm against all forces that seek to sow division and fear, and we will ensure the safety and that the rightful claims of IPs to their ancestral domains are fully respected and protected.’

Earlier, Maguindanao Gov. Datu Ali Midtimbang had offered a P100,000 bounty for information leading to the arrest of the men behind the killing of Lupos.

He said the bounty remains for other suspects in the brutal murder of the IP leader./coa

Maddie Madayag and Thang Ponce held the fort for the all-Filipino Choco Mucho, which continues to miss the services of American import Marlee Smith in the PVL Reinforced Conference

Madayag was a two-way force, posting 18 points, including the clutch hits and game-winning ace, with six blocks as the Flying Titans beat the Cignal Super Spikers, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25, on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘We’re kind of used to unexpected things happening to us. But Choco Mucho is a very resilient team; whatever challenges come our way, I think we’re at a point now where we can adjust right away. It’s a healthy environment, and my teammates bring so many different skill sets,’ said Madayag, who had 11 kills.

‘In training, no matter who gets subbed in, they show up and play their game. That’s probably why the outcome of the match was so good. Everyone delivers, and our team chemistry really shows.’

Ponce, who did her homework on Cignal import Eva Chantava, also had a solid defensive performance with 32 digs and 20 excellent receptions.

‘It really started with the mindset. I already focused on it last night, and again this morning. I even rewatched Eva Chantava’s AVC games. I just made sure I was mentally prepared,’ said Ponce. ‘I’m really happy because now that we’re complete, anyone who coach decides to put in is able to deliver. Things feel lighter. We’re not as worried anymore.’

Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin said Smith still had some paperwork issues to resolve and only found out about it 30 minutes before the game.

Alinsunurin commended the commitment and depth of the Flying Titans. He is also raring to see how Smith can elevate Choco Mucho’s game further when she finally gets going.

‘Every game and every conference comes with its own challenges. The big difference now is we finally have enough players we can rotate in, unlike before when even just trying to win was so tough,’ said Alinsunurin. ‘Now, we know we can work through problems. It’s all about our mindset and our goal is always to win.’

‘Once Marlee joins us, I think our offense will become even stronger.’

Choco Mucho hopes to have Smith on board on Thursday against powerhouse PLDT at the same venue.

The district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in this city has refuted Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s claim that the farm-to-market (FMR) road connecting Barangay Bagacay and San Roque here was overpriced and linked to former Speaker Martin Romualdez, the representative of Leyte’s first congressional district that included Tacloban.

‘It is not correct. The former Speaker has no role in this project as it was the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office that identified and funded it,’ Rebecca Yuse, who retired last June, said in an interview on Monday.

Gatchalian made the allegation during the Senate budget hearing of the DA, questioning the cost of the Tacloban FMR under the agency’s development program.

Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City Rep. Ronaldo Puno warned that the renewed allegations appear to be part of a ‘demolition job’ against Romualdez ahead of his scheduled appearance before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Nearing completion

Yuse, who served as Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) chief when the project began in 2024, said it was unfair to label the initiative as overpriced or irregular, stressing that it underwent validation and approval by both the DA and DPWH.

She explained that the P100-million project, which is now 92-percent complete, is targeted for completion by Oct. 30.

‘The (total project) amount was not solely for the road construction. The area is mountainous, requiring extensive excavation, slope protection, and drainage canals to ensure the safety and stability of the road,’ she said.

Yuse emphasized that these additional engineering components – such as embankment and drainage structures – were implemented in coordination with the DA to address the area’s steep terrain and vulnerability to landslides.

‘These works explain the cost difference compared with flatland FMRs. They are essential for the project’s durability and for the safety of motorists and farmers using the road,’ she added.

Yuse also dismissed insinuations that this was a ‘ghost project.’

‘I personally visited the area several times. The project exists and is nearing completion. There were no ghost projects under my watch,’ she said.

A summary of documents from the TCDEO and the DA-Regional Field Office VIII, which was sent to the Inquirer, confirmed that the Barangay 93 Bagacay FMR and the Barangay San Roque FMR Phase 2 were part of the approved Farm-to-Market Road Development Program of the DA for Eastern Visayas.

The DA also validated the Bagacay FMR’s cost at P12.71 million per kilometer, consistent with the national standard for mountain-type FMRs.

‘Terribly unfair’

Meanwhile, Puno noted that the projects were ‘not very big undertakings’ and had passed scrutiny by both the DPWH and DA, including the agriculture secretary.

‘There is scapegoating that is going on, and then people are pointing to other people to escape responsibility,’ he stressed.

Puno pointed out that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. himself mentioned ‘ghost’ and ‘substandard’ projects in other provinces, but none of those were in Leyte.

‘If you remember, he mentioned ghost projects; none are located there. He mentioned substandard projects; none are located there. So I don’t know where that report came from about the Leyte farm-to-market roads,’ he added.

Puno called the issue’s timing and framing ‘terribly unfair,’ saying it creates ‘a lynch-mob mentality trying to pin the (former) Speaker alone to all of the things that have happened.’

Romualdez has signified his intention to appear at the ICI hearing on Oct. 14.

Investors went on a shopping spree for cheap stocks on Monday, ending the local stock barometer’s brief stay in the red.

By the end of the session, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index had added 0.24 percent, or 14.54 points, to close at 6,052.33.

Meanwhile, the broader All Shares Index lost 0.08 percent, or 2.85 points, to end at 3,655.59.

A total of 1.96 billion shares worth P4.92 billion changed hands, stock exchange data showed.

Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc., said the bourse’s gain was due to bargain hunting following last week’s declines.

Foreign investors likewise helped lift the PSEi, with net buying at P109.28 million.

Only services and mining companies were spared from the red territory.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. emerged as the top-traded stock of the session, surging by 3.61 percent to P545 per share.

It was followed by DigiPlus Interactive Corp., down 2.88 percent to P23.60; AREIT Inc., up 1.75 percent to P43.50; BDO Unibank Inc., up 0.15 percent to P135; and Ayala Land Inc., down 0.43 percent to P23.15.

Others were Ayala Corp., up 0.21 percent to P472; SM Investments Corp., flat at P735; Manila Electric Co., down 2.06 percent to P546.50; Bank of the Philippine Islands, up 0.56 percent to P107; and Philex Mining Corp., up 3.38 percent to P10.40 each.

Losers overpowered gainers, 121 to 76, while 52 companies closed flat, stock exchange data also showed.