Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended two Chinese nationals over their involvement in online gambling, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune. The suspects are fugitives wanted in China.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two Chinese nationals wanted in their home country were arrested in Parañaque City for alleged involvement in running online gambling websites, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Wednesday.
The BI identified the Chinese nationals as 38-year-old Wu Huifu and 48-year-old Li Yong. The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit took the two into custody during an operation in Barangay Tambo on Tuesday evening. Li is said to be an assistant of Wu.
The arrest followed information relayed by Chinese authorities, who said both men are subjects of arrest warrants.
According to BI Deputy Spokesperson Marvin Mabulac, the two have been operating multiple overseas online gambling platforms where they “manipulate betting systems to defraud players.” This, in turn, prolongs player activity and increases bets, which results in losses for participants and profits estimated at CNY8.6 million. The operation had already victimized around 500,000 players.
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 more Chinese criminals secretly operating illegal gambling within the city? Is online gambling affecting members of 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 Parañaque, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found a new scam hub inside a condominium unit and arrested a Chinese nation, 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…
A Chinese national has been arrested in a reported scam hub in Parañaque City, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said.
In a statement, the NBI identified the foreigner as Li Zhenjie who was arrested last Nov. 21 during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) by operatives of the bureau’s Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD). It also said that seized were “devices containing critical social engineering scripts.”
Li has been charged before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office for social engineering schemes in violations of Section 4(b)(1) of Republic Act (RA) No. 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, in relation to RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, it added.
The NBI said its application for the issuance of a search warrant was based on confidential information on “a sophisticated scam operating from a condominium unit in Parañaque City.”
It said the information stated that “the perpetrators were using spoofed contact numbers, impersonating agents of the New Haven Police Department in Connecticut, USA, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington.”
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 a lot more secretive scam operations handled by Chinese nationals within the city? Do you think the suspect could be a spy working for Communist China? What do you think makes Parañaque such an attractive destination for scam operations?
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 videos I found.
#1 The Matrix Revisited – What else is there to say about The Matrix? There are some who claimed it is the greatest science fiction movie ever made. Some described it as more relevant than ever due to the wide public use of artificial intelligence (AI) today. In my experience, I saw a special re-screening of The Matrix at the old cinema of Festival Mall in December 1999 and it was entertaining but I never became a fan of its entertainment franchise. Regardless, the film continues to entertain and surprise YouTubers and you can see how by watching the selected videos below.
#2 The Horror Aspect Of Halo: Combat Evolved – It has been 24 years since Halo: Combat Evolved launched along with the original Xbox console. I played and finished the classic sci-fi first-person shooting game on rented Xbox consoles before and it remains a highly significant gaming experience to me. Original game developer Bungie did not just create a great sci-fi game but also designed it to be immersive, captivating and atmospheric. Within the atmosphere in the game is the subtle but effective use of horror elements which added to the mystery. How does the horror function in the classic game? Watch and learn from the video below.
#3 Meat & Rice Meals In Japan – Here is another food-related video in Japan. This is for those who crave for delicious meals composed of nice amounts of meat and rice The food joint in the video below not only serves the mentioned meals, it is able to cook many kinds of fried rice as well! Watch and enjoy the video below.
#4 Most Notable Episodes Of The Real Ghostbusters – As a young boy in the 1980s, I saw the classic movie Ghostbusters in 1984 and a few years later, I started watching episodes of The Real Ghostbusters animated TV series on home video and eventually on local TV. For the newcomers reading this, The Real Ghostbusters was the sequel and spin-off to the 1984 film and it had a specific title (using “Real”) as a result of a dispute with Filmation which had the Ghost Busters franchise. I lost count as to how many episodes of the animated series I saw but there were a few notable ones I still remember and Minty Comedic Arts’ recent video contained them. Watch the video below.
#5 UAE Rejects Radical Islam And The Islamists! – Islamists are an extreme and evil bunch. They cause trouble wherever they are and they are driven to overwhelm others, to bring down societies and become the one discriminating dominant force. Islamists have already infiltrated many European nations by means of mass migration (including entry as asylum seekers or refugees needing the host nation’s humanitarian assistance) and teaming up with the Satanic Leftists (to form a new Islamo-Leftist mob overseas). In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) knows how destructive radical Islam really is and they made clear that they not only reject Islamists but also remove them. Watch and learn from the video below.
#6 Japan Tightens Business Manager Visa Policy! – Recently, I blogged about Japan’s reformed policy on the business manager visa in response to the fraud and violations committed by foreigners – notably the Chinese nationals – who carried it. The requirements were drastically changed, new applicants must have at least a few years real experience of business practice, and the hiring of at least one full-time employee (who is Japanese or a permanent resident) must be done. As many of the abusers of the business manager visa were Chinese nationals, I found a video focused on the topic and what the affected Chinese holders of the visa in Japan think about the reforms done by the Japanese. Watch the video below.
Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested an overstaying Chinese national who was caught in the act of running a scam operation in his residence, 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…
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national allegedly operating a cryptocurrency investment scam in a condominium unit in Parañaque City.
In a statement on Wednesday, the BI said fugitive search unit (FSU) agents, working with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) and the Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime, apprehended a 41-year-old Chinese national on Monday, inside a residence along Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. in Barangay Tambo.
Authorities said the man was caught in the act of managing a computer workstation suspected of being used for online fraud. Intelligence reports earlier linked the location to another Chinese national believed to be running the operation with several accomplices.
He had also overstayed in the country, failing to extend his visa since October 2024, and was found to be working without a permit.
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 more Chinese nationals illegally staying and secretly doing scam operations? Are there many Chinese nationals living in your residential community right now?
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 ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has officially been institutionalized recently as Republic Act Number 12312 has been signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Back in July 2024, the ban on POGOs was declared and there were some economic effects that followed (click here and here). POGOs are notorious for being connected with varied forms of crime and human rights abuses. It should be noted that even though the ban was in effect, there were still POGO operations uncovered in Parañaque City (click here, here and here) which itself has been a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals for many years now.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, institutionalizing the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and declaring their operations and other related activities illegal.
RA 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, signed by Marcos on Oct. 23, repeals RA 11590, which previously legalized offshore gaming operations.
“The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” the new law stated.
“To this end, offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful,” it added.
RA 12312 prohibits the establishment, operation, or conduct of offshore gaming in the Philippines; the acceptance of any form of betting for offshore gaming operations; acting as a POGO gaming content or service provider; the creation and operation of a POGO hub; and the introduction, use, or possession of POGO gaming equipment or paraphernalia.
The law orders the permanent cancellation of all licenses previously issued for POGO operations.
All Alien Employment Permits and certificates of exemption and exclusion issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as well as any visa or work permit issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) or other visa-issuing agencies to POGO workers, have also been revoked.
“Upon the effectivity of this Act, the DOLE, the BI, and other visa-issuing agencies shall not be allowed to issue any visa or work permit to any person for purposes related to offshore gaming operations,” the law stated.
“The BI shall ensure that any foreign national whose visa is cancelled in accordance with this provision shall be deported directly to the country of his or her birth or citizenship, in coordination with the appropriate embassy or consulate.”
Under RA 12312, all POGOs, as well as POGO gaming content providers, accredited service providers, and local gaming agents whose licenses have been revoked, remain liable for taxes, duties, regulatory fees, and all other charges up to the last day of their operations.
These are due and payable to the government for obligations arising from or in connection with their operations.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is directed to audit persons and entities to determine any outstanding tax liabilities, despite the revocation of licenses and closure of operations.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are still POGOs or even tiny POGO-like operations still operating secretly around the country right now?
In response to the abuse of visa processes and cases of fraud committed by some foreigners, Japan recently tightened the rules for applying for the Business Manager Visa and also raised the capital requirement by six times, according to varied sources. To put things in perspective, the said visa was launched by Japan over a decade ago in order to attract foreign entrepreneurs who can contribute a lot to building up the national economy and create new jobs.
To get yourselves oriented, watch the English-language analytical news video of NHK World by clicking here. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from NHK’s English news report. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s business manager residence status, introduced a decade ago to lure entrepreneurs from overseas, has become increasingly popular. More than 41,000 people held it last year.
But concerns have grown that the status was being misused as an easy path to immigration, prompting the government to tighten rules this month – including a steep increase in capital requirements.
Worries about abuse – With the number of business manager visas issued more than doubling in ten years, worries have grown that it was being misused – a view highlighted by then-justice minister Suzuki Keisuke earlier this month.
“It was pointed out that the residential status is abused by some foreigners as a means of moving to Japan, as permit standards are lax compared to the same systems in other countries.” (Suzuki Keisuke)
How have the requirements changed? –Japan introduced this visa 10 years ago to attract foreign entrepreneurs. The goal was to boost investment and create jobs. But new rules for the visa were introduced in October.
The capital requirement was raised six-fold, from 5 million to 30 million yen. That means incoming applicants will need nearly 200,000 dollars in the bank.
The rules also require companies to hire at least one full-time employee, who must be, for example, a Japanese citizen or permanent resident.
It also requires that applicants have at least three years of business management experience or hold at least a master’s degree.
Why tighten the rules? – Authorities said the capital requirement was too low. In addition, they’ve seen a number of fraudulent applications using shell companies that aren’t actually operative in the real world.
“Someone who has no intention of engaging in business activities can obtain business manager residence status as a means of immigrating to Japan. But that is not acceptable from our viewpoint. We made these changes because we believe the previous requirements were too loose.” (Ito Junji)
Over 41,000 people had business manager residence status last year. That number has more than doubled over the last decade.
Social situation in China may be one cause of the increase – More than half of the people holding this residence status are Chinese. Of course, there are legitimate applications. But the visa has also been widely advertised on social media as a means of moving to Japan.
And some Chinese residents are looking for a way to escape their country’s harsh rules. For example, Beijing’s strict lockdown policies during the coronavirus pandemic pushed people away. And China’s high-pressure “entrance exam war” is another reason why people want to leave China. They want to raise their children in Japan to avoid that kind of pressure.
Meanwhile, The Japan News (of The Yomiuri Shimbun) published an editorial about the recent tightening of rules regarding the Business Management Visa. Posted below is an excerpt. Some parts in boldface…
A status of residence originally created to help Japan’s economic growth by accepting entrepreneur-minded foreign nationals is being abused.
The system must be changed in line with its original intent, while authorities must firmly crack down on illegal residency.
The Justice Ministry has tightened the requirements for obtaining the business manager visa, a type of residence status, by revising a ministerial ordinance under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law.
This type of visa was created in 2015 for foreign nationals who launch businesses in Japan. The number of business manager visa holders has continued to increase, reaching 44,800 in June this year.
In recent years, there have been cases where foreign nationals have reportedly obtained this visa fraudulently by establishing shell companies. The Immigration Services Agency investigated 300 applications suspected of fraud and found that 90% of them had irregularities such as having no actual business operations.
It is believed that the holders of this visa in those cases have come to Japan under the guise of starting businesses with their real purpose being to bring their families for advanced medical treatment or to provide their children with high-quality education. This situation where the system’s original intent is being disregarded cannot be overlooked.
Previously, the government granted this status of residence for up to five years if applicants had an office in Japan and met either of these requirements: having capital of ¥5 million or more or hiring two or more full-time employees.
Under the revised ministerial ordinance, the minimum capital requirement has been raised to ¥30 million and it is now mandatory to hire at least one full-time employee. A certain level of Japanese language ability is another new requirement.
In South Korea, obtaining a similar visa requires about ¥32 million in capital, and in the United States, about ¥15 million to ¥30 million in capital is needed. Compared to other countries, Japan’s lenient visa criteria may have contributed to the rampant abuse.
There are other areas that need to be changed. Currently, screenings for the visa have been conducted primarily through documents alone. If illegal acquisition is suspected, why not conduct interviews with the applicants in addition to on-site inspections?
It is also important to check business operations regularly after the visa is granted. To that end, strengthening the system for immigration checks is indispensable.
Some people say that because screenings of registrations for companies and other entities have been lax in the first place, shell companies have been used as covers for money laundering and other purposes. The loose screening system must be overhauled.
As you can see in the above editorial excerpt, cases of abuse and fraud were spotted by Japan’s government already. In related to the findings, watch the China Observer YouTube video below.
The China Observer video pointed out that a lot of foreigners who applied for Japan’s Business Manager Visa before were Chinese nationals. Some Chinese nationals see the said visa as a shortcut to immigration into Japan and get away from mainland China where their lives allegedly have been hard and restrictive. It is also widely reported that China has been having serious economic problems for years now.
Going back to the Japanese authorities, the changes made on the Business Manager Visa were meant to prevent further fraud from happening, to ensure that companies have substantial operational capability, and prevent the proliferation of shell companies. Along the way, the authorities want to make certain that those who applied for the visa have at least 3 years entrepreneurial experience or have a master’s degree in business management, so that the foreigners (who secretly have no intention to contribute to Japan’s economy) can be prevented from entering.
When it comes to the abuses of the Business Manager Visa, Japanese authorities discovered cases of fraud such as some small buildings in Tokyo and Osaka had as many as fifty different company names registered with the same address, and often with no real staff present. These visa-related fraud cases only add to the endless problems Japan already has. That being said, Japanese authorities did the right thing with tightening the rules and adjusting requirements for the Business Management Visa.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think that too many foreigners abused the Business Management Visa already? Did you notice any foreigners who want to migrate to Japan with a hidden agenda that would only lead to trouble? Do you think other countries should follow Japan’s example?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese nationals – one fugitive and the other with a hold departure order from a local court – according to a news report by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese national wanted in his home country for allegedly duping his victims of over $900,000 through fraudulent investment schemes was recently arrested in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration said on Monday.
The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit collared the 36-year-old suspect during an operation along Aseana Avenue in Barangay Tambo in the evening of Sept. 29. Aside from being a fugitive, the suspect was also found to be an overstaying alien.
The Chinese national is wanted by the Jiutai District Court in Chang Chun City, Jilin Province, China, for illegal absorption of public deposits.
The suspect allegedly conspired with other Chinese nationals in defrauding 6.54 RMB (renminbi) or around $918,603 from 42 investors between 2016 and 2019 by enticing them to put their money in fraudulent investment schemes.
During the same operation, the BI agents also encountered another Chinese national, a 53-year-old man with active derogatory records and is facing a hold departure order from a Parañaque City court.
Both foreigners were taken into custody following booking and documentation procedures and will be turned over to the BI’s Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
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 more Chinese fugitives living secretly in your local community? What do you think makes Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activity involving Chinese nationals?
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 Parañaque, five Chinese nationals and two local cohorts were arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for selling beer and luncheon meat that were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 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…
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested five Chinese and their two alleged Filipino cohorts for selling beers and luncheon meat that are believed to be smuggled.
CIDG director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the bottles of beer and the cans of luncheon meat they seized during the operation in Barangay Marcelo in Parañaque City were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This is the reason, he said, why the five Chinese and two Filipinos were collared and now facing criminal charges.
He said the operation stemmed from reports about the proliferation of food and beverage products that were smuggled into the country and being sold without the approval of the FDA.
Armed with a search warrant, CIDG operatives swooped down on a warehouse in Parañaque City and seized 500 cases of “Snow” beer in cans, and 300 boxes of “Meining” pork luncheon meat. The seized products are estimated to be worth P1.1 million.
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 considered that Chinese criminals staying in the city are somehow smuggling products around? Could you tell if the products offered to you were smuggled? Is smuggling only to get worse in Parañaque over the next six 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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers arrested four Chinese nationals over the kidnap of a fellow Chinese national, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspects previously operated as money changers targeting those who exchanged large amount of money.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Four Chinese nationals were arrested over the weekend for allegedly kidnapping a fellow Chinese citizen, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced on Monday.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Torre said the four suspects were arrested on Saturday by members of the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) at a resort-casino in Parañaque City.
He said the group operated as money changers who would target individuals exchanging large amounts of money.
“Matagal na kasi established itong apat, kilala na ito na mga money changer (These four have been established for a long time and are known as money changers),” he added.
AKG director Brig. Gen. Glicerio Cansilao said the 30-year-old male victim, while in captivity, managed to a discreetly call a friend through a borrowed mobile phone. The friend then called law enforcement authorities via 911.
Upon arrival at the hotel room, AKG operatives found six individuals —the four suspects, the victim, and a female Chinese national who also turned out to be a victim.
It was also learned that the male victim was physically harmed and forced to transfer an approximate amount of US$50,000 from his cryptocurrency wallet as part of ransom for his freedom.
The suspects are temporarily detained at Camp Crame and have already undergone inquest proceedings for charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
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 a lot of criminal activities committed by Chinese nationals? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?
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
While Spain and other nations of Europe are struggling with the high number of illegal migrants and foreign nationals who keep on trespassing into their respective territories, the Philippines deported more than one thousand four hundred foreigners in the first half of 2025 over a series of violations of immigration law, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the first PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The number of foreign nationals who were deported during the first half of the year doubled compared to last year, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Friday.
According to Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, data from the bureau’s deportation and implementation unit (DIU) revealed that a total of 1,422 foreign nationals were deported due to immigration violations during the period. The BI recorded 717 deportees during the same period in 2024.
Chinese nationals topped the list with 957, followed by 231 Vietnamese, 41 South Koreans, 41 Malaysians, and 37 Burmese.
Viado said majority of the deportations were foreigners found to be illegally working in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country despite the ban.
“Our strengthened deportation protocols follow the directive of the President to act swiftly and remove foreigners who abuse our people’s hospitality. We will continue expediting the deportation of foreign nationals who violate our laws,” the BI chief added in a statement.
The BI earlier reported improvements in deportation protocols, including fast-tracking clearances in partnership with the National Bureau of Investigation, immediate resolution of cases suspected to be filed under the ‘demanda me’ scheme, regular coordination with embassies for swift issuance of travel documents, and opening of a new holding facility for arrested aliens.Meanwhile, Viado also reported the arrest on July 22 of two Sudanese nationals found to be undocumented in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to apprehend and deport more illegal aliens who are still on the lose all over the Philippines? Do you think the authorities can double the number of deportees by the end of this year?
Author Carlo Carrasco 