Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (IATA Code: MNL) is located at the south suburb of Manila, about 10 kilometers from the downtown core. MNL has 3 terminals in total, i.e. Terminal 1 (Manila Domestic Airport), Terminal 2 (Centennial Terminal) that is for the exclusive use of the domestic and international flights of Philippine Airlines, and Terminal 3 (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) that is available to all international flights, except for those from Philippine Airlines.

Thomas and Devon’s airline, Air France, arrived at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) at 6:30 PM, with a total flight time of 16 hours and 20 minutes. Andres met the two bedraggled men with a luggage cart at the Baggage claim terminal. Andres, anticipating the need for anonymity, rented an unpretentious long-bodied white panel van with dark-tinted windows. Not only was the van nearly invisible, but it also allowed a ton of gear to be loaded. This van came loaded with two extra bucket seats directly behind the front bucket seats, accessed by the passenger side sliding door. There was no console, so it was easy for the passengers to switch places and communicate efficiently. It also enabled setting up a tripod for a long camera lens or a high-powered pair of binoculars between the front seats. They quickly loaded all the luggage in the van and headed to their rental home in Olongapo, where Andres had reserved a Qali Home. It was just a 17-minute drive from the airport. The inconvenience of the extra driving was more than offset by the rental house’s privacy. It also offered easy access to the water so that they could dock a boat for a fast emergency exit via the ocean, if necessary. It had an eat-in kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. It was decided that Thomas and Andres would share one room and Devon would have the other room all to himself. With this arrangement, Thomas and Andres would have a little extra time to chat about old times before they fell asleep, and Devon would have privacy to talk to Jennie before he went to sleep.

About this property

Entire place

You’ll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Qali Home: A charming retreat

Welcome to Qali Home, a charming retreat situated along the scenic Baloy Long Beach Rd in Zambalas, Central Luzon, Philippines. Embraced by the soothing embrace of the sea breeze, Qali Home offers a delightful escape from the ordinary, promising moments of relaxation and rejuvenation in a picturesque setting.

Nestled just steps away from the sun-kissed shores, Qali Home presents a cozy abode with two bedrooms, ensuring ample space for you and your loved ones to unwind and revel in the coastal charm. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, our thoughtfully appointed accommodations cater to your every need, featuring comfortable furnishings and modern amenities to ensure a memorable stay.

Step into the tranquility of Qali Home and feel the stress of everyday life melt away. With the gentle lull of the waves as your soundtrack, indulge in moments of blissful serenity as you bask in the warmth of the tropical sun. Lounge by the beach, feel the soft sand between your toes, or take a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters – the choice is yours.

Beyond the shores, Qali Home offers a host of amenities to enhance your stay. Unwind by the poolside with a cool drink in hand, savoring the laid-back ambiance and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For the adventurous spirits, embark on a thrilling water sports adventure or explore the nearby attractions and cultural sites, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Central Luzon.

Conveniently located in Zambalas, Central Luzon, Qali Home provides easy access to a myriad of dining options, shopping destinations, and entertainment venues, ensuring that every moment of your stay is filled with excitement and adventure.

Escape to Qali Home and discover the true essence of coastal living. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, our enchanting retreat offers an idyllic sanctuary where cherished memories are made. Book your stay with us today and experience the beauty of Baloy Long Beach Rd in all its splendor.
Features and amenities
• A/C
• Smart TV
• Rice Maker
• Streaming Services
• Private Garden
• Private Balcony
• Oceanview
Parking
• Free Parking
• 2 cars space maximum
Things to know
• Traveler must be at least 18 years of age to make a reservation
• State Identification Card or Driver License copy will be requested upon booking
House rules
• Smoking is not allowed
• Pets are not allowed
Local attractions
• Baloy Long Beach
• Subic Bay Freeport Zone
• Inflatable Island Subic
• Subic Bay Boardwalk
• Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Museum

Property manager

Hosteeva

The boat they rented

Hosteeva, the property manager, was overjoyed when Andres rented the room for two months with the option of extending it up to six months. When Andres paid the first two months in advance, the manager thought he had died and gone to heaven. When Andres was finished renting the house, he rented a fast boat and parked it in the waterway behind the house.

Below are the police reports for some of the missing people who were likely victims of the organ harvesting ring, Marco’s police reports, videos of his abduction, and reports on some of the gangs that could be involved in the harvesting. Devon was quite impressed with the work Andres did, especially in the short amount of time he had.

Southeast Asia: Torture rooms and karaoke bars in gang-run ‘scam farms’

There are estimated to be some 400 of these criminal enterprises in the Philippines alone. They are almost always operated clandestinely and illegally alongside licensed and legal online gaming operations.

The proliferation of online scam farms targeting victims across the world is a relatively new phenomenon that exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has raided and shut down dozens of the operations in recent years and is collaborating with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to look at ways of working with other countries to disrupt and dismantle the scam farms in Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

UN News/Daniel Dickinson

Scam farms like this one north of the Philippines capital, Manila, can accommodate hundreds of workers.

UN News’s Daniel Dickinson visited two of the locations raided in the Filipino capital, in Manila, and Bamban to the north. He spoke to two people: Susan, a Filipina and Dylan* from Malaysia who were coerced into carrying out scams. He also met PAOCC’s Winston Casio.

Susan: My half-sister tricked me into leaving home and travelling to Myanmar where I was promised a marketing job in her company. It turned out to be a scam farm, and I was forced to work to pay off my sister’s debts as she had fled.

I developed a fake character, a rich young woman based in Brooklyn, New York, who owned property and businesses. The managers gave me images from an Instagram account to build the character and told me to contact divorced or lonely men in the US and get them to transfer money to me. This is what is called a “love scam”. In the pictures, my character is always shopping. But I could not even go outside. I was trapped inside the building.

We are given scripts to use in text conversations, and when they told me to improvise, I used a grammar app to check my English. If the client wants to meet you on a video call, they have models who play the role. The models are also trafficked.

UNODC/Laura Gil

Susan was trafficked to a scam farm in Myanmar.

Dylan: Most people do not choose to be there. You have to work up to 16 hours a day, especially as you have to contact clients across time zones. The managers told me to get them to invest in a fictitious oil deal in Dubai and then steal their money.

There are quotas for the amount of money you must scam. They set the target for me of $100,000 a month, and when I did not make that, I was beaten.

Winston Casio: We rescued around 680 people in the Bamban scam farm, but we think that a number of managers escaped after they were tipped off.

These are huge operations. People are not allowed to leave. They are held against their will and forced to commit scams and fraud. Women are trafficked as sex slaves, and the managers in one farm had what they called “the aquarium” where women were forcibly put on display and then chosen by the men to perform sex.

UN News/Daniel Dickinson

Winston Casio stands in the former barber shop of a scam farm in Manila.

Every location is self-contained, and everything is provided. Of course, there are dormitories and cafeterias, but also a barber shop, medical clinic, massage spa, gambling room as well as a VIP karaoke bar for senior managers, where they could drink, sing and socialise in private rooms.

Just a few metres down the hallway, we also found a torture room with handcuffs and bloodstains on the walls, where people were taken for brutal punishment when they did not meet their quotas.

Susan: I got close to scamming some clients but felt bad about it so secretly warned them whilst telling my manager that they had blocked me. He got angry and beat me with a metal pipe. My injuries were too serious to be treated at the scam farm, so I was taken to a hospital by three guards but was unable to tell the doctors what had really happened to me. I still suffer the physical and emotional trauma.

UN News/Daniel Dickinson

A VIP karaoke bar was operating just a few metres along a corridor from a torture room.

Dylan: I didn’t make any salary but started building up debt as I had to pay for food, which cost two to three times more at the scam farm than on the outside. I was freed after one month when the facility was raided.

UNODC/Laura Gil

Scripts used by a worker to engage with victims lie on desk at a scam farm raided by the authorities.

Winston Casio: It’s sometimes difficult to know the difference between victims and complicit scammers. There are cases where people are taken against their will, but who after four to five days training, embrace the illegal activity and thrive and actually make money. The law wants to see this situation in black and white, but there are many grey areas.

It is an understatement to say that this situation is challenging, as the transnational organised criminal networks that run these facilities are always three or four steps ahead of us.

This is a regional problem which no one country can solve. This is organised crime. Susan will confirm the furniture and computer equipment is the same in facilities in Myanmar and the Philippines.

Law enforcement agencies across Southeast Asia need to collaborate and coordinate, and this is why UNODC is important. It can bring countries together and provide expertise, for example, in digital forensic investigations.

UN News/Daniel Dickinson

A work station is left abandoned following a raid at a scam farm in Manila.

Susan: Towards the end, I was beaten 13 times in one day. I just prayed and prayed while they beat me. I was forced to call my parents and ask them to pay $7,000 for my ransom, which was the cost of the hospital bill. They didn’t have the money, and I told them not to try to pay it. I said to my managers ‘just kill me.’

They don’t care about people. They only care about money. However, in the end they realised I had no money and that I was of no use to them, so they just let me go. I made my way back through Thailand to the Philippines.

A Comprehensive Legal Guide

In the Philippines, ensuring public safety and security is a shared responsibility among citizens and government authorities. When confronted with criminal gang activity, it is crucial to know the proper legal steps to report it. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what constitutes a criminal gang, the relevant laws that apply, how to gather and submit evidence, which authorities to approach, and how to protect yourself and your community throughout the reporting process.

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1. Understanding What Constitutes a Criminal Gang

1.1 Definition

A criminal gang typically refers to a structured group of individuals who collaborate to engage in unlawful activities. These activities may range from drug-related offenses, illegal gambling, robbery, extortion, cybercrimes, and other forms of organized criminal operations.

Although the Philippine legal system does not have a single, unified statute that narrowly defines “criminal gang” in all contexts, multiple laws address organized or syndicated crimes under various provisions. For instance:

• Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) covers robbery and related crimes committed by two or more persons.
• Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) addresses organized drug syndicates.
• R.A. No. 7610 and other special laws penalize child exploitation or involvement of minors in gang activities.
• R.A. No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and related regulations penalize illegal possession of firearms, which is often tied to gang activity.

1.2 Indicators of Gang Activity

Common indicators that may point to the presence of a criminal gang include:

• Multiple reports of the same group or individuals engaging in violence or intimidation.
• Distribution or sale of illegal drugs or contraband within a community.
• Repeated extortion or “protection money” demands.
• Use of distinctive group names, tattoos, hand signals, or symbols.

Knowing these indicators can help citizens distinguish isolated criminal acts from gang-related crimes, prompting more organized reporting to law enforcement agencies.

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2. Relevant Laws and Legal Framework

2.1 The Revised Penal Code (RPC)

The RPC provides the general framework for classifying and penalizing crimes (e.g., robbery, homicide, physical injury, intimidation). Syndicated crimes involving two or more individuals often carry heavier penalties. For instance, Article 306 deals with brigandage (banditry), which can extend to certain organized criminal groups.

2.2 Special Penal Laws

• R.A. No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act): Pertains to drug-related offenses, including manufacture, sale, and possession of illegal drugs. Syndicated offenses under this law can result in life imprisonment.
• R.A. No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act): Addresses criminal activities carried out using computer systems or the internet (e.g., online fraud, cybersex, identity theft, hacking). Certain online gangs or syndicates fall under its purview.
• R.A. No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act): Criminalizes unlicensed firearm possession, which is frequently associated with gang activity.

2.3 Witness Protection Program

• R.A. No. 6981 (Witness Protection, Security, and Benefit Act): Provides protection and benefits to witnesses who come forward with critical information on criminal activities, including those of criminal gangs. This law is critical if you have insider knowledge that makes you vulnerable to retaliation.

Understanding these laws helps reporters of crime know the legal bases for complaints and the protections available to them.

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3. Preparing to Report: Gathering Information and Evidence

3.1 What Information to Collect

Before approaching the authorities, gather as much information as possible to strengthen your report. Useful details include:

• Names or aliases of the suspected gang members.
• Specific dates, times, and locations of criminal activities.
• Types of activities observed (e.g., drug sale, extortion, violence).
• Physical descriptions, identifiable marks, or tattoos.
• Vehicle information (make, model, plate number, color).
• Photo or video evidence, if safely obtainable.
• Witness testimonies or statements.

3.2 Safety Precautions

• Do not put yourself at risk while collecting evidence. If it is dangerous or likely to expose you to harm, prioritize personal safety.
• If you suspect immediate danger, seek law enforcement assistance or contact emergency hotlines right away.

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4. How and Where to Report a Criminal Gang

4.1 Local Police Stations (Philippine National Police – PNP)

Your first point of contact for reporting criminal gang activity is typically the local police station. Key steps include:

1. Visit or call the station in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
2. Provide a clear, detailed sworn statement (sinumpaang salaysay) with all the evidence you have.
3. Request for an official blotter entry of your complaint for documentation.

PNP Hotlines:

• Emergency Hotline: 911
• PNP Text Hotlines (various local stations have different numbers)
• “I-Report” or “E-Sumbong” platforms (where available)

4.2 National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

For more complex or sensitive cases—especially those involving organized syndicates, large-scale fraud, or cybercrime—the NBI can be another point of contact:

1. File a complaint at the NBI main office or regional offices.
2. Provide all relevant evidence, including digital files (for cybercrime).
3. The NBI may coordinate with specialized divisions if the gang’s activities fall under specific categories (e.g., cybercrime, anti-narcotics).

4.3 Barangay Hall or Barangay Officials

• Barangay authorities often serve as the first line of defense in local neighborhoods.
• If you suspect gang activities in your area, inform your Barangay Captain or the Barangay Kagawad in charge of peace and order.
• They can assist in coordinating with local police, help monitor suspicious activities, and gather community support.

4.4 Other Specialized Agencies

• Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for drug-related syndicates.
• Cybercrime Units within the PNP and the NBI for online or technology-facilitated offenses.
• Human Trafficking concerns can be reported to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) if the gang is involved in trafficking.

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5. Filing a Formal Complaint

5.1 Sworn Statement (Sinumpaang Salaysay)

When you report to the police or NBI, you will be asked to provide a sworn statement. This document must include:

• Your full name and personal information.
• A chronological account of the incidents.
• Any supporting evidence you can attach or refer to.

Ensure the statement is factual, consistent, and clear. Once you sign it, you attest to its truthfulness under oath.

5.2 Confidentiality Concerns

If you fear retaliation:

• Request anonymity or a protective order if your testimony is crucial.
• Ask about the Witness Protection Program under R.A. No. 6981.
• Law enforcement agencies generally avoid revealing the identity of witnesses unnecessarily.

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6. The Investigation Process

After filing your report, the investigating authority (PNP, NBI, or other specialized agencies) will:

1. Conduct surveillance or gather additional evidence.
2. Take sworn statements from witnesses.
3. Coordinate with relevant units (e.g., anti-drug, cybercrime, intelligence).
4. If there is sufficient evidence, file charges or apply for arrest warrants with the Department of Justice (DOJ) or Prosecutor’s Office.

6.1 Role of the Prosecutor’s Office

• The Prosecutor’s Office evaluates complaints and supporting evidence.
• If there is probable cause, the prosecutor files the information (formal charges) in court.

6.2 Court Proceedings

• Once charges are filed, the case moves to trial.
• Witnesses may be called to testify.
• Gangs or syndicated groups may face higher penalties due to the organized nature of their crimes.

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7. Witness Protection and Personal Safety

7.1 Witness Protection, Security, and Benefit Act (R.A. No. 6981)

• Eligibility: Witnesses who can provide crucial testimony to a crime that cannot be obtained from other sources.
• Benefits: Security escorts, relocation, financial assistance, and anonymity in official records if necessary.

7.2 Precautionary Measures

• Avoid discussing your report publicly, especially on social media.
• Keep your whereabouts unknown to the suspects or associated individuals if you believe you are in danger.
• Coordinate with law enforcement regarding any threats or harassment.

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8. Practical Tips and Best Practices

1. Document Everything: Keep your own records of interactions with authorities, including dates, times, and names of officers you speak with.
2. Stay Vigilant: Monitor your environment for retaliatory actions or suspicious activities.
3. Leverage Community Support: Encourage neighbors or community groups to report collectively, which can amplify the urgency and credibility of complaints.
4. Consider Legal Counsel: Consult a lawyer for specific advice, especially if you fear wrongful accusations or if you have deeper involvement that might expose you to legal risks.

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9. FAQs

9.1 Can I Report Anonymously?

Yes. Many police stations, hotlines, and tip lines allow for anonymous reporting. However, anonymous tips may sometimes be insufficient to initiate legal proceedings. If you can provide verifiable evidence, it strengthens the likelihood of a successful investigation.

9.2 What if I Don’t Have Solid Evidence?

You can still report any information you have. Law enforcement agencies can then conduct intelligence and surveillance. Even partial or circumstantial evidence might help build a larger case.

9.3 What if the Police Do Not Act on My Complaint?

If you believe your report is being neglected:

• Follow up at the same police station or with the supervising officer.
• Escalate the matter to higher authorities (e.g., City or Provincial Police Office, NBI, or Ombudsman for police misconduct).
• Seek legal assistance from NGOs or legal aid organizations.

9.4 How Long Does the Investigation Process Take?

There is no fixed timeline. The complexity of gang-related investigations, especially if the group operates in multiple jurisdictions, can prolong the process. Always maintain communication with investigators and prosecutors to stay updated.

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10. Conclusion and Disclaimer

Reporting a criminal gang in the Philippines involves gathering accurate information, understanding relevant laws, and carefully navigating the appropriate channels—whether it is the local police, the NBI, or specialized agencies. Ensuring one’s own safety through protective measures and potentially availing of the Witness Protection Program can be essential when confronting organized groups.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures may change, and individual circumstances vary. For specific guidance, consult a licensed attorney or contact the relevant law enforcement agency directly.

By taking proactive and informed steps, you contribute to keeping your community safer, supporting law enforcement efforts, and upholding the rule of law in the Philippines.

Philippines’ Duterte admits to drug war ‘death squad’

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has admitted that he kept a “death squad” to crack down on crime while mayor of one of the country’s largest cities.

In his first testimony before an official investigation on his so-called war on drugs, the 79-year-old said the squad was made of gangsters, adding that he would tell them “kill this person, because if you do not, I will kill you now”.

Duterte won the presidency by a landslide in 2016 on the promise of replicating his anti-crime campaign in Davao city on a national scale.

The nationwide drug war saw thousands of suspects killed in controversial police operations and is now being investigated by the International Criminal Court.

During the senate hearing on Monday, Duterte also said he told police officers to “encourage” suspects to fight back so officers could justify the killings.

“Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it… I did it for my country,” said Duterte in his opening statement.

“I hate drugs, make no mistake about it.”

However, he denied that he gave his police chiefs permission to kill suspects, adding that his “death squad” was made of “gangsters… not policemen”.

“I can make the confession now if you want. I had a death squad of seven, but they were not police, they were gangsters.”

Duterte also remained defiant, claiming that many criminals had resumed their illegal activities after he stepped down as president.

“If given another chance, I’ll wipe all of you,” he said.

His appearance on Monday was the first time he had showed up at an inquiry into his anti-drug campaign since his term ended in 2022.

It was also the first time he directly faced some of his accusers, including families of victims of the drug war and former senator Leila de Lima, a Duterte critic who was jailed for seven years on a drug-dealing charge that was eventually dropped.

The Philippine government estimates that more than 6,252 people have been gunned down by the police and “unknown assailants” in Duterte’s “war on drugs”. Rights groups say the numbers could actually run into the tens of thousands.

An earlier report by the UN’s High Commisioner for Human Rights found that Duterte’s drugs crackdown had been marked by high-level rhetoric that could be seen as giving police officers “permission to kill”.

Police said many of their victims, who they claimed were drug lords or peddlers, were often killed in “self defence” during shoot-outs. But many families claim their sons, brothers or husbands were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The war on drugs campaign was controversial and drew huge international criticism, but it also had its share of supporters in a country where millions use drugs, mostly methamphetamine, known locally as “shabu”.

list of gangs in the philippines

Some notable criminally-active gangs in the Philippines include:

• Bahala Na Gang: Founded in 1940 in Sampaloc, Manila, active in the Philippines and the United States, involved in drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and murder.
• Sigue Sigue Sputnik: A large gang based in Tondo, Manila, involved in drug and arms trafficking, and murder.
• Waray-Waray gangs: A group of gangs with various specializations, including kidnapping for ransom (KFR), armed robbery, and drug dealing. Some notable Waray-Waray gangs include the Sudoy-Sudoy Gang, Waray Waray K.F.R., Waray-Abuyog Gang, Waray-Ozamis Gang, O.G. Imba: Waray-Waray Gang, and Martilyo/Waray-Waray Gang.
• Other notable gangs: Temple Street, True Brown Style, Budol-Budol Gang, Dugo-Dugo Gang, Kuratong Baleleng, Martilyo Gang, Salisi Gang, Zesto Gang, and Satanas. 

It’s important to note that the term “gang” can encompass a wide range of groups, from loosely organized street gangs to more structured criminal networks.

Crime in the Philippines

Crime is present in various forms in the Philippines, and remains a serious issue throughout the country. Illegal drug trade, human trafficking, arms trafficking, murder, corruption and domestic violence remain significant concerns.

Crime by type

Murder

In 2014, the Philippines had a murder rate of 9.84 per 100,000 people, with a number of 9,784 recorded cases. The country also has the highest rate of murder cases in Southeast Asia in 2013, with a rate of 8.8, followed by Thailand. The murder rate in the Philippines reached its peak in 2002 and 2010, with rates of 8.1 (6,553 cases) and 9.5 (8,894 cases).

Organized crime

Organized crime in the Philippines can be linked to certain families or barkadas (groups) who perpetrate crimes ranging from extortion, sale of illegal narcotics and loan sharking to robbery, kidnapping, and murder-for-hire.

Illegal drug trade

Illegal drug trade is a major concern in the Philippines. Meth (“shabu”) and marijuana, are the most common drugs accounting most drug-related arrests. Most of the illegal drug trade involved members of large Chinese triad groups operating in the Philippines, owing to its location on drug smuggling routes.

The Philippine law enforcement agencies face challenges in combating drug trafficking due to insufficient resources, limited investigative tools, and legal restrictions. The Anti-Wiretapping Act of 1965 hinders the use of surveillance, and plea bargaining and asset forfeiture are rarely utilized. Additionally, strict evidence procedures often lead to case dismissals. Despite proposed reforms, legal delays persist, hindering effective prosecution and adjudication of drug-related cases.

During the term of Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, he initiated his controversial “war on drugs” campaign. This campaign has led to the deaths of more than 12,000 Filipinos over which 2,555 of the killings were attributed to the Philippine National Police. In September 2021, the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorized an official investigation on Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

Petty crime

Petty crime, which includes pick-pocketing, is a problem in the Philippines. It takes place usually in locations with many people, ranging from shopping hubs to churches. Traveling alone to withdraw cash after dark is a risk, especially for foreigners.

Rape

Rape in the Philippines is considered a criminal offense. In Philippine jurisprudence, it is a heinous crime punishable by reclusión perpetua when committed against women. Rape of males is also legally recognized as rape by sexual assault, which is penalized by imprisonment of six to twelve years.

Domestic violence

Violence against women in the Philippines includes different forms of gender-based violence. The term “violence against women” is “the word or concept (that) has been used in a broad, inclusive manner to encompass verbal abuse, intimidation, physical harassment, homicide, sexual assault, and rape.” This form of violence is gender-biased. Violence occurs precisely because of their gender, specifically because the victims are women.According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey in the Philippines, one in every four (or 26%) ever-married women aged 15–49 had ever experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence by their husband or partner. Additionally, one in five (20%) women had reported ever experiencing emotional violence, 14% had ever experienced physical violence, and 5% had ever experienced sexual violence by their current or most recent husband or partner.

Child abuse

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in child abuse in the Philippines. The study “The Hidden Impact of COVID-19 on Children” reported a 32% increase in household violence within the country, particularly in households with decreased income. Additionally, in 2021 from a high-level dialogue between the Philippine government and UNICEF, the Office of Cybercrime from the Department of Justice noted a 260% increase in online child abuse reports in the Philippines during the pandemic. This alarming trend, is often linked to job loss, financial stress, and increased time spent at home, leading to cases of parents abusing their children and even livestreaming the abuse.

Human trafficking

Human trafficking and the prostitution of children is a significant issue in the Philippines, often controlled by organized crime syndicates. Human trafficking in the country is a crime against humanity.

In an effort to deal with the problem, the Philippines passed Republic Act (R.A.) 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, a penal law against human trafficking, sex tourism, sex slavery and child prostitution.^[21] Nevertheless, enforcement is reported to be inconsistent.^{[22][needs update]} While the 2003 and 2012 anti-trafficking laws criminalize sex and labor trafficking with penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and significant fines (between 1 million and 2 million Philippine pesos), the government’s enforcement efforts have weakened due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prostitution

Prostitution in the Philippines is illegal. It is a serious crime with penalties ranging up to life imprisonment for those involved in trafficking. It is covered by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Prostitution is still sometimes illegally available through brothels (also known as casa), bars, karaoke bars, massage parlors, street walkers and escort services. As of 2009, one source estimates that there are 800,000 women working as prostitutes in the Philippines, with some of them believed to be underage. While victims are largely female, and according to the current Revised Penal Code, there are in fact a small minority of them who are male.

Corruption and police misconduct

Corruption is a major problem in the Philippines. In 2013, during the country’s elections, some 504 political candidates were accused mostly of corruption and some of violent crimes.

Gangs

Notable criminally-active gangs in the Philippines include:

• Temple Street Gang
• Bahala Na Gang
• True Brown Style
• Budol-Budol Gang
• Dugo-Dugo Gang
• Kuratong Baleleng Gang
• Martilyo Gang
• Salisi Gang
• Zesto Gang
• Satanas Gang
• Sigue Sigue Sputnik
• Waray-Waray Gang

After they got comfortable in their rooms, Devon, Thomas, and Andres met down in the lobby so that they could go out and find a place to eat. Devon and Thomas were not only starved but exhausted as well, so they didn’t feel like going out to a nice restaurant, so they just opted to grab a bite to eat at the local Jollibee’s.

While the food wasn’t of the best quality, there was plenty of it, it was hot, and it was quick. It was just what the doctor ordered. They all agreed that they would call it an early night after eating. While they finished eating their peach/mango pies, they made plans for their first day of investigating. They decided to spend the morning poring over all of the police reports that Andres had uncollected and studying the videos of Marco’s kidnapping. In the afternoon, Devon said he would call Marco’s widow to see if she had anything else to add that wasn’t in her missing persons report. Meanwhile, Andres would take Thomas out in their van to pick up their crate of gear at the airport, and on the way back, they would stop by a grocery store and pick up some easy-to-prepare meals.

When Andres and Thomas got back to their rental house, they unpacked their crate of gear. Thanks to the diplomatic status of their crate, it had never been opened up, so all of their equipment was just the way they had packed it.

The three men spent the rest of the day setting up their rigs, cleaning their guns, and adjusting their tactical vests so that they fit just right.