Gio Robles

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

PCG DRIVES FOREIGN FISHING VESSEL OUT OF PAG-ASA WATERS WATCH: The Philippine Coast Guard drove an unauthorized foreign fishing vessel out of Pag-asa Island’s territorial waters on Sunday, October 25, after spotting it 2.7 nautical miles west of the island, near Sandy Cay. The PCG escorted the vessel out of the area as China Coast Guard ships monitored the operation. It was the PCG’s seventh operation against foreign vessels in the Kalayaan Island Group in less than four weeks. @bncdotph

“I’M DOING MY JOB.” NBI Director Melvin Matibag stands by his work as he faces a cyber libel complaint filed by Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte. Matibag said he will await a copy of the complaint and let the justice system determine the merits of the case. He maintained that the NBI’s findings are based on evidence, not personal or political considerations. “If prosecutors and the courts find that we are liable, then so be it,” Matibag said, stressing that the same process should establish whether he committed any wrongdoing. For the NBI chief, the case must be settled not through public accusations, but through evidence and due process. @bncdotph

ABANTE SEEKS NBI PROBE INTO ‘BELOW-THE-BELT’ ONLINE ATTACKS WATCH: Manila Rep. Benny Abante is seeking an NBI investigation into what he describes as character assassination, accusing social media personalities of spreading alleged lies against him. Abante denied claims that he was banned from golf courses in Antipolo, saying the allegations were lies falsely linking him to a controversy involving a Korean pastor. He estimates that five to 10 individuals may be involved but said he has yet to identify them or determine whether politicians are behind the attacks. “I don't know kung anong motibo nila, no? Whatever it might be, because of the impeachment, I don't know. Hindi ko alam,” Abante said. He stressed that no formal complaint has been filed yet as the investigation is ongoing. @bncdotph

WATCH: NBI Director Melvin Matibag announces that subpoenas will be issued to Cristy Fermin and Romel Chika following the cyber libel complaint filed by actress Claudine Barretto before the NBI Cybercrime Division. The complaint stems from alleged defamatory statements involving the actress. @bncdotph

CLAUDINE BARRETTO EXPLAINS WHY SHE’S USING A CANE Actress Claudine Barretto clarified that she underwent surgery for ruptured cysts, denying rumors that she had cosmetic surgery on her arms. She also explained that she needs a cane while recovering and is taking strong painkillers. “Kung magpa-retoke ako kay Belo ako didiretso. Hindi sa St. Luke’s.” Claudine appeared at the NBI on Wednesday to file a cyber libel complaint against Cristy Fermin and co-host Romel Chika. @bncdotph

WARNING: SENSITIVE CONTENT INVOLVING A MINOR WATCH: A man in his 30s was arrested by the NBI for allegedly grooming a 9-year-old girl for six months and obtaining explicit photos and videos through Facebook Messenger. NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the child was rescued during an operation in Bulacan. Investigators are looking into possible additional charges, including human trafficking. Matibag urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities and be aware of who they communicate with. @bncdotph

“HAPPY HALLOWEEN!” Actress Claudine Barretto had this message for veteran columnist and entertainment host Cristy Fermin as she filed a cyberlibel complaint against her before the NBI Cybercrime Division on Wednesday. Barretto also filed a complaint against Romel Villamor, popularly known as Romel Chika. She said she and her children have been deeply hurt by the videos about her, adding that she is no longer willing to settle the matter through an apology. @bncdotph