China – Page 9 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Change we can believe in

January 23, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Last November, Donald Trump pulled off the greatest American comeback ever by winning the US Presidential Election again. A few days ago, the inauguration in Washington, DC, took place indoors and Trump formally returned as US President (starting his non-consecutive 2^nd term). Indeed, the craziness and wickedness of the Biden-Harris administration has ended much to the relief of the many Americans who suffered over the previous four years (the lost years).

For insight, watch the selected YouTube videos below…

To read the content of President Trump’s 2025 inaugural address, click here.

Trump did not just return to the Oval Office. He really accelerated the start of his 2^nd term by signing so many executive orders (EOs), proclamations, memoranda and executive actions to initiate serious reforms with improvements, prosperity and common sense in mind. Think very carefully about all the woke garbage, all the blunders and all the nonsense left behind by Joe Biden and the demonic Democrats. President Trump is reversing the Biden standards to make America great again while also fulfilling the promises he made to the people with regards to policy.

Already, President Trump signed the following EOs: the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, the designation of cartels and other organizations as foreign terrorist organizations, putting an end to radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing, the defense of women from gender ideology extremism, withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization and more. To see more presidential actions or EOs signed by Trump, click here. For additional insight, watch the CBN News video below.

The early presidential actions done by Trump is all about making America better in many ways. This is about change that people can really believe in. American citizens are meant to be prioritized, the national sovereignty is meant to be protected, while the illegal immigrants are meant to be deported. Common sense, not the wicked DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and not the disease called wokeness, should be the standard when it comes to education, corporate ethics and the labor force.

Democrats and woke mob can shout and cry all they want, but President Trump’s mission is to make America great again and that means restoring sanity, common sense and meritocracy around the nation.

Overseas, America’s enemies are already feeling intimidated by Trump’s return. The terrorist state of Iran knows that a reinvigorated Israel-America alliance will cripple them severely. The renewed Israel-America alliance involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu collaborating with President Trump could potentially change the Middle East in the near future.

Thank the Lord for the return of President Trump.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you delighted to see the return of Donald Trump as the President of the United States? Do you believe that the many executive orders Trump signed on his first day will result in reforms? Are you convinced that the woke influence on America will significantly fade away as Trump restores sanity and common sense around the country?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Local authorities raid illegal operation inside Cavite resort, 29 foreigners arrested

January 22, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, a team of law enforcers raided an illegal operation inside a Cavite resort and arrested twenty-nine foreign nationals – most of them from China – according to a GMA Network news report. It has been confirmed that there are still several thousands of foreign POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) workers in the country and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

Despite the nationwide ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), 29 foreigners, including the alleged Chinese boss, were arrested after authorities raided a guerilla operation inside a resort in Silang, Cavite.

According to John Consulta’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) first discovered the illegal operation of the POGO and shared the information with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

“Mayroong confidential informant na nagpunta sa office, na sinabi niya na may kakaibang nangyayari na doon sa resort, may mga nagda-drop na mga Chinese,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel J Gatdula, CIDG Cavite chief.

(There was a confidential informant who went to the office and said that there’s something sketchy happening at the resort as there were Chinese people dropping by.)

While most of those who were arrested are Chinese, six others are citizens of Myanmar. A Chinese man who was alleged to be the boss denied the accusations.

“No, no boss,” he said.

CIDG Cavite said the POGO workers arrived at the resort last December. They were using laptops instead of desktop computers, with each person using a mobile WiFi instead of an internet router.

Authorities confiscated electronic equipment that were allegedly used for scamming activities.

“Ito yung sinasabi nating nagtatago sa mga resorts, sa mga apartments […] Sa harap pa lang makikita mo na mayroong mga transaction ng cryptocurrency scam,” said PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.

(This is what we have been saying that they could hide in resorts or in apartments […] You can even notice at the facade that they were cryptocurrency scam transactions happening.)

“Dapat wala na sila dito. Kung may mga passports ‘yan, dapat tourist passports lang sila,” he added.

(They should no longer be here. If they have passports, it should be tourist passports.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any suspicious activities happening within your local community? Do you think there could be a lot more POGO-related operations happening inside resorts around the country? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now?

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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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

32 foreign nationals arrested in Parañaque City for illegal POGO work

January 19, 2025January 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in Parañaque City, thirty-two foreign nationals were arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their involvement with clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

A joint Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operation netted 32 foreign nationals found to be working for clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in Parañaque City on Friday night.

BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. reported that the foreigners were involved in online gaming and scamming operations in a building in Aseana City, a mixed-use central business district. The operation nabbed 20 Chinese, 11 Malaysians and a Cambodian.

“Let this be a warning to foreign nationals who blatantly continue illegal operations despite the ban of the President,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a news release on Saturday. “We will not stop until all illegal aliens are arrested and deported.”

The BI said more arrests and deportations are expected as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had already banned POGO operations in July 2024.

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 concerned that there could still be many illegal POGO operations being done secretly? Why do you think Parañaque is such a hot spot for illegal POGO operations as well as criminal activities involving foreigners? Do you believe that there are thousands of illegal aliens living and working discreetly in Parañaque?

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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Immigration operatives arrest two Chinese passengers who used fake visas

January 16, 2025January 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, two Chinese nationals who tried to leave the country using fake visas were intercepted by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese passengers who attempted to leave the Philippines using counterfeit visas.

According to the BI, passengers Wang Dingku, 31, and Su Zhengkun, 25, were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 after trying to board a flight bound for Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday.

The BI said the travelers presented themselves at the immigration counter for departure formalities when the immigration officers noticed discrepancies in their visas. This prompted the BI officers to refer the documents to the forensic documents laboratory for checking, which later confirmed the documents as fake.

The BI said the Chinese passengers also allegedly used the counterfeit documents to enter the country.

The two will be charged with violating the Philippine Immigration Act before the BI board of commissioners, which will issue the order for their summary deportation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Chinese nationals living within your local community used fake documents to enter the Philippines and will use them to go overseas?

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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Philippines attracts less than 6 million foreign tourists in 2024, points to tourism revenue for success

January 16, 2025January 7, 2025carlocarrasco

When it comes to the state of tourism in 2024, the Philippines achieved a mixed record by failing to reach its declared target of 7.7 million international visitors while still managing to achieve a new, all-time record with P760.5 billion in tourism revenue, 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…

Philippine tourism earned an all-time high revenue of PHP760.5 billion in 2024, translating to a 126.75 percent recovery rate from the 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Revenues from inbound tourism expenditures — representing the total amount spent by non-resident visitors — were 9.04 percent higher compared to the PHP697.46 billion in 2023.

Department of Tourism (DOT) data showed earnings surpassed the estimated PHP600.01 billion in 2019 by an impressive 26.75 percent.

“With these figures, it is clear that the Philippine tourism industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving and expanding, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic stability and growth. In the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth in tourism revenue, which has surpassed previous records,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Monday.

“This achievement is not just a statistic. It translates to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, fostering economic resilience and enabling families to thrive,” she added.

She attributed this growth to the pro-tourism policies of the Marcos administration that prioritized the sustainable development of Philippine tourism resources.

“These policies focus on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage conservation and investing in skills development programs for our workforce, among others. We believe that the growth of tourism should be inclusive and equitable, empowering local entrepreneurs and communities,” she said.

Based on the World Travel and Tourism Council data, international tourists spend at least USD2,073 per capita.

From an average of nine nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of over 11 nights in the country, while 70 percent are repeat visitors.

Continued collaboration with stakeholders from the private sector also garnered about 63.18 percent repeat visitors in 2023, the DOT said.

Tourist arrivals – While falling short of its original target of 7.7 million, the DOT said the country still recorded growth in the number of foreign visitors last year at 5,949,350, up by 9.15 percent from the 5.45 million foreign guests recorded in 2023.

South Korea maintained its position as the top source of foreign tourists, with arrivals increasing to 1,574,152 from 1,455,977 in 2023, garnering more than 26.46 percent of the total market share.

Frasco cited the country’s “effective strategic marketing initiatives, enhanced air connectivity and strengthened cultural exchanges” for the sustained number of Korean tourists to the Philippines.

“Furthermore, the Philippines’ growing reputation as a prime destination for incentive travel has played a key role in this positive trend, attracting an increasing number of Korean companies hosting their reward trips for their employees in the Philippines’ world-class tourist destinations,” she said.

The United States ranked second, with 1,076,663 visitors in 2024, increasing from 1,041,305 in 2023. Enhanced connectivity, including nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila by United Airlines and from Seattle to Manila by Philippine Airlines contributed to the growth of the market.

Japan, meanwhile, emerged as a standout market with a 22.84 percent growth in arrivals, reaching 444,528 visitors from its previous year’s 361,862.

The surge was attributed to aggressive tourism campaigns and strategic partnerships with Japanese travel agencies that paved further awareness and interest in the Philippines as a travel destination.

Though significantly lower than the pre-pandemic figures, China showed signs of recovery with 313,856 arrivals compared to 264,922 in the previous year.

This can be attributed, the DOT said, to the increased number of flights from 2023, both commercial and chartered, including the first half of 2024, connecting China directly to Cebu, Bohol, and Davao.

Cruise ships also started to arrive during the second half of 2024, with the new visa waiver program becoming an important factor for the improved numbers.

Other consistent contributors included Australia (299,286) and Canada (269,300). Emerging markets like Taiwan and Singapore demonstrated strong growth momentum, with arrivals reaching 213,833 and 198,471, respectively.

The introduction of direct flights to Kalibo in Aklan and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, as well as the growth of niche markets such as English as Second Language (ESL) learning and diving, contributed greatly to the visits of guests from Taiwan.

The United Kingdom likewise sustained its position among the top contributors with 178,656 visitors, driven by a keen interest in heritage tourism and adventure activities. Meanwhile, Malaysia emerged 10th with 99,881 registered arrivals in 2024.

The DOT said the Middle Eastern market similarly showed promising signs of recovery in 2024.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) posted a remarkable 668.34 percent recovery rate from its 2019 figures, reflecting increased air connectivity and a surge in interest in the Philippines as a leisure destination. Qatar followed closely, with an impressive 832.87 percent recovery rate, and Saudi Arabia with 66.54 percent growth.

Likewise, Oman and Bahrain registered more than 200 percent recovery rates from the 2019 number of arrivals, the DOT said.

Those in the top 25 source markets which have fully recovered as compared with 2019 data included Australia (102.63 percent), Canada (109.26 percent), Hong Kong (106.79 percent), UAE (668.34 percent), Italy (143.02 percent), Spain (111.08 percent), Guam (200.19 percent), New Zealand (100.50 percent) and Switzerland (102.01 percent).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is safe to call 2024 a successful year of tourism for the Philippines with regards to the record-high tourism revenue achieved? Do you think the Philippines will be able to attract at least 6 million foreign tourists this year?

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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Bureau of Immigration says harboring foreign workers of POGOs means prosecution

January 11, 2025January 8, 2025carlocarrasco

As there are still over eleven thousand foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who failed to follow the December 31, 2024 deadline (for departure) and remained in the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act, 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…

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?

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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Local government units (LGUs) required by DILG to submit “no POGO” certificates by the end of the month

January 10, 2025January 3, 2025carlocarrasco

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?

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 50

January 6, 2025January 1, 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 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.

#2 GTV 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 3^rd 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.

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NBI agents arrest Chinese nationals and rescue helper during Parañaque City raid

December 27, 2024December 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a house resulting in the rescue of a helper and the apprehension of several Chinese nationals, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The authorities rescued a house helper in Parañaque City after being locked in by her employer operating a (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation) (POGO).

According to John Consulta’s report on 24 Oras, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents raided a house inside an exclusive subdivision in Parañaque City.

On the third floor, some Chinese nationals were caught online.

The helper said when she found out about the illegal activities happening inside the house, they locked her inside the house.

“Noong bigla ako umakyat doon at nakita ko na ganun ang trabaho nila. Noong malaman ko binabawalan na nila akong umakyat, bawal na ako lumabas kasi baka magkwento raw ako sa labas. Binabawalan nila akong maglinis sa third floor. Natatakot po ako,” she said.

(When I went up there, I saw what they were doing. When I found out what they were really doing they banned me from going upstairs, I wasn’t allowed to go out because I might tell someone about this outside. They forbid me to clean the third floor. I’m afraid.)

The NBI said she wasn’t able to go out since November.

“Nag-start ng November na ‘di na siya pinapalabas, restricted na galaw niya. Kahit sa paggamit ng cellphone, di na siya pinapagamit ng maayos,” said Terence Long-e, NBI agent.

(It started in November that she was no longer allowed to go out, her movements were restricted. Even when using a cell phone, she is not allowed to use it.)

Luckily, she was able to call a friend who then asked for help from the NBI.

The authorities discovered their scripts on the computers and the various online frauds they were into. There is also an indication that they are preying on some Filipinos.

“Nakakita kami ng mga written script which indicates social engineering scheme, may cryptocurrency scripts, may money muling, may nakita kaming romance scam script,” said NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.

(We have found written scripts that indicate social engineering schemes, there are cryptocurrency scripts, money muling, and we have found romance scam scripts.)

“They come from a big POGO organization, dahil sa wala na nga, pinatigil na ng pangulo ang POGO, nagdivide sila into smaller group at tinuloy nila ang mga kalokohan nila,” said NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

(They come from a big POGO organization because it’s gone, the president stopped the POGO, they divided into smaller groups, and they continued their nonsense.)

Seven Chinese nationals were arrested and are facing multiple complaints. No one among them gave a statement.

The NBI will assist the rescued helper to return home to her two children in Davao.

“Yung finile namin is at least apat na charges, merong afasa, may Kasambahay Law, may Republic Act 10175, at merong expanded Anti- Human Trafficking in Persons Act,” said Lotoc.

(Our final is at least four charges: there is a fast, there is the Maid Law, there is Republic Act 10175, and there is the expanded Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act.)

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 concerned that there could be small groups of POGOs secretly setting up new and illegal operations within your local community? Do you think Parañaque has something that makes it a preferable destination for Chinese nationals to set up illegal operations?

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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Philippines attracted more international visitors than last year but still behind 2024 target

December 24, 2024December 18, 2024carlocarrasco

When it comes to attracting visitors from overseas, the Philippines improved over the 5.45 million international visitors of 2023 but they have yet to hit the declared 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitors and time is already running out, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

INTERNATIONAL visitors to the Philippines totaled 5.65 million as of Dec. 15, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT), well behind the pace needed to achieve the 7.7 million target for the year.

“South Korea remains our top source market, followed by the US and Japan,” Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco said at a briefing on Tuesday.

“To further expand our reach, we have intensified efforts to engage emerging opportunity markets, sharing the unique story of the Filipino and showcasing the rich array of experiences our country has to offer,” Ms. Frasco added.

The mid-December total is equivalent to 73.4% of the target for the year.

The DoT said that South Korea accounted for 1.15 million or 20.3% of the total arrivals, followed by the US with 889,489 or 15.7%, and Japan 367,747 or 6.5%.

Rounding out the top five were China, which sent 306,549 visitors or 5.4%, and Australia with 249,140 or 4.4%.

The other leading sources of visitors were Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, the UK, and Malaysia.

“We have graduated from measuring tourism merely by the number of people arriving, but rather on the more important numbers” like spending, length of stay, and return visits, she added.

Ms. Frasco said tourism receipts as of Dec. 15 amounted to P712 billion, exceeding the P697 billion booked in 2023.

“Tourists are now spending an average of over 11 nights in the country, and over 70% are repeat visitors,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is still possible for the Philippines to be able to attracted at least 6.5 million international tourists by December 31, 2024? Do you think the Philippines could do better or worse in 2025? What do you think is the one single issue that made it hard for the Philippines to attract more visitors from overseas? Do you think the new law of Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists will make an impact by the middle of 2025?

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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