BY ALEX ALAGON
OFFICIALS of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region XI were quick to visit the three minor suspects in the killing of a first-year student of the University of the Philippines-Mindanao. The three suspects are still in the custody of the police in Tagum City. They are expected to be transferred to the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to news reports, the purpose of the CHR officials’ visit is to check whether the rights of the minors are not trampled upon by the police or any member of their victim’s family.
It is somewhat ironic. The CHR officials were quick to ensure that the rights of the minor crime perpetrators were taken care of. Yet, the agency officials are intriguingly silent on the loss that the parents or family of the equally young victim suffered.
For certain, the CHR officials know that the brutal death of the victim is one loss that is not only felt during the untimely death of the very young girl, but this will be carried on to the last breath of the victim’s parents and siblings.
Imagine a young lady whose life, had it not been snapped by the ruthlessness of crazy teenagers, could have held a lot of promise in the future! But no, she is now dead; killed by teenagers whose only ambition in life is to rob others of their belongings or money just to satisfy their worldly needs.
And ironically, here comes this government agency whose mandate can easily be mistaken as protecting the welfare of criminals. We hate to say it, but the job of the agency could be construed as a travesty of justice.
Add to it the apparent “pampering” of minor offenders or youth-in-conflict with the law by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, and the system could breed a horde of younger generation criminals lurking in every dark corner of the Philippines.
Certainly, anyone unlucky among us could become their victims in the near future.
Frankly, we believe that the government, through Congress, can come up with measures that are aimed at preventing young people from taking the path of criminals. What we have now are schemes that are more reactive in nature.
Meaning, some of our young people have already committed crimes before certain government measures are applied to their situation.
Say, why not the government study the structure of the now famous youth formation organization – the Boys Town run by the Salesians of Don Bosco?
The government can replicate, enhance, and institutionalize the organization, fund it, and have the replicated group run by responsible religious or civic organizations. Of course, the mechanics of the institutionalized organization’s operation must be clearly laid out and adhered to.
A similar organization catering to young girls who may be wayward or wanting in parental attention may also be worked out by the government.
It is our take that this scheme of things can best be explored by any of our Congressmen from the Davao Region, especially from Davao City, for a possible subject of a bill to be introduced in Congress. That is, if any one of them is observant enough of what is happening in our society, especially in the youth sector.
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What is this report that a mainstream media organization in the country has secured a copy of the Original Letter Report of the Beverly Hills Police Department concerning the death of businessman Paolo Tantoco?
The original of the Letter Report was secured by the media group Net 25 to validate the veracity of an alleged original copy of the same report that has been circulating on social media. The earlier-circulated copy carried the names of those under investigation in the Tantoco death. Tantoco is an executive of the high-end shopping destination for the rich and famous – Rustans.
However, the original copy of the police report acquired by Net 25 does not carry the names of those investigated. Neither did it mention the cause of death of the Tantoco scion.
Some sectors in the Philippines, specifically those who are against the present administration, are trying their best to drag First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos into the list of people who may have a connection to the Tantoco incident.
With this development in the Rustan official’s controversial death, which of the two groups, “calling the kettle black,” is credible? The group apparently reporting the true story has in its possession the mainstream media’s secured, authenticated police report.
The other group’s document now appears “doctored” sans the authentication by any Beverly police official.
Well, this certainly is Philippine politics.
Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation, recently donated healthcare equipment and medicines to barangay health centers in its host communities in Albay, Batangas, Davao del Sur, and Bukidnon.
Under its Adopt-a-Health Center program, Aboitiz Renewables upgraded four barangay health centers: Joroan, Libtong, and Belen in Albay and San Felix in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas. With nearly ₱3 million in funding, the upgrades included new medical tools, furnishings, essential medicines, and protective equipment.
“Maswerte ang Joroan dahil may Aboitiz Renewables na tumutulong. Mahalaga ang private-public partnership para matugunan ang kakulangan na di kayang sagutin ng LGU. Sa tulong ng Aboitiz Renewables, napunan ang kulang sa gamit, gamot, at equipment ng Barangay Health Station, kaya mas accessible na ang serbisyong pangkalusugan,” said Sheena Marie De Leon, a public health nurse.
(Joroan is fortunate to have Aboitiz Renewables providing support. Private-public partnerships are important in addressing gaps that the LGU alone cannot fill. With Aboitiz Renewables’ help, the shortages in supplies, medicine, and equipment at the Barangay Health Station were addressed, making healthcare services more accessible to residents).
“Lahat ng assistance na nanggagaling sa Aboitiz Renewables ay aming pinangangalagaan. Ang lahat ng pangangailangan na ibinigay ninyo sa amin sa Health Center ay papakinabangan ng bawat mamamayan ng Barangay San Felix,” added San Felix Barangay Captain Gerry Punzalan.
(We value all the assistance coming from Aboitiz Renewables. Everything you’ve provided for our Health Center will benefit every resident of Barangay San Felix).
Since its launch, the Adopt-a-Health Center program of Aboitiz Renewables has improved 14 barangay health centers across Albay, Batangas, and Laguna — host communities of Aboitiz Renewables’ geothermal facilities — reaching over 84,000 residents.
Meanwhile, in Mindanao, Aboitiz Renewables is also helping address the gap in access to medicines through the Botika ng Bayan initiative, implemented in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation and local governments.
The program provided essential maintenance and emergency-use medicines in areas where access remains limited, particularly in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur and Impasugong and Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, all of which house some of Aboitiz Renewables’ run-of-river hydro plants.
At the Santa Cruz Municipal Health Center in Davao del Sur, the Botika ng Bayan is now better stocked to serve residents, including indigenous peoples, with essential medicines for hypertension, diabetes, infections, and maternal care.
serve more locals, including IPs, with medicines identified as essential by the health center.
In Bukidnon, indigenous communities in Manolo Fortich and Impasugong also benefit from regular medicine allocations tailored to their specific health needs.
To date, the program has distributed nearly ₱500,000 worth of medicines across the three municipalities.
“Programs like Botika ng Bayan make a real, lasting difference. With this support, we’re better equipped to serve those who need it most,” said Dr. Raygene Manuel, the Municipal Health Officer of Santa Cruz.
“Personal health in all its aspects–whether spiritual, mental, physical, intellectual, educational, and economic–is the most important foundation of strong, resilient communities. We do our best to energize progress and uplift communities through long term improvements in the well-being of our stakeholders, whether our employees, our families, or our communities,” said Aboitiz Renewables President Jimmy Villaroman.
MARIANNE MARIE FLORES MASOCOL & PIO LLOYD BAGUIO/DSSC Interns
THE BUREAU of Fire Protection (BFP) urged the public to utilize the new Fire Safety Inspection System (FSIS) to streamline the certificate application process, which is a crucial requirement for securing a business permit.
During the iSpeak forum on Thursday, July 17, Fire Senior Inspector Russel Jake E. Marañon said business owners and applicants must take advantage of the convenience of the new system, accessible through the agency’s portal.
He said the system has already been adopted nationwide and is now available to Davao City.
Marañon advised users to access the FSIS this early to know more about the procedures involved, including the certificates and clearances the clients can avail. He also reminded users to upload a clear photograph to avoid being rejected by the system.
He highlighted the benefits of the online transaction system, particularly the centralization of business information, which can be accessed anytime and anywhere using mobile devices.
In case the system crashes, he assured that the public can visit their respective BFP offices to under the traditional application.
In terms of security, he affirmed that all users’ data will be kept safe and protected by the ICT team of the BFP National Headquarters.
“Regarding our new system, nagahangyo mi sa katawhan to bear with us. We are not expecting the recipients, atong mga business owners, nga makuha dayon ang kani nga process but rest assured that our office, open ang atong mga opisina regarding sa unsa may pangutana nila regarding our system,” Marañon said.
A 19-YEAR-OLD woman was arrested Wednesday, July 16, 2025, for allegedly attempting to rob a taxi driver at knifepoint in Barangay Buhangin around 9:20 p.m.
According to the report, authorities responded to a call from Central 911 regarding a hold-up incident on San Gabriel Street, Dumalas.
The suspect, identified as alias Jaysa, a jobless resident of Sto. Niño, Barangay Marapangi, allegedly boarded the taxi driven by 45-year-old Gerry (surname withheld) at the Toril terminal, requesting to be driven to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Bajada.
Upon reaching San Gabriel Street, Monton reportedly declared a hold-up, pointing a kitchen knife at the driver’s waist.
However, the driver grabbed the suspect’s hand and fought back. With the assistance of concerned citizens, the suspect was apprehended, and the knife was confiscated.
Responding personnel from Buhangin Police Station took the suspect into custody, facing a robbery with intimidation charge.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte has conveyed a defiant message to his supporters in the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague, stating, “If it is my destiny to be here, so be it. No apologies. No regrets.”
The message was relayed by his former wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, who visited him on July 16, 2025, accompanied by their granddaughter, Bella (Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s daughter).
Zimmerman shared highlights of their visit, noting that their conversation revolved around “mundane things.”
During her visit, Zimmerman also informed the former president about the upcoming “Free Duterte Now Prayer Rally” scheduled for July 19.
She also affirmed her intention to respect whatever decision the former president makes regarding cremation, a topic they had previously discussed.
In a message to the Filipino people, Zimmerman urged them to take action regarding the current situation in the Philippines.
“What is happening in the Philippines, I hope the Filipinos would do something about it. It is you, the masa, the citizens, who can do something. It is not us. That is why I am so happy you are here. Talagang we are grateful,” she said.
- Duterte defense team seeks urgent ICC conference
THE LEAD defense counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, urgently requested a status conference with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to address what he described as “serious procedural delays” hindering the preparation for the confirmation of charges hearing.
Kaufman’s request, submitted under Rule 121(2)(b) of the ICC’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence, calls for the conference to be held before the court’s summer recess on July 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM (CET).
The defense wanted to assess the feasibility of the current hearing schedule given the ongoing setbacks, citing several delays that they asserted were “not attributable to them.”
These supposed delays include:
- A one-month delay in receiving requested materials, which were submitted on April 15 but were only received on May 16.
- The provision of “critical supporting materials” was only transmitted as recently as July 7.
Crucially, the defense notes that “key items” they have requested remain outstanding more than a month after their initial request.
Kaufman warned the court that without immediate intervention, similar setbacks are “likely,” emphasizing that these issues are “seriously hindering case preparation.”
The defense’s urgent plea suggests growing concern over the timeline and fairness of the pre-trial proceedings.
Meanwhile, the requested status conference will likely involve discussions among the defense, prosecution, and the Pre-Trial Chamber to determine the best course of action to ensure a timely and equitable process for the confirmation of charges.
Photo courtesy of ICC website
By Rhoda Grace B Saron
THE COMMISSION on Human Rights (CHR) has visited the three minors implicated in the killing of University of the Philippines (UP) student Sophia Coquilla, who was found dead in La Filipina, Tagum City.
This was confirmed by Lt Col Frederick Deles, Tagum City Police Station acting chief, in an interview on Thursday with the media, July 17, 2025.
Deles stated that the CHR’s visit aimed to inspect the living conditions of the minors currently in police custody and to ensure that their rights are being upheld, despite their alleged involvement in the crime.
The three suspects, aged 14, 15, and 17, remain under the custody of the Tagum City police as the investigation into Coquilla’s death continues. Their protection is being handled according to the provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (Republic Act No. 9344).
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the ongoing progress of the case.
THE DAVAO del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) reassured residents that they are in control following a series of “viral crime incidents.”
In an official statement on Thursday, the DNPPO acknowledged that recent high-profile crimes may have caused alarm, but asserted these do not define the overall peace and order situation in the province.
Instead, the police highlighted the rapid and successful resolution of these cases, crediting not only the professional response of their personnel but, more significantly, the active participation of the community.
“Our deepest gratitude goes to our concerned citizens, who stepped forward to report suspicious activities, and to those who willingly shared crucial CCTV footage from their establishments and residences,” DNPPO director Col Alexander Serrano Jr said in a statement.
The DNPPO underscored the pivotal role of CCTV systems, describing them as “powerful tools” in hot-pursuit operations, investigations, and overall crime-solving efforts.
The timely access to CCTV recordings provided by owners was crucial in identifying suspects and reconstructing event timelines.
Building on this success, the DNPPO announced the launch of Project CCTV123, a proactive initiative designed to create a more integrated and responsive crime monitoring system across Davao del Norte.
The program aims to map, link, and coordinate with private CCTV owners, encouraging businesses and residents to register and voluntarily share their footage with nearby police stations. The DNPPO believes that it will significantly enhance its capability to deter, detect, and respond to criminal activities.
Tagum ‘killer’ arrested
Meanwhile, authorities arrested a 49-year-old man believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old woman in Tagum City.
The suspect was apprehended during a hot pursuit operation at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at an inn in Barangay San Pedro, Panabo City.
Police reports indicate that the victim was shot dead early Wednesday morning inside her apartment in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City.
During the arrest, authorities seized from the suspect an estimated ₱360,000 worth of suspected shabu and a firearm believed to have been used in the crime.
While the exact relationship between the victim and the suspect is still under investigation, initial findings suggested that jealousy may have been the motive for the killing.
Photo courtesy of DNPPO
RESIDENTS are told to practice energy efficiency to help manage their electricity bills for the July-August billing.
Davao Light announced an increase in the overall residential electricity rate by P0.0887 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in July.
This brings the new rate to P8.7772/kWh, up from P8.6885/kWh last month, effective July 11 to August 10 billing period.
“The rate increase is due to higher power supply prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), where Davao Light sources part of its power requirement,” Davao Light said.
WESM prices fluctuate month after month based on supply and demand across the grid.
While the rates have increased, it is still lower compared to previous months, such as in May 2025, where the rates amounted to P9.1053/kWh, and P9. 5514/kWh in April.
Photo courtesy of Aboitiz
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