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PDEA, NBI arrest Coast Guard personnel in drug buy-bust

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

AN ACTIVE member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is now behind bars after he was caught in a joint buy-bust operation around 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, in  Doña Marcedes Subdivision, Barangay Sasa, Buhangin District.

The suspect, identified as alias Edgardo, 33, was arrested in a coordinated operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI, the National Bureau of Investigation XI, and the PCG itself.

Undercover operatives successfully transacted with the suspect, catching him in the act of selling illegal drugs. Authorities recovered five sachets of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 12 grams with an estimated street value of ₱81,600.

PDEA XI spokesperson Noli Nephi Dimaandal confirmed that the bust was the result of weeks of surveillance and verified intelligence reports regarding the suspect’s alleged involvement in the local drug trade.

‘No one is above the law’

The arrest of an active uniformed member underscored the government’s “no-nonsense” approach to the drug campaign, according to the PDEA.

“Anti-drug operations will continue relentlessly, regardless of the suspect’s status, rank, or affiliation,” the PDEA XI statement said.

The suspect is currently in custody and faces multiple charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). 

Meanwhile, TIMES is still waiting for the statement of the PCG regarding the personnel’s active status.

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Tragedy averted

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • 23 WW2-era bombs recovered in Purok Balite, Buhangin

BOMB DISPOSAL experts safely extracted 23 pieces of unexploded ordnance, believed to be remnants of the Second World War, in Purok Balite, Barangay Buhangin Proper on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Platoon, under the 2nd EOD Company of the Philippine Army, led the high-stakes recovery operation in coordination with the AFP K9 unit, Task Force Davao, and the National Bureau of Investigation XI.

Technical inspections revealed that the recovered items were 32kg Type 99, Nr 3, Mark 3 bombs, originally belonging to the Japanese Navy.

Despite their vintage origin, experts found the explosives to be in a deteriorating state, making them highly volatile and a “serious threat” to the lives and properties of the residents.

MSg Jonhmar M. Sudio, platoon sergeant, and Sgt. Ryan B. Vilando, EOD specialist, spearheaded the precision operation.

The team cordoned off the area and implemented safety protocols to prevent accidental detonation during the extraction.

The EOD Battalion noted that the successful recovery was a result of the “precision, discipline, and expertise” of the responding personnel.

“The safe and timely recovery reflects our core mission of protecting communities and safeguarding lives,” the unit stated.

The recovered bombs have been transported to a secured facility for proper disposal and eventual destruction.

Photo courtesy of the EOD Battalion

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NBI XI suspects ‘government links’ in Digos barangay chief’s slay

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) XI believed that the assailants of Barangay Tres De Mayo Chairman Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr. have ties to the government. 

Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press conference held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Jan. 7, NBI XI spokesperson Elias Leañio Jr. described the killing as a “classic, well-planned, and well-organized” operation, so solving it remains challenging. 

Bucol was shot dead in Digos City on Nov. 25, 2025, while broadcasting live on Facebook.

Parallel investigation

Leañio clarified that the NBI entered the case following a formal request from the Bucol family, despite the initial activation of a special investigation task group (SITG).

“Normally, the police are the first responders. To avoid overlapping functions, we initially allowed local police to lead,” Leañio explained. “However, the aggrieved family requested the NBI to step in. We are now conducting a parallel investigation with the ultimate goal of achieving an early solution for the late Kapitan Bucol.”

The ‘signature’ of the assailants

The NBI highlighted the sophisticated nature of the crime, specifically pointing to the use of high-powered firearms and “sniping” tactics.

“We believe they are connected with the government, but we cannot simply name names without hard evidence,” Leañio said. 

“The way the crime was executed has a corresponding ‘signature.’ Sniping is a specialized skill; in the Davao Region, only a few individuals—mostly in law enforcement or highly trained gun aficionados—are capable of such activity.”

He noted that despite a massive ₱5.5 million bounty, no witnesses have come forward, suggesting the suspects may have the influence to keep informants silent.

“If these were ordinary criminals, someone would have reported them for that amount of money. But because of the government connection, people are hesitant,” he added.

The investigation has narrowed down to just two primary targets from several persons of interest (POIs). 

“We are applying for a cyber warrant to check the communication trails of these POIs,” Leañio said. “The moment we establish a linkage—showing these individuals were in communication before and after the crime—we will have a huge lead.”

Leañio also mentioned a potential link to a reported “lost firearm” involving an official in Davao del Sur. While the firearm matched the high-powered caliber used in the sniping, he cautioned that further verification is needed to determine if there is a direct connection to the murder.

Search for the mastermind

While the NBI has identified the path used by the suspects to exit the crime scene—traversing through Kapatagan and likely exiting via Baracatan—the vehicle and the exact identity of the gunman remain elusive.

“We have ideas, but we cannot link them yet,” Leañio admitted. “We need objective evidence and the certainty of conviction before filing. We are nearing the truth, but we must bridge the gap between our leads and the hard evidence required by the prosecutor.”

The NBI assured the Bucol family that they remain in constant contact and are committed to unmasking the perpetrators, although they declined to provide a specific timeline for the case’s resolution.

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Flood control mess

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • NBI XI recommends raps against 12 DPWH-Davao officials 

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI XI) elevated the criminal charges against 12 personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Davao City District Office following a probe into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing on Wednesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, NBI XI spokesperson Elias Leañio confirmed that the investigation uncovered “incomplete and substandard” infrastructure projects within the city. 

While the investigation highlighted significant issues with project quality, Leañio clarified that these were not “ghost projects” (non-existent projects), but rather cases where funds were “mismanaged.”

Leañio explained that the investigation was launched after reports of issues surrounding flood control works. The probe was supported by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), composed of police and military personnel.

“We validated that [the projects] were indeed incomplete or substandard. So, not necessarily ‘ghost’ projects. The projects exist, but there is a problem with how the money was spent,” he added.

While warrants have already been released for DPWH personnel in Davao Occidental, the cases for Davao City officials remain at the recommendation stage.

“For NBI-XI, this is a recommendation that must be finalized by the prosecutor,” Leañio explained. 

He noted that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a task force to look into these anomalies, with Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon tasked to finalize the findings.

Last Nov. 5, 2025, ICI members and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted a site inspection on major infrastructure projects in Davao City, raising concerns over potential substandard materials and premature erosion.

The inspection team included ICI special adviser Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, notably joined by former ICI special adviser, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Flood control damage and erosion

After reviewing the ongoing rockfall netting project at Shrine Hills, the team proceeded to the Davao River Dike in Matina Gravahan at noon.

“We inspected the flood control here in the Gravahan area, and we observed that in less than two years, it has suffered immediate damage and erosion,” Azurin told reporters. “I think we have to review the contract so that we can determine what sanctions we can impose on the contractors, as well as those who were supposedly implementing the project.”

Azurin emphasized that while he could not definitively call the project “substandard,” the early damage suggests a need for deep scrutiny. 

“It’s supposed to have a specific timeframe, at least maybe five years. Because of the damage, we will look at the cause of the damage—if it has something to do with the materials used, or if the cement mixture was incorrect. The DPWH will conduct a series of tests to determine the quality.”

Road safety and rockfall netting

The delegation also assessed the Construction of the Road Slope Protection Structure and Improvement of Critical Intersections, which includes the installation of rockfall netting at Junction Shrine Hills along the Davao City Diversion Road (Project ID: 21LO-0142).

This inspection aimed to assess the quality of work designed to prevent rockfall incidents and ensure motorist safety, especially during heavy rains.

Azurin also denied specifically targeting Davao City.

“The investigation we are conducting as of now concerns the 421 flood control projects that were turned over to us by the DPWH nationwide. We will inspect these projects so we can reach a conclusion and take appropriate action, aside from the filing of charges against the implementors, inspectors, and those who paid for these projects,” Azurin stated.

He specified that 51 of the 421 projects under investigation are located in the Davao Region, but denied any political targeting. “It just so happens that we were the team deployed here,” he concluded.

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NBI XI investigates two Immigration personnel over alleged human trafficking

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) XI is investigating two immigration officers assigned to the Davao International Airport in connection with an alleged human trafficking attempt that occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.

NBI XI director Arcelito Albao told reporters during a press briefing that the Bureau of Immigration is fully cooperating with the investigation. 

“Based on our coordination yesterday, the Bureau of Immigration was very cooperative. They were the ones who encouraged the two immigration officers to voluntarily submit for investigation, and the two officers went to our office,” Albao said.

According to Albao, one of the officers, a male, has been assigned to Davao for a long time, while the other, a female from North Cotabato, has been assigned there for only two years.

The NBI director clarified that the officers are only under investigation because they were not arrested alongside the recruiters. 

“We couldn’t get a statement from them to confirm if there was indeed communication with these two [officers], so that’s why we released them,” he explained.

Albao noted that this is the first time their office has investigated immigration officers. 

He also revealed that the alleged recruiters are from both Davao and Manila.

“We don’t know the amount of the transaction because we were unable to arrest the recruiters who allegedly made contact,” he added.

Albao explained that the investigation was initiated because the three rescued victims identified the two immigration officers as the contacts of their recruiters.

 However, the victims themselves had no direct contact with the officers, which is why the NBI is still trying to arrest the recruiters to gather more information.

Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron 

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Illegal POGO 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas
  • NBI XI arrests 8 foreign nationals, monitors another illegal offshore gaming

 THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) filed a case on Wednesday afternoon against eight Chinese nationals arrested in a raid of an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in a residential area of Buhangin, Davao City.

The operation, which took place on Aug. 12, 2025, at a residence on Gardenia Street in Montclair Highlands, targeted an illicit POGO setup. 

NBI XI director Atty Arcelito Albao stated that a homeowner’s complaint initiated the surveillance and verification process, which confirmed the presence of illegal POGO activities on the property.

“Last Monday, I received information that there were a lot of Chinese nationals in the wee hours of the evening. I immediately instructed my agents to conduct verification and surveillance, and we confirmed that they were doing illegal online operations or POGO,” Albao told reporters yesterday in a press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

With the voluntary cooperation of the homeowners’ association, agents were granted access to the house, where they discovered computers used for illegal activities. 

Albao stated that the arrested individuals admitted to being involved in a POGO operation during a media interview.

He also said they will subpoena those people involved, including the owner of the house.

“We conducted a series of online surveillance and online detection. We are now seeing that there are others here in Davao. We hope we can catch all of them because they are slowly dividing and going to different places. In Manila, NBI agents also catch smaller groups from time to time. Here in Davao, we verify almost every week, so if we see a group of Chinese, we do verification. This is one we caught, and hopefully, this month we are targeting one more area in Davao City,” he further said.

“Here in Davao, there aren’t that many. Since December [Panabo operation], this is the second, but we are monitoring another new one and we are conducting surveillance and online verification,” Albao said.

“After the operation on the confiscated computers and cellphones, we immediately applied for a cyber warrant so that we can examine what’s inside. But the dilemma here is that all of these laptops, computers, and cellphones use Chinese characters, so they need to be interpreted. The POGO operation transactions are not here but outside,” he said.

During the raid, the NBI apprehended eight foreign nationals—two females and six males. The suspects were brought to the NBI XI custody and will be charged under applicable Philippine laws.

Authorities seized 10 personal computers and multiple mobile phones from the site, which were used to facilitate the gambling scheme. 

The operation is part of a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal POGO activities led by NBI Director Santiago, who has ordered all regional offices to dismantle offshore gaming schemes that undermine national security.

The NBI-SEMRO is urging the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal gambling, money laundering, and human trafficking.

According to Albao, the NBI is also monitoring a separate, newly established POGO operation in Davao City.

Challenges in cracking down on POGO

“First of all, they are now just small groups of 10 or 20, and it’s difficult to monitor them. Other residents are also afraid to report, just like this one. If they hadn’t fought on Sunday night, it wouldn’t have been reported to us, even though the residents already knew they were Chinese. We got the lease contract, and it was from April, so we need help from our countrymen, for example, from people in subdivisions or commercial establishments. We need help to catch all of them and have them deported to China,” he further said.

Moreover, Albao said that after the filing of cases, they will immediately turn over the arrested individuals to the Bureau of Immigration.

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NBI rescues three women in human trafficking try at Davao airport

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) rescued three women from a human trafficking attempt at Francisco Bangoy International Airport on Aug. 12, 2025.

Acting on an intelligence report, NBI XI agents intercepted the three female victims who were scheduled to depart for Singapore on a Scoot Airlines flight.

According to NBI XI Director Arcelito Albao, the women were allegedly recruited by two individuals identified as “Lalang” and “Yolly” to work as “entertainers.”

The trafficking scheme was foiled when the women, who were instructed by their recruiters to approach specific immigration officers, instead sought help from different personnel. This triggered suspicion, leading immigration officers to discover inconsistencies in their travel documents.

The NBI reported that the victims admitted to paying “Lalang” for the processing of their employment papers. 

The NBI is now investigating the possible involvement of immigration personnel in the scheme.

The rescued women have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for care and counseling.

 Criminal complaints will be filed against the recruiters and any accomplices under Republic Act No. 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

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Finally caught 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

  • NBI XI arrests suspect in Maragusan rape cases, victims urged to come forward

NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI XI) operatives apprehended a 30-year-old suspect in the sexual assault of four victims, including three of his nieces, in Maragusan, Davao de Oro. 

The suspect, whose identity has been withheld, was arrested on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, outside the Jollibee branch in Ecoland, Davao City, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued in 2023.

NBI agent Vicente Essex Minguez confirmed the arrest during a press conference at the NBI XI office on Thursday morning, adding that the suspect will face four counts of rape and statutory rape.

“We encourage other victims to file another case because they are truly in a pitiful situation. Now, justice has been served; we have arrested the suspect,” Minguez stated, emphasizing the prolonged nature of the suspect’s evasion. “The warrant was issued in 2023, and now he has finally been caught.”

One of the victims, now 19 years old, recounted her ordeal after her uncle started touching her when she was just 11 years old. She detailed how the initial incident occurred in a remote area while they were supposedly gathering fruit. 

She described being given P80 by her uncle before he forcibly molested her. “He coerced me, saying he would kill my family if I told anyone,” she tearfully shared.

The victim also revealed that the abuse continued incessantly. Another incident occurred later that night when her father unwittingly asked her to accompany her uncle to deliver medicine. Despite her reluctance, she was compelled to go, realizing her uncle’s sinister intentions.

Tragically, the victim discovered in 2023 that her younger siblings had also been victimized when she stayed in Davao City for work.

“I left for how many years to save my family, but what happened was that my younger siblings were also victims,” she said, crying. “I thought my family was safe, but it wasn’t. 

That’s why I filed the case, because I thought he wouldn’t repeat it, but he’s so monstrous.” 

She filed the case on March 7, 2023.

She finally confronted her attacker at the NBI XI headquarters. “Why did you do this to us? It hurts so much. It’s okay if you touched me, but why involve my younger siblings?” she cried, adding, “You were in hiding for so long. Do you know our family was in chaos because of this? Many of Papa’s relatives are angry with us because of you.” 

When asked about forgiveness, she firmly stated, “Not now.”

Suspect’s confession

During an interview, the suspect admitted to molesting his nieces but denied threatening them with a knife during the initial incident, contradicting the victim’s testimony. 

“That’s not true because I didn’t have a knife at that time,” he claimed, though he confessed to molesting the victim.

He denied molesting the victim’s younger siblings or a fourth victim who was a neighbor, stating, “I pity the children.”

When pressed about his motives, he vaguely attributed his actions to his youth at the time, stating, “Maybe it was because of my youth, my age. I was 18 years old before, and now I’m 30 years old.” 

He admitted to using marijuana in the past but claimed to have changed. 

He also claimed that he regretted what he did. “I just ask for their forgiveness, hoping they can forgive me because I have changed. I just ask for forgiveness.”

Minguez stated that the suspect will undergo a drug test and will be transported back to Nabunturan for court proceedings. If found guilty, he faces a non-bailable offense and a potential jail sentence of 30 years.

“We encourage victims, especially those neighbors who were affected, to come to the NBI and file a complaint against this suspect so he won’t be released.”

Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron 

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