BY ALEX ALAGON
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) is launching its so-called proactive means of reducing crimes in the city, the “Operation Tuyok.” In English, “tuyok” means to roam.
And that is exactly what DCPO Director Col. Mannan Muarip intends to do – have his policemen conduct mobile operations all over the city. By “all over,” it means all areas within the jurisdiction of the Davao City government will be covered in the police operation.
There is no doubt that the idea is a noble one, and indeed it will result in either the prevention of crimes or arrest of suspects done immediately as the members of the police are expected to be able to respond in the fastest means. Or, they may be just within the area where a crime has been committed.
The question, however, is, “Does the DCPO have the manpower and other resources needed to effectively carry out ‘Operation Tuyok?’”
Say, do the local police operatives have enough vehicles to make the policemen mobile all the time? If the DCPO has the required number of vehicles, does the office have the necessary budgetary requirements to procure gasoline and other fuel products in order to keep the patrol vehicles mobile all the time?
If all these resources are not substantial, then the DCPO’s Operation Tuyok will only be a simple announcement of a measure that is hard to implement, even if this is one good assurance as an effective crime deterrent.
Meanwhile, the local government of Davao City may provide material, even financial support, for a police activity that will surely benefit not just the individual residents but also the population in general, who will be the first to enjoy it should the operation succeed.
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What is this report about the International Criminal Court (ICC) renewing its call for witnesses in its forthcoming trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s crime against humanity case?
More specifically, the ICC is calling on law enforcers who may have direct knowledge of how Duterte’s war on drugs was conducted, which resulted in the death of thousands. The ICC wants potential witnesses to get in touch with the court through its dedicated microsite intended solely for Duterte’s case.
If we are to be asked about our take on this development we would say that the international court is now starting to doubt the sufficiency of witnesses who are in its custody and disposal, or have committed to give the court the appropriate evidence to convict the former Philippine leader.
And assuming that there will be witnesses who are willing to testify, will the ICC allow them to make their testimonies via video calls? If not, who will foot their bills in going to The Hague to attend the hearing?
And is such a plea by the ICC for more witnesses to come out not an admission that the present witnesses and documentary evidence that it has are far from enough to convict Duterte?
Well, this possibility could be one reason for the supporters of the former President to celebrate. Yes, if the ICC has denied the petition of the Duterte defense team to have the former President released, even if temporarily, the ICC’s call for more witnesses is enough hint for a better chance of winning the case.
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Now what?
Ousted Negros Oriental Congressman Arnulfo Teves, who was charged with murder for the death of the late Governor Ruel Degamo of the same Province, was cleared of the crime by a Manila Regional Trial Court Judge.
So, all the so-called strong evidence against the former lawmaker and the legal dictum that “Flight of a suspect in a crime is evidence of guilt” were proven wrong by the trial judge?
What will happen? Will Teves be compensated for the months that he was to be serving as Congressman butwas prevented from doing so because of his ouster? In all likelihood, he will run again.
What about the crime of illegally possessing several heavy and high-powered firearms? Has it also been dismissed?
Now, who says there is no difference between a moneyed accused and one who belongs to the margin?
IF THERE is one administration critic whose bashes can be considered “most scathing” it is former Commission on Elections commissioner lawyer Rowena Guanzon.
Her latest tirade posted in the social media was against resigned former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. In her post she asked, “Where could Martin Looter be now?”
Very simple and equally very short question. But certainly it packs a lot of wallop on the cousin of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
We are just wondering if she is that aggressive in her criticism of the administration, including her specifying of persons in blasting the administration, had her Partylist group with her as the top nominee for Congressman got a seat in the Lower House?
Would the fiery woman lawyer not succumb to joining patronage politics and enjoy its perks? Again, just wondering… and asking, as well.
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We assume that the post of former senator and leading critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte Antonio Trillanes was the basis of Davao City Congressman Pulong Duterte in his own post. Trillanes posted a photo of him posing outside the ICC detention cell of former President Rodrigo Duterte with the caption that says, “Relax lang po, nasa loob pa si Duts. Naghahanapbuhay lang ang abogado niya.”
Pulong’s response also posted on Facebook, “Si Trililing pala pinadala ng mga BANGAG para mag ‘welfare check’ kay PRRD. Baka nagkalat ka ng virus diyan, di ka pa naman nagpa inject ng anti-rabies shot mo….”
Well, that is how social media now becomes a battleground for political adversaries. And it seems there are no rules that define how it should be fought and how toxic the means that can be used in attacking the enemy.
Amid these exchanges of barbs between Trilling and Pulong, and the trip of the former to The Hague, Netherlands, is there truth to reports that the former Senator was the one sent by the administration of Marcos Jr. to conduct a “welfare check” on detained former President Duterte? This is the claim of the Davao first district solon and son of FPRRD.
If true, then there may already be some kind of rapprochement between the incumbent President and also his erstwhile critic.
Could this be enough indication to believe the circulating reports that it will be Trillanes who will take over the post vacated by resigned Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) adviser Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong? The ICI is now investigating the grossly anomalous, graft-laden flood control projects rocking the administration of President Bongbong Marcos. Magalong is ICI adviser.
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Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz of Davao City’s third district called for stricter protocols and standards for tourism operations in the City.
The lady councilor sounded this call in the aftermath of the disaster that happened at the Mini Asik-Asik Falls in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District. The waterfall is nestled on the mountains of Carmen, part of a large protected area mandated by the government.
Some two weeks ago a group of supposedly “outreach” volunteers went to the area not far from the waterfall reportedly to do outreach activities for the people in that sitio of the mountain barangay.
Unfortunately, some leaders of the group decided to see the waterfall with several others risking to bathe in the clear and cold water several meters away from the dropping spot of the water from the upstream.
As fate would have it, a flash flood suddenly occurred with hardly any indication of warning. The swirling water currents caught some bathers who were trying to outrace the flood before it could sweep them.
Several were lucky to escape but still they suffered bruises and other injuries. But there were others who did not make it and swallowed by the rampaging water.
That deadly incident became a major source of grief to families of those who drowned, as well as those who were injured.
The incident triggered Councilor Ortiz’s urgent call for the implementation of stricter protocols. While the call is definitely a reactive one because deaths and injuries have already happened, still we believe that there is nothing too late if it is for the welfare of the people.
It is, however, sad to think that resorting to such measures is remembered only after the occurrence of untoward incidents that cost lives, physical injuries and damage to properties.
Indeed the usual Filipino trait of making the sign of the cross every after a blinding lightning or deafening thunder blast.
- ICC lawyer silent on alleged revoked visitation rights for FPRRD’s partner
THE LEAD defense counsel for former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, is mum on the reason why Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña was barred from visiting the Davao City mayor-elect in the detention center in The Hague.
In a written interview posted by pro-Duterte supporter “Alvin & Tourism,” Kaufman addressed the growing public friction, attributing Avanceña’s statements to her “emotionally distressed” state.
When asked to provide the legal basis for the alleged suspension of Avanceña’s visitation rights, Kaufman was brief.
“For judicial reasons and out of respect for family privacy, I am not going to comment on the veracity of Honeylet Avanceña’s allegations concerning her presence not being desired at the ICC detention center,” he said.
The statement comes after Avanceña made public claims that her visitation rights had been revoked.
Kaufman also responded to Avanceña’s concerns that he has not “personally engaged with or understood” the former president in a meaningful way, which she implied could hinder his defense.
“Honeylet Avanceña, so it would appear, is emotionally distressed for reasons on which, as I mentioned previously, I cannot elaborate,” Kaufman stated. “As a consequence, she is making all sorts of wild allegations which are being stoked by others.”
He dismissed her concerns by pointing to the former president’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, as the arbiter of his professional conduct.
“The simple fact of the matter is that the Vice-President, as a lawyer herself, is fully qualified to judge the quality of my engagement with and work for the former President,” he added.
Finally, Kaufman sought to quash rumors of internal strife within the defense team, stating, “There are absolutely no internal disagreements among the persons responsible for handling the former President’s defense.”
He once again singled out former spokesperson Harry Roque, referring to him as “an irrelevancy” whose “comical intrigues” he is being “forced to spend far too much time” addressing.
He also confirmed that there are “absolutely no personal misunderstandings between those who are of importance to the former President.”
Photo courtesy of Kitty Duterte Instagram
Looks like the world is getting smaller for former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque these days.
Roque, who is now gallivanting abroad and hoping to secure asylum, preferably in the Netherlands, is starting to get rebuffs from the camp of his former boss in Malacanang, then President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who is presently detained in the detention center of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The former President is facing a case of crimes against humanity at the ICC.
Initially, Roque was denied asylum by the government of the Netherlands, but he is still there, hoping that his case will be reconsidered by the Dutch government.
The former spokesman of FPRRD was earlier rejected as part of the defense team of the former President. This despite the fact that he is one of only very few Filipino lawyers accredited by the ICC.
Of late, Roque’s statements made on the case of his former boss have been considered by the Defense team of Duterte, led by lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, as “interference” in their work and might possibly affect adversely the defense team’s strategy.
Of course, the former Presidential spokesman was quick to deny that he is interfering in the Duterte defense team’s activities.
In the early days of the former President’s incarceration at The Hague, VP Sara, who was the one working for the organization of his father’s defense team, appeared wanting in interest in having Roque as a member.
Of course, the VP’s action is understandable. After all, how could she be assured of Roque’s full attention in the defense of his father when the former was also having a problem of his own, that is, defending himself from some cases he is facing in the Philippines – the very reason he left the country.
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Acting Mayor Baste Duterte is lambasting the Marcos, Jr. administration for its apparent toleration of online gambling even after vilifying the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last year.
According to Baste, the Marcos Jr’s administration only succeeded in politicizing the POGO halt despite the millions of pesos it brought to the government treasury. Besides, he added, the target clients of POGOs were not Filipinos but big-time gamblers from other countries like China.
Now, the younger Duterte said, the administration is coddling the operation of online gambling with Filipinos as its clients. And this has been going on without a single centavo in taxes paid to the government.
But we are also wondering whether Mayor Baste has noticed that in his own turf, online gambling “couched” by the so-called legally allowed Small Town Lottery (STL) betting outlets is now growing in number like mushrooms sprouting underneath banana plants. How about this phenomenon of booking outlets for the small town lottery? We are just wondering if the acting mayor has knowledge of the massive rise in the number of these outlets for gambling, which in some areas are barely less than 300 to 400 meters away from each other.
For now, we have heard of famous names mentioned as operators of these betting venues for STL (kuno), but they are actually just “fronts” of the more juicy illegal Last 2 operation.
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This one is worth the recognition as a major news story of the world.
Remember that Ukraine has been at war with Russia for about two years now. And despite several attempts, Russia still failed to steamroll into Ukraine despite its massive size. In fact, Ukraine even brings the war to Russia’s domain without necessarily sending foot on the ground.
But only this week, it appears that some other “forces” succeeded in “invading” Ukraine. And because of the ongoing war, the Ukrainian authorities seem convinced that the country will have a hard time thwarting the new “invaders.”
And the Ukrainian government is so afraid that, should the “invasion” not be thwarted early, chances are the country may end up having a serious food shortage.
The “invaders?” Locusts, swarms of these large insects, are now attacking Ukrainian farm crops that are feeding its people, including the already exhausted soldiers, while they are locked in a struggle against Russia.
The worst fear of the Ukrainian people is that if these “invaders” are not halted, chances are the country may be on its way to a serious hunger. And the country cannot afford to spare money since it is spent mostly on the country’s effort to sustain its war against Russia.
Quo Vadis Ukraine?
- FPRRD finally relents on Sara’s potential 2028 presidential run
AFTER repeatedly warning Vice President Sara Duterte against gunning for Malacañang, former President Rodrigo Duterte finally changed his mind on the possibility of his daughter throwing her hat in the 2028 presidential elections.
The vice president alluded to a potential presidential bid in 2028, emphasizing the need for financial and logistical preparations, during an interview in The Hague, Netherlands, on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Amid chants from a crowd of supporters echoing “Sara Movement, UK. Soon. Sa 2028 President Sara,” Vice President Duterte spoke about future political plans.
“He said earlier, we talked about it, the 2028 elections. He said, ‘If we want to run, we need to save up,’” Duterte recounted, referring to an unnamed individual. “He said, we need to gather resources, we need to contribute and help you.”
The vice president also expressed her eagerness for an active role in any future campaign.
“He said, I hope I’m already out campaigning because I want to campaign,” she stated. She then added a curious detail from the conversation: “But he said, if you tell me, ‘you’re scared,’ he said, I’ll be the first to help.”
The elder Duterte, in previous interviews, was always consistent about cautioning his daughter against running for the presidency, as the pressures and stress are not worth the time and salary. In one interview in January 2020, He had said that even high-ranking generals earn more than the president.
He said the presidential seat can either “educate” Sara Duterte or “destroy” her.
Screenshot photo
THREE prominent senators – Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Robinhood Padilla – jointly filed a Senate resolution on Monday, advocating for the Philippine government to seek the interim release of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte from detention in The Hague, Netherlands, on humanitarian grounds.
The resolution specifically calls for a house arrest arrangement for Duterte, citing his advanced age and rapidly deteriorating health.
The resolution highlights that former President Duterte has now been detained for over 100 days at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center.
He awaits trial for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from his administration’s intense anti-illegal drugs campaign.
The senators underscored that Duterte’s current condition, marked by advanced age, worsening health, and isolation from his family, necessitates urgent humanitarian consideration.
Family members who have visited him reportedly described a significant decline in his health, noting drastic weight loss due to appetite loss, exacerbated by the cold climate in The Hague.
They reported that Duterte appears weak, struggles to walk, and is “skin and bones,” a stark contrast to his previous image.
Despite his current predicament, the resolution notes that Duterte, in a video message uploaded on March 13 while en route to The Hague, reaffirmed his readiness to face the proceedings.
This, the senators say, signals his clear intent not to evade accountability for his service and sacrifices for the country.
The proposed resolution also recalls earlier reports suggesting that upon Duterte’s arrival in the Netherlands, he was reportedly offered the possibility of house arrest in a rented residence, which would allow him access to his own doctor, nurse, and family members.
However, the senators lamented that no tangible developments on this option have materialized since.
While acknowledging the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019, the senators firmly asserted that this withdrawal does not preclude the government from advocating for humane treatment for a Filipino citizen, especially a former head of state.
They urged the Philippine government to act swiftly and in good conscience, engaging diplomatically with the ICC to secure an arrangement that ensures Duterte’s health and dignity as legal proceedings continue.
The resolution concludes by affirming the senators’ collective position that humanitarian considerations must guide the government’s engagement with the ICC on this matter, ensuring that Duterte is afforded humane conditions consistent with his age, health, and service to the nation.
Senator Go made a heartfelt appeal to the Filipino people regarding the former president’s situation.
“Kaya nananawagan po ako sa buong sambayanang Pilipino. Ipagdasal po natin ang kalusugan, kaligtasan, at kalayaan ni Tatay Digong. Huwag po tayong tumigil hangga’t hindi siya nakakauwi,” Go passionately stated.
Despite the resolution’s immediate focus on Duterte’s welfare, Senator Go reiterated his long-standing belief that the Philippines possesses a robust judicial system capable of determining accountability for any citizen in accordance with its own laws.
He challenged Filipinos to reflect honestly on the positive impacts of Duterte’s anti-crime policies, declaring, “Pilipino na po ang humusga kung sa tingin ninyong mas nakakalakad ba ang inyong mga anak na hindi nasasaktan at hindi nababastos.”
Senator Go also took the opportunity to express his deep respect and gratitude for former President Duterte, whom he credits as his inspiration for entering public service.
“Naging inspirasyon ko si Tatay Digong sa aking pagseserbisyo sa mga Pilipino. Kaya napakalaki ng aking pasasalamat sa kanya. Hinding-hindi ‘yan matutumbasan ng kahit ano pa man. Salamat sa kanyang mga advice sa akin, mga pangaral, at mga paalala,” Go said.
Photo courtesy of Senator Bong Go
THE DEFENSE team of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has formally requested his “immediate and unconditional release” from the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing that the court lacks the jurisdictional basis to continue proceedings against him.
The submission, made on July 10, 2025, by lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman and associate counsel Dov Jacobs, serves as a reply to the Prosecution’s response to the defense’s challenge on jurisdiction.
In their latest filing, Duterte’s lawyers vehemently asserted that the ICC cannot investigate acts committed within a state that has withdrawn from the Rome Statute at the time jurisdiction is being exercised.
They placed the onus squarely on the Prosecution, stating, “At the end of the day, it is the Prosecution which must shoulder the responsibility for its miscalculated and, ultimately, erroneous decision not to investigate within the designated time-period.”
A significant point of contention raised by the defense was the alleged delay by the Prosecution in disclosing crucial materials related to the proceedings.
The defense team criticized this as more than a mere oversight, claiming, “The prosecution’s failure to initiate goes beyond mere oversight.
Such wilful neglect palpably impeded the defense’s preparation of the jurisdictional challenge.
“Furthermore, the defense explicitly rejected arguments that invoke the “fight against impunity” to justify a broad interpretation of the Rome Statute.
They emphasized the paramount importance of due process and legal propriety, stating, “Even if combatting impunity is deemed by many to be the raison d’etre for the International Criminal Court, the pursuit of accountability cannot prioritise victims’ expectations over a suspect’s right to legal propriety and due process.”
The lawyers also highlighted former President Duterte’s consistent stance on accountability, quoting his previous statement: “If I committed a sin, prosecute me in the Philippine courts, with Filipino judges, and I will allow myself to be jailed in my own nation.”
This quote was used to underscore that “Mr. Duterte has never expressed a desire to shirk accountability,” but rather insists on facing justice within his own country’s legal system.
The defense’s latest submission marks a critical development in the ongoing legal battle, as it directly challenges the ICC’s authority to prosecute the former president, pushing for an end to the proceedings based on jurisdictional grounds.
