Author Carlo Carrasco

Immigration officials arrest two wanted foreigners in BF Homes, Parañaque City

April 28, 2025April 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two wanted foreigners in BF Homes subdivision who allegedly were involved in fraud overseas, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. One of the suspects has been tagged by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) with a red notice since 2018.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Two South Korean “fugitives,” who are wanted in their country for their alleged involvement in investment scams, have been arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Paranaque City.

The BI identified them as Kim Young Sam, 58, and Weon Cheolyong, 59, who were arrested at the BF Homes Village in Paranaque City last April 22.

“Both aliens will remain at the BI custodial facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City until their deportation,” the bureau said. The arrest of Kim was ordered Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado, it said.

During the operation, the BI said “the arresting agents discovered the presence of another Korean fugitive later identified as 59-year-old Weon Cheolyong.”

It said that “Kim will be deported immediately as he was already ordered expelled by the BI board of commissioners in December 2021 for being an undesirable alien.”

“Kim is also subject of an Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) red notice that was issued in 2018 after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Seoul central district court where he was charged with fund raising for a business without government permit,” the BI said.

“Authorities alleged that as manager of a Seoul-based company, Kim and his accomplices engaged in fraudulent operations by soliciting investments for the development of an alleged cryptocurrency business,” it also said.

It added that since 2015 “the said company has defrauded over 3 billion worth of investments from 253 victims.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there are still a lot of wanted foreigners hiding within the local communities of the city? Has your local community been communicating lately with the Bureau of Immigration lately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

PDEA seizes P147.25 million worth of illegal drugs during April 11-18 period

April 27, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced that it has seized more than P147 million worth of illegal drugs during operations held from April 11 to 18, 2025, resulting in the arrest of almost eighty drug personalities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Around P147.25 million worth of illegal drugs was seized following the arrest of 79 alleged drug personalities during the nationwide anti-narcotics operations from April 11 to 18, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) stated.

In a statement, the PDEA highlighted the agency’s sustained and resolute campaign against illegal drugs across the country with the “remarkable 69 anti-drug operations conducted in just one week.’’

The PDEA noted that the week-long illegal drug haul includes 19,281.62 grams of shabu; 11,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves; 49,460 marijuana plants; 984 grams of ketamine; 8,760 milliliters of ephedrine and 1.37 grams of marijuana kush.

The PDEA assured that it will continue to strike in the whole country with its operatives working in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies.

Among the most significant operations were the 1,000 grams of shabu in Barangay Minuyan, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan during a buy-bust operation by PDEA Region III and PNP DEG; the staggering 16,000 grams of shabu seized by the Highway Patrol Group Samar, Samar Police Provincial Office- Police Drug Enforcement Unit and PDEA Samar Provincial Office in Barangay New Mahayag, City of Catbalogan, Western Samar, which marked the largest single-week seizure in the region.

The other confiscations are the 300 grams of shabu in Guizo, Mandaue City by PDEA Regional Office VII during a series of well-coordinated drug stings; 984 grams of ketamine intercepted at Port Area, Manila by PDEA-National Capital Region-Seaport Interdiction Unit, PDEA K9 Unit, Bureau of Customs and PDEA RO NCR Manila District Office, successful eradication of 13,200 marijuana plants in Benguet, followed by the similar operations in Kalinga and Ifugao, “collectively uprooting over 49,000 marijuana plants.’’

“These results are the product of relentless intelligence work, surveillance, and inter-agency coordination,” PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez pointed out.

“Every arrest made and every gram seized represents a community made safer. But more importantly, these numbers are a clear reminder that we must remain vigilant and unwavering in our efforts,” he added.

The PDEA also commended the efforts of its regional offices, “including PDEA-CAR for its massive marijuana eradication campaigns in the Cordillera region, PDEA 4B – MIMAROPA for intercepting illegal drugs in Puerto Princesa and Calapan, and PDEA Region IV-A for dismantling syndicates operating in Cavite and Rizal.’’

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you satisfied with PDEA’s constant efforts against illegal drugs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Summer Swimming Lessons 2025 at Tropical Palace Resort Hotel to start on April 30

April 26, 2025April 25, 2025carlocarrasco

If you are interested to learn swimming during the summer season, be aware that the Summer Swimming Lessons 2025 program at Tropical Palace Resort Hotel in BF International, Las Piñas City will begin on April 30, 2025 and already enrollment is ongoing.

Coach Alec Dequiña will lead the teaching of the swimming lessons. Inside Tropical Palace Resort Hotel are the main swimming pool (rectangular) and the small pool (for younger and smaller swimmers).

*The sign outside of Tropical Palace Resort Hotel in BF International, Las Piñas City.*

Courses offered are as follows: Basic (6-years-old and above) for P6,000 with lessons taking place 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Advance (6-years-old and above) for P6,000 with lessons taking place 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Toddlers (3 to 5-years-old) for P7,000 with lessons taking place 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM.

*The flyer for this year’s swimming lessons program.*

For the precise location of Tropical Palace Resort Hotel’s swimming pools, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/qHxdSmeANvk5m4Fa7

For more information, call Tropical Palace Resort Hotel at landline numbers 8825-1011 and 8825-1012.

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Passenger service fees in CAAP airports hiked

April 26, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

If you are traveling through an airport operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), prepare yourself as the passenger service charge has officially been raised since April 21, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

A higher passenger service charge (PSC) has been imposed in all airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) starting April 21.

“The increase, primarily adjusted based solely on inflation from 2015 to present, underwent the required public hearing with various stakeholders, as well as the necessary publication,” the aviation authority said in a news release late Monday.

It added that the adjustment supports CAAP’s efforts to enhance passenger experience and improve airport facilities and operations.

In Memorandum Circular 019-2025 signed on April 4, the PSC for international flights rose to PHP900 from PHP550.

From the PHP200 PSC for domestic flights, the rate will be PHP350 for international airports; PHP300 for principal class 1 airports; PHP200 for principal class 2 airports; and PHP100 for community airports. CAAP operates 44 commercial airports.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the hike of the passenger service charge at CAAP airports has been justified? How much did you pay recently at a CAAP-operated airport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 72

April 25, 2025April 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Christine Grace Smith discusses gender differences and major UK Supreme Court decision – I like watching Christine Grace Smith’s commentary about society as well as her ways on pointing out the wrong and the twisted. Recently the United Kingdom’s (UK) Supreme Court delivered its major decision on the legal definition of the term woman in relation to human biology. Christine Grace Smith not only calls the UK Supreme Court decision a win for women (read: men who believe they are women are clearly NOT women at all), she also explains a lot of relevant stuff and details as well. It’s a win for women and a defeat for the transgender mob. Watch and learn from her video below.

#2 Predator reaction videos by Ashleigh Burton, VKunia, Popcorn in Bed and You, Me and the Movies – The 1980s was a memorable decade of R-rated action movies from Hollywood. Among them was the action-packed science fiction film Predator that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and the movie itself had a careful blend of elements from specific genres under the direction of John McTiernan. By today’s standards, Predator is a classic and now is a good time to see how it impacts YouTubers like Ashleigh Burton, VKunia, Popcorn in Bed and You, Me and the Movies through their respective reaction videos.

#3 PatmanQC examines the Alien vs. Predator arcade game – In 1994, Capcom released Alien vs. Predator in video arcades around the world. In addition to being well received by game critics, the game became a big hit commercially and added to Capcom’s credibility as an arcade industry player. If you are wondering how the arcade game first started, who the developers were and why the game was never ported to any console, watch and learn from PatmanQC’s in-depth video below.

#4 Decker Shado’s review of The Fifth Element – Back in 1997, The Fifth Element was released in cinemas and it attracted the attention of a lot of people mainly because of Bruce Willis’ fame. With its style of presentation, the movie impressed local moviegoers and there were some who found it a zany film experience. Some time ago, Decker Shado posted his video review of The Fifth Element and it is entertaining to watch.

#5 Slope’s Game Room examines the history of Pac-Man – Do you still remember playing Pac-Man long ago? As a little boy, I only played the Atari 2600 port of Pac-Man and managed to play the original arcade game on different platforms much later. There is a lot of history behind Pac-Man and it involves the growth of its game franchise and reach towards cartoons and merchandise. To have an in-depth look at Pac-Man’s history, watch the extensive video by Slope’s Game Room below.

#6 Tron revisited – You must have heard the news about the newly announced Tron sequel called Tron: Ares. Honestly, I am not too confident about it and 2010’s Tron: Legacy left me unsatisfied. That being said, the original Tron movie from 1982 remains special and memorable, and now is a good time to take a look back at it through the selected videos below. Watch, learn and enjoy!

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1.17 million passengers accommodated by NAIA during Holy Week travel

April 25, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Were you able to travel by airplane during the Holy Week? More than a million people traveled during the said week (April 13 to 20, 2025) based on the count of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) accommodated 1.17 million travelers during Holy Week from April 13 to 20, up 12.7 percent from the previous year.

Daily average volume was 146,611, peaking at 156,635 on Easter Sunday.

Domestic and international passenger traffic rose by 14.9 percent and 11.21 percent, respectively, year-on-year.

“This Holy Week showed how much better NAIA is becoming. We saw higher passenger numbers, but smoother and faster operations. That’s not by chance, it’s the result of planning, investment, and teamwork,” New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) president Ramon Ang said in a statement on Monday.

The San Miguel Corp.-led NNIC attributed the smooth and orderly operations across all terminals to the efforts of key agencies and the operational improvements in recent months.

The Bureau of Immigration, for instance, deployed additional personnel and opened more counters at the country’s main gateway.

“As a result of these combined efforts, NAIA recorded an on-time performance (OTP) of 83.28 percent across all terminals throughout the Holy Week period —an indicator of smoother airport operations and more efficient turnaround for airlines,” the NNIC said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you had traveled by air during Holy Week this year, how was your experience? Did you notice a lot of improvements with NAIA’s facilities and handling of passengers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COMELEC precinct finder available online

April 24, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

To help voters prepare themselves for the 2025 National and Local Elections scheduled for May 12, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has prepared the precinct finder online which people can visit now by clicking https://precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph/voter_precinct

The precinct finder can help registered voters locate their respective precincts and the name of the venue where the precinct is located at. Voters only need to type their respective names in full, their birthdates, place of registration, and city or municipality.

Voters who will be participating in the May 12 elections are encouraged to click https://precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph/voter_precinct

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Manipulated video denounced by Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon

April 24, 2025April 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon denounced the spread of a digitally altered video that falsely portrayed him supporting a different candidate for the city’s congressional seat, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The mayor has warned the public not to be fooled by the manipulated video. The local elections are only a few weeks away from happening.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon denounced the spread of a manipulated video that falsely showed him endorsing another candidate for congressman.

“Babala sa publiko! Huwag malinlang! Ang altered video na ito ay pawang kasinungalingan! (Warning to the public! Do not be deceived! This altered video is a lie!),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

Biazon’s original video showed him endorsing Allen Fresnedi Ampaya, current barangay chairman of Poblacion, as his candidate for vice mayor in the May 12 national and local elections.

The video was altered to show Biazon endorsing a candidate for congressman in the lone district of Muntinlupa. Biazon is endorsing reelectionist and partymate Rep. Jaime Fresnedi as congressman.

“May nagkakalat ng false, misleading, digitally altered material na naglalagay sa aking pagkatao sa hindi magandang paningin ng tao, gamit ang video material na walang pahintulot, sa panahon na pinagbabawal ang political campaign for or against any candidate (Someone is spreading false, misleading, digitally altered material that puts my character in a bad light, using video material without permission, during a time when political campaigning for or against any candidate is prohibited),” he said, adding that the video was posted on Good Friday, which was declared by the Commission on Elections as a day where campaigning was prohibited.

Biazon said they are studying the filing of a case for violation of Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (Omnibus Election Code) and Comelec Resolution No. 11064 (guidelines on the use of social media, artificial intelligence and internet technology for digital election campaign).

“Ito ay may kinalaman sa unauthorized copying, alteration of content and message at pag post ng manipulated video material para palabasin na may sinasabi akong hindi ko sinabi kapalit ng mensahe na taliwas sa aking pinaniniwalaan, na ang layunin ay malinlang ang mga taong makakapanood nito (This involves unauthorized copying, alteration of content and message and posting of manipulated video material to make it appear that I am saying something that I did not say in exchange for a message that is contrary to what I believe, with the aim of deceiving the people who will watch it),” the mayor said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, were you able to see the manipulated video about the mayor? If you did, does the video look fake or real? Do you think the person responsible for the manipulated video will be caught and be held accountable soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Lunar Remastered Collection now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

April 23, 2025April 20, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, RPG players, retro gaming enthusiasts and other gamers!

Published GungHo Online fulfilled what they promised before…Lunar Remastered Collection is now available for gamers to enjoy on Xbox Series X|S and the aging Xbox One console. Xbox gamers who love Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) and retro games can order a digital copy of Lunar Remastered Collection by clicking here or the physical copy by clicking here.

To get things started, watch the official launch trailer of Lunar Remastered Collection below.

For the newcomers reading this, Lunar Remastered Collection’s release marks the first time ever that the Lunar role-playing game (RPG) series appeared on any Xbox console. The series developed by Game Arts first started way back in 1992 with Lunar: The Silver Star on the Sega CD (Mega CD in other markets) which was an add-on device on the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive). Lunar: Eternal Blue was released also on Sega CD in 1994.

During the 5^th console generation, both games were remade – Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue – were released on Sega Saturn and the PlayStation, taking advantage of each console’s capabilities for better presentations technically and artistically. The remade Lunar games each had technical enhancements and animated cutscenes. In case you are wondering, the stories of the two games are set around one thousand years apart.

As seen in the launch trailer above, Lunar Remastered Collection includes a lot of features to suit the tastes of gamers such as the option to choose between classic and remastered modes, adjustable battle speed, the option to choose between English and Japanese voice-overs, and more.

*Remember this battle from Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete?*

For those who want the best quality for viewing anime cutscenes, the remastered mode features enhanced visuals that make the anime footage look more presentable on HDTV. As for the English voice-overs, be aware that the voices of the characters and enemies are all new. This means that the previous English voice-over works produced by Working Designs (defunct since 2005) for the North American versions of Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue are simply not available.

More on Lunar Remastered Collection for Xbox consoles, Xbox Wire published a feature interview with GungHo America’s Senior Graphic Designer Amy Nguyen and there are lots interesting details to discover. You can read the feature interview by clicking https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/04/18/lunar-remastered-collection-logo-amp-package-design/

*Unlike what happened in the Grandia HD Collection, the 2D sprites in the Lunar remastered games were not filtered. Their organic sprite look was maintained.*

If you are a long-time JRPG enthusiast, or if you are an avid retro gamer, or if you are a long-time Lunar RPG fan who already owns a modern Xbox console, Lunar Remastered Collection is worth checking out. It is the latest retro gaming release this year that Xbox gamers can enjoy. Watch the YouTube video below for reference as to how the game looks on Xbox.

If you intend to purchase Lunar Remastered Collection for your Xbox, you can do so by clicking https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/lunar-remastered-collection/9MTLLLG0S7RN for the digital copy, or by clicking https://a.co/d/0vhAIqL for the physical copy.

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25-year infrastructure masterplan to be crafted by DEPDev

April 23, 2025April 21, 2025carlocarrasco

A 25-year infrastructure masterplan will be crafted soon by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) to ensure the continuation of critical projects even though government transitions happen, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) is set to craft the country’s first 25-year infrastructure masterplan to ensure that critical projects continue despite changes in administration.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a recent press chat that the Economy, Planning and Development Act, which reorganizes NEDA to DEPDev, mandated the agency to formulate the country’s first long-term infrastructure blueprint.

The law was signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 10 and would take effect on April 27.

“The law now tasks us to produce the first long-term framework for the period 2025 to 2050. And then it also tasks us to provide and to lead the efforts in coming up with this long-term comprehensive infrastructure development framework,” Balisacan told reporters.

Balisacan said this is the first time that a government agency is mandated by law to oversee and carry these plans forward, especially as administration changes.

“The new law gives that mandate to DEPDev, serving as link between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration,” he added, emphasizing the importance of continuity of key infrastructure projects.

Historically, infrastructure development in the Philippines has suffered from inconsistent implementation, with projects often stalled or abandoned due to shifts in leadership.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that infrastructure development in the Philippines will change for the better once the 25-year masterplan becomes a reality in the near future? Are you sick and tired seeing infrastructure projects getting disrupted whenever a change of government happens?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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