During the recent presentation of newly designated police officers in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded them to follow the values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust) as they perform their duties, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the police to follow the values of ACT or Accountability, Confidence, and Trust, in doing their duties as law enforcers.
Biazon made the reminder during the presentation of the newly designated police officers by Muntinlupa Police chief Col. Robert Domingo.
The new officers in the Muntinlupa Police are:
⬪Major Allan Rainier Cabral – chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS)
⬪Capt. Reynaldo Par – chief of the Custodial and Detention Facility Unit (CDFU)
⬪Capt. Fernando Niefes – chief of the Station Tactical Operations Center (STOC) and concurrent assistant chief of the Patrol Operations Section (POS)
⬪Capt. Rolando Ty – commander of the Tunasan Police Substation (SS1)
⬪Capt. Alemar Cabanit – commander of the Putatan Police Substation (SS2)
⬪Capt. Roderick Tubon – commander of the Sucat Police Substation (SS4)
⬪Capt. Rizalyn Soledad – commander of the Ayala Alabang Police Substation (SS5)
⬪Capt. Marlo Abella – commander of the Poblacion Police Substation (SS6)
Biazon congratulated the newly designated police officers and told them about the expectations from the public.
“And, of course, our expectations from the newly designated. Remember the word ACT. The expectation is not only from you but from the whole Muntinlupa Police Station. The rank and file,” he said.
He added, “One is your accountability to your duty. We will expect that you will take action in fighting crime. Definitely, the public is expecting that. That is why you are in the police because you are our hope in addressing problems of drugs, criminality and, of course, the safety of our citizens. You have assumed that accountability.”
“Letter C, you have our confidence. As what Col. Domingo said earlier, we approved the designation by putting confidence in you. So don’t fail us on that,” he 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, are you looking forward to observing how the new city police officers will do their duty?
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
In a major move to improve local emergency response capabilities with the use of technology, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally launched at Crimson Hotel today their new iRespond mobile app which is now available for download via Google and Apple online, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
In its latest digital innovation, the Muntinlupa City government launched the iRespond mobile app, setting a new standard in emergency response capabilities.
Built for emergencies, Muntinlupa iRespond provides residents with immediate access to essential services directly from their smartphones.
The app allows residents to report emergencies such as disasters and fire, or the need for the police and ambulance.
“The iRespond app is a significant leap forward in emergency management, providing users with seamless access to emergency reporting with just a single tap. Whether in need of medical assistance, fire rescue, police intervention, or other critical services, Muntinlupeños can now initiate help swiftly and effectively through this platform,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the app launch on July 18 at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang.
According to the city government, the iRespond app’s key functionalities include one-touch emergency reporting, allowing responders to pinpoint the exact location of those needing help; real-time incident tracking for back-end dispatchers to supervise incoming alarms and respond appropriately; and community alerts and notifications that allow the city’s Department of Disaster Resilience and Management to inform residents of potential scenarios and help them to prepare or respond adequately.
The digital tool ensures that emergency situations are addressed promptly, leveraging real-time incident tracking to facilitate quick and precise responses from dedicated dispatch teams, the city government added.
“By empowering residents with a tool that expedites emergency response, we are not only enhancing public safety but also reinforcing our city’s resilience in times of crisis.” added Biazon.
Residents are encouraged to download the free iRespond app for from the App Store or Google Play Store, ensuring they are prepared and empowered to respond effectively to any emergency situation.
Upon download, users need to create an account by providing their name, birthday, gender, photo, valid document, address, email address and mobile number.
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, do you think the newly launched iRespond app will improve local emergency response capabilities? Have you downloaded the app?
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
The Philippines moved some steps forward into a nuclear-powered future as the United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (also referred to as the 123 Agreement) came into force recently, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This means that the legal framework for potential nuclear projects with American providers has been laid down. It is recalled that the 123 Agreement has been progressing since last year.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, or the 123 Agreement, entered into force on July 2, the US Department of State’s Office of the Spokesperson announced on Tuesday (Manila time).
Signed in November last year, the 123 Agreement will establish a legal framework that allows the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment, and special nuclear material from the US to the Philippines.
The agreement lays the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with US providers and aims to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.
Upon entry into force, the 123 Agreement will allow the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the US or through persons authorized by their respective authorities to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers.
It will also pave the way for streamlining the licensing requirements for the private sector with respect to investments in nuclear-related intangible transfers of technology.
“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together, our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” the US Department of State said.
Nuclear energy, it said, could help achieve these global climate change and energy security targets.
The US Department of State said the agreement is part of its efforts to develop the Philippines’ civil nuclear sector.
“Creating a safe, secure, and modern sector requires a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships. Our government is committed to working with the Philippines to advance each of these areas and we look forward to further building our partnership together,” the US Department of State said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said the administration would be glad to pursue nuclear energy as part of the country’s energy mix by 2032 through the partnership forged with American providers.
His administration seeks to increase the country’s renewable energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power will be more beneficial for the Filipino people and the national economy than solar and wind power? Are you aware that solar and wind power will cost too much money to create abundant energy for the Philippines?
Recently in Davao City, a 21-year-old Chinese national got arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for using falsified documents when he applied for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As it turns out, the suspect has been using a fake identity for some time here in the Philippines and has already admitting to possessing a Chinese passport.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Davao arrested a 21-year-old Chinese national on Tuesday afternoon, July 9, for applying for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Davao here using falsified documents.
NBI-Davao Region Director Arcelito Albao said in a press conference on Wednesday, July 10, that the DFA-Davao alerted the NBI-Davao that a Chinese national using the Filipino name Hengson Jabilles Limosnero attempted to apply for a passport. Albao said the suspect was accompanied by the family driver.
Albao, however, declined to disclose the suspect’s Chinese name, pending verification of his real identity from the Bureau of Immigration.
In a brief interview with the media, the suspect, who was presented during the press conference, admitted to possessing a Chinese passport.
Albao said that the Chinese used a birth certificate, driver’s license, and national identification (ID) card from the Philippine Statistics Authority to apply for a passport.
He said that the Chinese used his fake identity to study high school at Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao and college at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU). Albao said the Chinese is a first-year accountancy student at ADDU.
The suspect will face charges for violating the New Philippine Passport Act and Revised Penal Code penalizing falsification of public documents, perjury, and using fictitious name and concealing true name, Albao said.
He said the suspect was issued original documents and IDs by various government agencies but were considered falsified as the information was false.
Albao said that the suspect and his family have been residing in Davao City for 10 years. He said they own a hardware business in this city’s Chinatown District on Ramon Magsaysay Ave., called by residents Uyanguren.
The NBI-Davao head added that an employee from DFA-Davao doubted the suspect’s nationality and authenticity of the documents as he could not speak Cebuano, not fluent in Tagalog, and could only talk in English during interview.
He said the Chinese gave inconsistent answers during the interview.
Albao said the suspect applied for a passport as he wanted to become a Philippine citizen and plans to travel to the US.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be even more Chinese nationals who have been living here in the Philippines using fake identities?
A mobile blood donation drive is scheduled to happen on July 19 and 20, 2024 at SM Center Las Piñas which is a short walk away from Las Piñas City Hall, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The blood donation drive is an initiative of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City government announced that a mobile blood donation activity will be conducted in line with the observance of World Blood Donor Day.
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the mobile blood donation activity to be led by a team from the City Health Office under the supervision of Dr. Julie Gonzalez will be held at SM Center Las Piñas on July 19 to 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Aguilar said the activity will be conducted is in coordination with the Las Piñas General Hospital and Satelite Trauma Center and the Philippine General Hospital.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are there any members of your local community who intend to donate their blood?
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
Recently, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced that the stolen painting of national artist Fernando Amorsolo was recovered and arrested two suspects, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report. The painting was previously stolen from a museum in Silay City, Negros Oriental province. It has since been returned to the National Museum of the Philippine for assessment.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Inquirer news report. Some parts in boldface…
The stolen Fernando Amorsolo painting has been recovered, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented the recovered 1936 masterpiece of the national artist titled “Mango Harvesters,” which was snatched from the Hofileña Museum in Silay, City, Negros Occidental last week.
Santiago said an entrapment operation was hatched to catch people allegedly involved in the sale of the prized painting for P3.5 million, after receiving a tip from a certain “Atty. Ching.”
The entrapment operation was carried out on Thursday, July 11, at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, which resulted in the arrest of Ritz Chona Ching and Donecio Somaylo, who supposedly brought the stolen art for delivery.
Ching and Somaylo were brought for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice. They are facing a complaint for violating Presidential Decree 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think more should be done by museums to prevent thieves from stealing valuable artworks?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers rescued four foreigners who were kidnapped and illegal detained by their compatriots over a car accident matter that involves money, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects were arrested as well but two others got away.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Members of the Las Piñas City police rescued four Indian nationals who were kidnapped and illegally detained by four of their compatriots for non-payment of their P200,000 car accident settlement on July 5.
Las Piñas City police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Ramanathan, 22; alias Devesh, 22; alias Sanjay, 22; and alias Venkata, 21, all Indian nationals.
Tafalla said the four suspects were arrested at around 10:30 p.m. at a residential building located at Barangay Pamplona Tres, Las Piñas.
He said two other suspects, identified as alias Lmahen and alias Shivarishi, were able to escape during the rescue operation and are now being hunted by the police.
The city police chief said the rescued victims were identified as alis Ven, 21; alias Vam, 21; alias Sai, 22; and alias Kal, 19.
Tafalla said the victims were allegedly robbed and detained by the suspects for their failure to pay the P200,000 car accident settlement.
He said the victims rented a Nissan Tiera owned by Shivarishi in going to Nasugbu, Batangas last May 24 but they unfortunately had an accident.
The police said suspect, Shavarishi, reportedly demanded the victims to pay the amount of P700,000 after his car suffered damages but the victims reportedly paid only P500,000.
Tafalla said by failing to to pay the remaining P200,000, the victims were kidnapped, robbed, and illegally detained by the suspects on July 5.
He said a friend of the victims reported the incident to the police and a rescue operation was launched.
The city police chief said recovered during the operation were a white Hyundai Accent with license plate DAC 2660, one wooden broomstick, and one metal dustpan, which were reportedly used in the assaults.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think there could be foreigners in your local community who engaged in kidnapping and illegally detaining people secretly?
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
Two bodyguards who worked for a Chinese national – reportedly involved with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) – were arrested by law enforcer for the alleged acts of stealing guns as well as the firearms licenses of their fellow guards, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two bodyguards of a Chinese national involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were nabbed for allegedly stealing the guns and the guns’ licenses from their fellow bodyguards.
According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Southern District Field Unit, the two bodyguards claimed that their Chinese boss had told them to retrieve the weapons so these could be passed on to other people.
However, the two bodyguards’ compatriots resisted as the guns were registered in their names, and they were worried about how the guns would be used.
“Pinapangalan sa kanila nitong mga Chinese national ‘yung mga binibiling baril. Pero ‘pag kinuha kasi sa kanila, hindi alam kung saan ito gagamitin kaya ‘yun pinangangambahan ito ngayon,” said the CIDG-SPD’s Police Major Leopoldo Cajipe in Jonathan Andal’s Sunday “24 Oras Weekend” report.
According to the CIDG, the suspects said their Chinese boss had ordered them to take the firearms from their fellow security men.
One of the security men resisted, and he was then allegedly beaten and detained in the barracks. But he was later able to escape and alert the police.
The CIDG investigation found that the Chinese nationals may be getting help from someone in the government who could easily change the names on the licenses for the guns, as one of the suspects was found to have a license to carry.
However, the license indicated that the suspect was a government employee, which he was not.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that Chinese nationals linked with POGOs are going to the extreme when it comes to acquiring firearms locally? Do you think POGO Chinese nationals are conspiring with certain employees of the government?
Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!
In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads from the 1980s and 1990s. In addition, there will be a few flyers of arcade games.
For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.
With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…
1. Japanese Contra arcade flyer
The front of the Japanese arcade flyer of Contra.
The other side of the flyer.
As mentioned before, Konami’s long-running Contra games franchise first started in the arcades in Japan. As seen in the Japanese arcade flyer, it was clear that the company not only had a clear vision of Contra’s visual concepts but also was pretty organized with explaining lots of details (examples: the 8-direction controls, types of weapons or ammunition available, level design differences) that both players and arcade operators can learn from. If you look closely at the rear of the flyer, you will see the two characters already identified as Lance and Bill which clearly showed the Japanese creators had the creative details really organized.
2. Virtual Bart print ad
Anyone who loved The Simpsons would easily recognize the characters of this print ad.
Decades ago, The Simpsons made big waves on television and quickly emerged as a fine addition to American pop culture. That being said, it was not surprising at all that video games based on the show got made and Virtual Bart was one of them. This Virtual Bart print ad appeared in some comic books I read in 1994 and the ad makers made efficient use of the single-page layout showing that the game was not a mere 2D side-scroller as its concept emphasized Bart Simpson’s virtual reality escapades. This game, which had mini-games and different gameplay styles, received review scores ranging from negative to positive.
3. Wild Arms 2 print ad
This is NOT an effective way to promote a video game.
Now this is one of the most weird and the most uninteresting game print ads of the 1990s. For the newcomers reading this, Wild Arms 2 was a sequel to the 1997 hit game Wild Arms released on the original PlayStation console. Due to the 1997 game’s success, a fan base of Wild Arms was established and the 1999 sequel was anticipated by the fans. In a very odd and illogical move, Sony Computer Entertainment came up with the Times Square setting for Wild Arms 2’s North American print ad and because they allowed so much other text and images (appearing as billboard ads) on the buildings in the background, details about the game itself got overshadowed. By simply looking at this print ad, it is simply too easy to overlook Wild Arms 2 as the featured game. Can you see the references to Wild Arms 2 here?
4. RollerGames arcade flyer
Pretty ladies posing on the front of the flyer.
Clearly the details were prepared with arcade operators in mind.
Based on the competition-oriented TV show, the RollerGames arcade game from Konami was both unique and fun to play. As with their other arcade flyers, Konami hired models to emphasize RollerGames’ core concept by appearing in full costume (as roller-skating participants), and then inserted screenshots of the game. The rear of the flyer had the technical details in simplistic fashion and they were clearly written with arcade operators in mind. The 3-paragraph text descriptions emphasized what players could expect, what options are available and how the game connects with the TV program it was based on.
5. The Jetsons: Invasion of the Planet Pirates print ad
Anyone among you is a Jetsons fan?
Based on the animated series, The Jetsons: Invasion of the Planet Pirates was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America as well as on the Super Famicom in Japan in the mid-1990s. This game’s print ad had eye-catching artwork, carefully laid down key details (including the promise of cartoon quality graphics) and showed a few screenshots. The game attracted mixed reviews from critics and I don’t know any fellow gamer who played it.
6. Sega Saturn games print ad
An aggressive single-page ad promoting the exclusive games on Sega Saturn.
If you are a game console manufacturer that also owns several game development teams, you really have to promote your hardware and software aggressively. This is exactly what Sega did in the North American market sometime after the embarrassing launch of the Saturn console there. As seen in this print ad, Sega aggressively promoted their Saturn-exclusive games – including their juggernaut Virtua Fighter 2 – to make it clear to their fans (and Saturn console owners) that they are focused to entertain them. The ad also served as Sega’s effort to lure in new gamers and potential Saturn owners given the fact that Virtua Fighter 2, Virtua Cop and Sega Rally Championship were already big arcade hits. As history turned out, the Saturn ended up a commercial disappointment in America but still succeeded in Japan.
7. Galaxian arcade flyer
Have you ever played Galaxian in the arcades?
In September 1979, Namco released Galaxian in the arcades in Japan and it became a big hit there eventually finishing as the nation’s 2nd highest-earning arcade game of the year. Before the year even ended, Namco approached Midway of releasing Galaxian outside of Japan and this led to the game appearing in American arcades in November. Unsurprisingly, Galaxian drew lots of American players and their money which really helped Midway selling 50,000 arcade units in a few years’ time. This arcade flyer from Midway clearly showed what the Galaxian arcade unit looked like and how the controls were physically set up. I like the way the details and images were organized and how the limited page space was put to good use.
8. Heavy Barrel print ad
A really eye-catching and amusing print ad to look at.
Originally released in the arcades by Data East, Heavy Barrel was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990. Similar with Contra and Jackal, this game had a strong military theme and shooting-oriented gameplay complete with missions that instantly reminded players about war. The military aesthetic and the showing of guns are easily the most eye-catching part of this print ad geared towards the NES userbase which had lots of young children among the players. To say the least, Heavy Barrel’s print ad was entertaining to look at.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the City Government and the Emapalico Homes Inc. homeowners association (HOA) was formally signed which will pave the way for commercial development of a key property, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the officers of the Emapalico Homes Inc. homeowners’ association signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the commercial development of their property.
Aguilar said that during the signing of the MOA held last June 19 at the City Hall, the homeowner’s association agreed in converting part of their property into a commercial area while maintaining a portion for use as a tricycle terminal to ensure that essential local transportation remains available.
She said the MOA also highlighted the city government’s commitment to promoting balanced urban development and stimulating economic growth by creating new business opportunities which are expected to enhance the livelihood of residents in Barangay Talon Uno.
Aguilar explained that the plan reflects the city’s broader strategy of promoting sustainable development and in addressing the needs of the community.
She said the project also aligns with the city’s vision of improving infrastructure and living standards through collaborative efforts between the local government and community stakeholders.
The mayor added that the project is anticipated to be a significant step forward in enhancing both the economic and social aspects of Barangay Talon Uno, showcasing a model of sustainable urban development in Las Piñas City.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the MOA signing will open up a lot of new economic opportunities for Barangay Talon Uno residents within the first twelve months?
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
