To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Persons harboring foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be prosecuted, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
“Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violations with utmost resolve,” said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
He stressed that “the BI will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.“
Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act prohibits the “bringing of alien in the Philippines who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, concealing or harboring an alien who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, and attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another to commit any of the prohibited acts.”
Viado issued the warning after the BI revealed that over 11,000 foreign workers of POGOs failed to leave the Philippines on the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline.
For continuing to remain in the Philippines, the bureau said these aliens will be arrested and will face deportation proceedings, he said.
“Anyone who enables these individuals to remain in the Philippines illegally will face the consequences, and the law is clear, and there will be no exceptions,” he stressed.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many foreign workers of POGOs secretly living within your local community right now? Do you think there are still POGOs secretly operating in your city?
Very recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers composed of the police, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a corporate facility and arrested hundreds of people suspected of engaging in online scams and violating immigration laws, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
More than 400 individuals allegedly engaged in online scams were arrested by law enforcement agencies in Parañaque City on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena said the Parañaque City Police rendered assistance to the joint operation conducted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Abrugena said the 400 individuals, composed of foreign nationals and Filipinos, were arrested at around 4:00 p.m. in two units of a corporate center on Asiana Avenue in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
He said the operation was conducted as part of a BI mission order targeting foreign nationals involved in illegal activities in the country.
The SPD chief said the arrested persons were engaged in various unlawful activities, including operating online scams and violating immigration laws.
Abrugena said the arrested persons, including one alias “Liang,” are now (under) investigation. They were brought to the BI facility for documentation and legal action.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you convinced that a lot of foreigners who were previously employed by POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are secretly hiding in your city doing further illegal activities like online scamming?
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
As the 2025 season opener of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series is set to take place on January 25 and 26 at the Subic Bay Boardwalk inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Cebu’s very own Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) medalists Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba are seen as the heavy favorites in their respective categories, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) sports article.
In addition, there are several triathletes from Cebu who will be joining the Subic Bay triathlon across different categories. For the Philippines triathlon team, this event is crucial as it serves as a qualifying race for this year’s SEA Games which will be hosted by Thailand.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the sports news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Cebu will be sending a big delegation to the 2025 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) tournament scheduled Jan. 25 and 26 at Subic Bay Freeport.
Leading the contingent is Andrew Kim Remolino, the defending men’s elite titlist in the competition organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines.
“It’s gonna be a hard race to start the season since everyone’s really getting ready for it,” Remolino said in an interview on Sunday.
“The NAGT is the first qualifying race to get a slot for the SEA (Southeast) Games in Thailand, so for now, we are just preparing for the things we could improve before the race day,” added the 23-year-old who hails from Talisay.
He bagged an aquathlon silver at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.
The Thailand SEA Games is set in December this year.
Remolino won the 2024 NAAT, with an Olympic distance 1.5-kilometer swim, 40K bike and 10K run, in 56 minutes and 56 seconds, beating fellow Cebuano Matthew Justine Hermosa who registered a personal best 56:57 and Baguio City’s Dayshaun Ramos (57:31).
Also back this year is Raven Faith Alcoseba, who clocked 1:03:55 to rule the women’s division over Erika Nicole Burgos of Tanauan, Batangas (1:05:39) and Kira Ellis (1:06:16).
Hermosa, Burgos, Ellis and Iñaki Emil Lorbes bagged the mixed team gold medal at the Cambodia SEA Games.
Other Cebuanos in the lineup are Renz Wynn Corbin (men’s elite); John Michael Lalimos (men’s junior elite); Nicole Marie Del Rosario (women’s elite); Alex Niño Silverio and Cedei Abellana (para triathlon); Zackary Angelo Da Silva and Henry Ezekiel Go (youth male); Christy Ann Perez, Niala Kyrzl Limas and Henia Ethania Go (youth female); John Wayne Ybañez (age group men); Venice Herbias (age group women); Kian Manabat (16-19); Mika Natural (13-15); Zia Angel Da Silva (8-under); Theodore Son and John Luigi Remolino II (9-10); Safficka Son and Zoe Angel Da Silva (11-12); and Althea Arciaga (9-10).
With Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) already banned and a lot of their foreign employees have left the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) required the local government units (LGUs) to submit “no POGO” certificates by the end of January 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. In relation, this involves the inspection of commercial buildings and other ways of checking the compliance with the POGO ban.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Local governments and police have been given the green light to inspect commercial buildings covered by business permits as well as residences in their jurisdiction to check for compliance with the government’s total ban on POGOs (Philippine Overseas Gaming Operations), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with Justice officials, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said local government units (LGUs) are required to submit “No POGO” certificates in their localities by the end of the month.
“LGUs are responsible for checking all the buildings, (and utilize) the occupancy permits, the electric permits, the fire safety permits so they would have full capacity to enter all the buildings,” Remulla explained.
Aside from commercial and residential building inspections, LGUs may also check if owners are paying correct real property taxes. Remulla noted that POGOs operate where there is available bandwidth.
“They cannot operate in remote areas because there would be no Internet there. They have a high bandwidth requirement to be able to operate,” he said.
Remulla also clarified that special economic zone areas or SEZAs are not exempt from the ban under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 74.
“It is very clear that with EO 74, CEZA, PEZA zones are not exempted. We have no boundaries. There are no walls high for us to climb. All these areas, we can inspect,” he said.
“The government’s anti-POGO campaign is an ongoing thing, (it’s) forever. We will continue to be vigilant about it,” Remulla stressed.
He added that the DILG will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy on erring local government officials in the campaign against POGOs.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think local governments will really work to meet the requirement of the DILG regarding POGOs? Does your local government still allow POGOs to operate?
In connection with the New Year 2025 and the uncertainties that lie ahead, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated its commitment to defending the nation, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated its commitment to defending the country and the people in welcoming the New Year.
“This New Year is an opportunity to renew our commitment to our shared goals and aspirations as an organization. Let us move forward with unity and determination, embracing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and remaining steadfast in our resolve to protect the Filipino people and our nation’s future,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in his New Year’s message.
Brawner also added that 2024 has proven the AFP’s collective strength, resilience, and professionalism as it faced numerous challenges.
“Together, we have faced challenges with courage, fulfilled our missions with excellence, and made significant strides in safeguarding our sovereignty and promoting peace and security,” he stressed.
Brawner also thanked military personnel for their dedication and tireless service to the nation.
“To the AFP family and our fellow Filipinos, I wish you all a prosperous and peaceful New Year. May 2025 bring us closer to our vision of a strong, secure, and progressive Philippines,” he added.
The Philippine Army (PA) also recognized the hard work of its personnel, which led to numerous gains in 2024.
“What we achieved this 2024 was not born out of ease but of effort. It came from steadfast dedication, strong collaboration, and from the unwavering support of those who believe in our mission,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said in his New Year’s message.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the AFP today is more capable of defending the nation from enemies both foreign and domestic? Do you think the AFP has better technologies and military hardware needed for its operations?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred senior citizens of Barangay Talon Dos were vaccinated for flu thanks to the vaccination program of the Las Piñas City Health Office, according to the City Government’s social media post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City Health Office successfully held a Free Flu Vaccination Program for Senior Citizens on Thursday, December 19, at the Bambusetum Covered Court in Talon Dos. The initiative aimed to safeguard senior citizens from seasonal flu, with over 700 elderly residents receiving their free flu shots.
Healthcare professionals administered the vaccines and provided essential health consultations to ensure the well-being and safety of attendees. The program was efficiently organized, ensuring smooth service delivery for all participants.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event, interacting with senior citizens and showing her support for the health initiative. Her presence emphasized the city government’s commitment to prioritizing public health, especially for vulnerable sectors.
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? Has the Las Piñas City Health Office organized a free flu vaccination program in your local community recently?
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
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 topics and the related videos I found.
#1 The dirty business behind Caffeine – Have you been drinking coffee, or sodas or energy drinks a lot over the past twelve months? Chances are, you are dependent on caffeine for your livelihood and your own lifestyle. Sadly, a lot of people out there are not even aware about the subject of caffeine in American history, in business and health studies. YouTuber fern has this in-depth look at caffeine and why there dirty business behind it. Watch and learn.
#2You, Me and the Movies react to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective – Despite being negatively received by movie critics in 1994, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective still went on to become a surprise hit in the cinemas grossing over $107 million worldwide and establishing Jim Carrey as an effective cinematic comedian. The film has an effective formula on making viewers laugh with Carrey’s performance, the jokes, the unfortunate turn of events, the funny one-liners and the like. I saw the film on home video in 1995 and I revisited it by watching the reaction video of You, Me and the Movies. If you have not seen Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, go watch it first. Otherwise, the reaction video below is entertaining to watch.
#3 The hunt for Ted Bundy explained by fern – Way back in 1989, I saw The Deliberate Stranger on local TV here in the Philippines. It was an engaging portrayal of the very notorious serial killer Ted Bundy (executed in 1989) who was responsible for the kidnapping, rape and murders of several young women and girls. While a lot of documentaries about Bundy have been released, fern’s visual presentation and explanatory observation of the killer’s story is a must-see.
#4 A look at the history of the Ikari Warriors trilogy – Back in the mid-1980s, I played Ikari Warriors (Japanese title: Ikari) on the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) and it was a fun game and even relatable. Why relatable? Because at the time of its release, the fictional character Rambo (played by Sylvester Stallone) and the Cold War were still present in our minds. As it turned out, Ikari Warriors was originally intended to be an official video game adaptation of Rambo: First Blood Part II but no agreement was made. Regardless, the game still had Rambo-inspired designs for the playable characters, an obvious Vietnam-inspired environment and lots of shooting-oriented action. It became so successful commercially, it eventually spawned two sequels. To know more about the history of the Ikari Warriors trilogy, watch PatmanQC’s video below.
#5 A look at 50 underrated arcade games from the 1990s – The 1990s was a wild time for people who love playing games in the arcades. While the decade was often perceived to be all about fighting games defining the arcade experience, there still was a greater variety of arcade games of different genres or game designs. This retro gaming video from Marvelous Gamers is a fun look back at the 1990s arcade games that got overlooked.
#6 Ashleigh Burton reacts to National Lampoon’s Vacation – If you are looking for a 1980s comedic viewing experience with a theme about going on holiday, then you should focus on National Lampoon’s Vacation directed by the late Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase. Released in cinemas in 1983, the movie became a box office hit grossing over $60 million in the American box office and it won a lot of rave reviews from the critics. If you have seen the movie and want to revisit it without the need to spend time watching it all over again, you should watch the reaction video by the jolly YouTuber Ashleigh Burton.
#7 Popcorn in Bed reacts to Quantum of Solace – I will say it clearly – Quantum of Solace was a very disappointing follow-up to Casino Royale (2006) as it was so negatively impacted by the strike of the Writers Guild of America as well as the lack of focus within the production. By the time I left the cinema, Quantum of Solace left me feeling numb and unsatisfied. That being said, I encourage you to see the reaction video of Popcorn in Bed (who also reacted to Casino Royale) and witness how the 2008 James Bond movie affected their viewing experience.
#8 Justin Trudeau officially resigns from office – I really do not like Justin Trudeau. As Prime Minister of Canada, he has been very out of touch with his people and does not seem concerned with them. Under the super woke and feminist Trudeau, the costs of living in Canada has gone way up, housing is too expensive and crime has gone up. There is also division and infighting within his Liberal Party which is not helping Canadians at all. Trudeau’s failed leadership should be a lesson to everyone that woke nuts, Satanic Leftists and outrageous liberals should not be voted to lead the government. Liberals do not care about common sense at all. Watch and learn from the videos below.
Recently in the city of Parañaque, the police apprehended a man in response to a complaint about the alleged stabbing of a woman, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A construction worker was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police who immediately responded after a report was made for stabbing a female victim on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect was identified as alias “John,” 27 and a resident of Tondo, Manila. He was arrested at around 1:30 a.m. in Barangay Marcelo Green, Parañaque City.
According to the report, the suspect barged into the house of a 32 year-old graphic artist victim who was resting due to fever and stabbed her several times.
Police said patrolling barangay watchmen who heard the commotion immediately responded and brought the victim to the Makati Medical Center for treatment.
Police also said the suspect was arrested after a witness saw the suspect walking along West Service Road. Recovered from the possession of the suspect was a 10-inch kitchen knife used in the crime.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, when was the last time a stabbing incident happened in your local community?
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 in the City of Muntinlupa, the local police apprehended a tricycle driver and a machine operator who were caught possessing firecrackers which was a violation of City Ordinance No. 14-092, 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…
Police arrested a tricycle driver and a machine operator who were caught in possession of firecrackers in Muntinlupa.
The two were arrested for violation of City Ordinance No. 14-092, which prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”
The suspects were identified as Vince, 26, a tricycle driver and Marvin, 30, a machine operator, who were caught by the Muntinlupa Police during an anti-criminality operation in Block 47, Soldiers Hills Village, Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa.
During the operation, the police confiscated 100 pieces of Kwitis, seven bundles of small luces, 20 pieces of whistle bomb, three small Batibot fountains, five small silver fountains, two bell orchid fountains, and three small fountains. The total estimated value of the seized items is P3,830.
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 happy that the police apprehended the violators of the local ordinance? Do you consider firecrackers dangerous and a waste of money? Do you think the City Government and the police did a good job making the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the city peaceful?
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
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 topics and the related videos I found.
#1 HolyLandSite’s examination of Kursi and Lord Jesus’ power over the demonic realm – Kursi is a place in the east side of the Sea of Galilee in the region of Gerasenes (or Gadarenes) in Israel where two men possessed by demons stayed at. HolyLandSite produced this video to emphasize the biblical relevance of the place, what happened and, most of all, the immense power Lord Jesus had over the demonic forces that caused huge problems for people back then. This is a biblical examination of the place and a lively reminder of the light and authority of Lord Jesus, the Savior and Hope of ALL nations. Grab a copy of the Holy Bible and then watch the video from start to finish.
#2GTV Japan examines Nintendo’s crisis – Remember back in the late 1980s when a shortage of ROM chips prevented Nintendo from releasing games on time? Back in those days, microchips were essential for manufacturing cartridges of games for consoles. A lot of people believed that Nintendo, which already had several restrictions on game publishing and business with 3rd party game companies, deliberately created the shortage for their advantage. There is a lot more details and developments that happened beyond the perceived shortage and the video by GTV Japan has a very in-depth look at it in the video below.
#3 What the hard drive of terrorist Bin Laden contained – Remember when America found and eliminated the mass murderer and terrorist Osama Bin Laden in 2011? YouTuber fern published a video focused on one particular aspect related to the operation that took Bin Laden down – the sensitive information contained in his hard drive. The video also has a key analyst interviewed who provided a lot of insight. Watch the video now.
#4 Wokeness in Japan exposed – Believe it or not, there definitely is wokeness in Japan and it was exposed a lot during their news media coverage of the 2024 US Presidential Election which Donald Trump won. In fact, a certain Japanese professor who was included in the media outlet’s coverage (being in the studio with others) was so liberal, he got frustrated as Commie Kamala Harris lost and he even reiterated the Democrats’ buzz words like “threat to democracy”. Think about it very carefully. The Democrats and their Satanic Left pawns have been spreading their distorted views in Japan and influenced some people there. The woke-minded in Japan may not realize it but they are looking and sounding awkward (if not pathetic). Perhaps some woke nuts of Japan love Islamic terrorists and I know they have pro-Palestine zealots. Watch and learn from the video below.
#5 Controversial Alice Guo featured in episode of Dark Asia with Megan – Alice Guo (AKA Guo Hua Ping), the controversial former mayor of Bamban who has been detained for various charges, is now the subject of a new episode of Dark Asia with Megan. For the newcomers reading this, Alice Guo is notorious in the Philippines not only for her links with POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) but also for her very questionable background with regards to citizenship, family and origin. She even escaped the Philippines temporarily before getting brought back. In fact, Alice Guo’s case raises a lot of questions about national security, espionage and foreign infiltration into the systems of governance in the Philippines. Watch and learn from the Dark Asia with Megan video.
#6 PatmanQC examines Donkey Kong – Long before Donkey Kong Country became a massive critical and commercial hit with gamers around the world, there was the original Donkey Kong in 1981. I never played the arcade version but I played Donkey Kong on the Atari 2600 back in the early 1980s and it was a fun game. A short time later, I played the ColecoVision version and was impressed to see the graphical improvements. The production history of Donkey Kong is really interesting and PatmanQC produced not just one but two documentary videos about the game.
#7 Popcorn in Bed and You, Me and the Movies react to Vertigo –Vertigo, the classic film directed by Alfred Hichcock, was one of the first twenty-five films selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. That being said, it is not surprising that it has been the subject of several movie reaction videos on YouTube. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to watch it entirely first when you have the chance. Otherwise, I encourage you to watch the reaction videos of Popcorn in Bed, and You, Me and the Movies below.
#8 Ashleigh Burton reacts to Signs – Back in 2002, I saw Signs inside a packed local cinema during the evening. The film directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Mel Gibson kept moviegoers in suspense and occasionally pulled off some sudden scary moments. That being said, you have to see Ashleigh Burton react to it.
Author Carlo Carrasco 