Gio Robles

“WE ARE WINNING THE WAR ON DRUGS.” WATCH: DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla maintains that the government is making progress in its anti-drug campaign following the seizure of ₱1.36-B worth of shabu at the Manila International Container Port. Asked whether the successive multimillion-peso drug busts suggest syndicates are becoming bolder, Remulla argued that illegal drug prices have increased by 70 to 74% since 2022, while crime and drug use have reportedly declined. Authorities are also investigating a possible link between the 200-kilo Laos-origin drug shipment and the earlier ₱3.5-B foiled drug shipment. @bncdotph

WATCH: An address in Buhay na Tubig, Imus, Cavite, was listed as the destination of a shipment containing around 200 kilos of suspected shabu worth ₱1.36-B The drugs, shipped from Laos via Vietnam, were concealed inside carton boxes in a shipping container seized at the Manila International Container Port. However, the Bureau of Customs is still verifying whether the declared destination is legitimate or fictitious. @bncdotph

ANOTHER LAOS SHABU HAUL SEIZED WATCH: Around 200 kilos of suspected shabu worth ₱1.36-B, shipped from Laos via Vietnam, were seized at the Manila International Container Port after being concealed in carton boxes inside a shipping container. Authorities are tracing its intended destination, with cargo documents pointing to an address in Buhay na Tubig, Imus, Cavite. However, Customs has yet to verify whether the address is legitimate or fictitious. @bncdotph

BREAKING: The Bureau of Customs seized around 200 kilos of suspected shabu worth ₱1.3-B hidden among carton boxes inside a shipping container at the Manila International Container Port. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, along with PDEA and PNP officials, was present during the viewing of the seized drugs. The shipment, which originated from Lao PDR and was loaded in Haiphong, Vietnam, was flagged through intelligence reports. Authorities are now tracing its origins and identifying those behind the attempted smuggling. @bncdotph

“IT REALLY HURTS.” WATCH: An emotional fur parent is demanding justice for her 13-year-old Shih Tzu-Maltese mix, Jennifer, whose remains were among those allegedly dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. The NBI is now investigating the alleged improper disposal of 29 dogs and cats, with animal welfare groups and affected pet owners seeking accountability and the filing of appropriate charges. @bncdotph

NBI FORENSIC TESTS TO CHECK AUTHENTICITY OF PET ASHES WATCH: The NBI will conduct forensic examinations on ashes provided by Ajhay Pet Crematorium to determine whether these truly came from the deceased pets of their owners. NBI Director Melvin Matibag assured victims and representatives of the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) and Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)that investigators will also examine the crematorium’s operations, records, and documents, securing court subpoenas if necessary. Matibag also urged victims who may be receiving threats or are hesitant to personally visit the NBI to inform investigators, assuring them that NBI personnel can coordinate with them and conduct visits when necessary. @bncdotph

WATCH: The Animal Kingdom Foundation is at the NBI in Pasay to seek a stronger investigation into the alleged illegal dumping of dead dogs and cats in Bulacan. Atty. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa, the foundation’s president and program director, hopes the NBI’s involvement will encourage more affected pet owners to come forward and file complaints. They are also asking the NBI to examine the ashes returned to pet owners to verify whether these really came from their deceased pets. @bncdotph

FIRST ON BNC: Some pet owners who may have been victims of the alleged improper disposal of animal remains are at the NBI to seek assistance and file complaints. The NBI is now conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including the operations of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor, Cavite. @bncdotph

WATCH: As of 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, the Batangas Port passenger terminal has yet to experience the Undas rush, with no long queues or significant crowd buildup observed so far. @bncdotph

P50-M BOUNTY TO BE RETURNED TO GOVT. IF NBI ARRESTS BATO WATCH: NBI Director Melvin Matibag says the reward for the arrest of Senator Bato dela Rosa will be returned to the government if the NBI apprehends the senator. Matibag says the money could also be used for public service, including a possible contribution to the NBI’s retirement fund. @bncdotph

WATCH: NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Yapjuangco, also known as Doc Yappy, appeared before the bureau to submit evidence in response to allegations linked to the death of a Filipino-American reality TV star’s mother following a cosmetic procedure at Icon Clinic. Matibag said the NBI will hear all sides and ensure a fair investigation. @bncdotph

“ONE BY LYING, THE OTHER BY MISINTERPRETING MALICIOUSLY ONE OF MY POSTS” WATCH: Former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos files cyberlibel complaints against Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela and PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Logico. Carlos accuses one of the two officials of lying about an alleged walkout during her lecture, while accusing the other of maliciously misinterpreting her Facebook post about boycotting Made in China products. She also criticizes what she describes as Tarriela’s “very, very malicious and vulgar joke” about her post on China-made underwear. Carlos says she is leaving the matter to the NBI to handle. @bncdotph

“HINDI PILIPINO ANG MAGKAKALABAN DITO.” WATCH: Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela fires back at former NSA Clarita Carlos following her cyberlibel complaint against him and PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Logico. Tarriela says he merely responded to Carlos’ social media post about China-made underwear. He questions why Carlos is more angered by his remarks than by his efforts to expose China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea. Tarriela says he will await the NBI’s formal invitation and respond to the complaint in the proper venue. @bncdotph

CARLOS FILES CYBERLIBEL COMPLAINT VS. TARRIELA, LOGICO WATCH: Former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos files a cyberlibel complaint against Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela and Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lieutenant General Michael Logico, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag confirms. Matibag says the NBI will send letters to both officials to inform them of the complaint and give them an opportunity to respond. @bncdotph

MOTHER ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED ONLINE EXPLOITATION OF OWN DAUGHTERS WATCH: The NBI rescued a 4-year-old girl and her 20-year-old sister in Taguig City after their mother was accused of producing and selling sexually explicit images of her own children online. The suspect faces charges under the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act. The victims are now under the care of the DSWD. @bncdotph Courtesy: NBI-VAWCD

NBI: ARMED ENCOUNTER POSSIBLE IN BATO MANHUNT NBI Director Melvin Matibag is not ruling out a possible armed encounter in the arrest of Senator Bato dela Rosa, but says authorities will seek to minimize violence and protect the lives of operatives and the public. @bncdotph

“NO STONE LEFT UNTURNED” WATCH: NBI Director Melvin Matibag says authorities are receiving tips on Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s possible whereabouts and are preparing operations to verify priority areas. Matibag declined to identify the locations, saying the NBI continues to process incoming information as the manhunt continues. “Lahat ng bato ay ating babaliktarin para mahanap natin si Senator Bato.” @bncdotph

NBI SEEKS CHARGES VS. EX-OVP OFFICIAL The NBI is seeking DOJ action against Jeffrey Tupas, former information officer of Vice President Sara Duterte, over alleged obstruction of justice, cyber libel, and publication of false news. Tupas skipped the NBI subpoena over flood probe witness Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.’s allegations but submitted an affidavit instead. Gracioso claimed he delivered suitcases containing billions of pesos to Duterte on orders from former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. He also alleged Tupas received some of the money. Both Tupas and Duterte have denied the allegations. NBI Director Melvin Matibag denied offering Tupas money or accommodation in exchange for his testimony, saying Tupas himself had sought protection over alleged threats. @bncdotph

NBI SEEKS INHIBITION OF DAVAO CITY PROSECUTORS OVER PULONG DUTERTE CASE WATCH: The NBI is set to file an urgent motion seeking the inhibition of Davao City Prosecutor’s Office handling the case filed by Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, citing a potential conflict of interest. NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Prosecutor Jhopee Avanceña is a first cousin of Honeylet Avanceña, whom he cited as the basis for questioning the impartiality of the proceedings. Matibag acknowledged there may be no direct legal relationship by affinity, but said the family connection raises concerns that warrant a change of venue. The NBI is also asking the Department of Justice to consider transferring the case to another venue or appointing a special prosecutor to ensure fairness in the proceedings. On Friday, Rep. Duterte filed libel and cyber libel complaints against Matibag and several other individuals in Davao City. @bncdotph