City of Las Piñas – Page 26 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Raided Las Piñas City firm files complaint against PNP

July 24, 2023July 21, 2023carlocarrasco

The firm in Las Piñas City that got raided responded by filing an ejectment case against the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to a news report by GMA Network. Take note that this is the same firm that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ordered to be shut down and there were foreign fugitives among those found during the raid (click here and here).

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

A firm that was involved in a police raid in Las Piñas City filed an ejectment case against the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday over their alleged continued stay at the compound.

“We filed the case because PNP had been continuously occupying the compound which is a private property, even after the expiration of the search warrants on July 7, 2023,” Christian Vargas, the legal counsel of the Xinchuang Network Technology, told GMA News Online.

Vargas said this is a “dangerous practice” and is a violation of the company’s constitutional right as it is being deprived of its property without due process.

“The duty of the PNP is to uphold and enforce the law and not take the law into its own hands. Nakakatakot ito kasi maari itong maging precedent in taking possession of a private property by our authorities by virtue of a search warrant,” he said.

(The duty of the PNP is to uphold and enforce the law and not take the law into its own hands. This is scary because this may set the precedent in taking possession of private property by our authorities by virtue of a search warrant.)

According to Vargas, Xinchuang sent several demand letters to police authorities asking them to vacate the premises, but they refused.

“They refused to leave the premises and instead made use of the same as their detention and holding facility for the foreigners still detained inside,” he said.

Vargas said the case was filed before a Las Piñas metropolitan trial court and will be raffled off.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the PNP but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

On June 27, authorities implemented a search warrant over an alleged human trafficking situation in the compound. Police reported that 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners were rescued.

Vargas has denied allegations of human trafficking or illegal activities taking place at Xhinchuang. He said that the business of the company is legitimate.

Court grants writ of habeas corpus

Meanwhile, the Las Piñas regional trial court granted the petition of the suspects arrested during the raid to be removed from state custody, according to a “24 Oras” report by Saleema Refran.

“Ang sinabi ng korte sa kanyang order is that their detention, continued detention inside the compound is illegal and the police as well as all the other agencies which are there have no reason for them to be detained inside,” Vergara said.

(The court said in their order that their detention, their continued detention inside the compound is illegal, and the police as well as all the other agencies which are there have no reason for them to be detained inside.)

According to the lawyer, the foreign nationals will remain in the country to face their charges. The hearings for the writ of habeas corpus they filed are scheduled for next week.

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) respects the court decision but said the “granting of the habeas corpus doesn’t necessarily follow that the case we have against these suspects is dismissed”.

“We respect the court’s decision. The granting of the habeas corpus doesn’t necessarily follow that the case we have against these suspects is dismissed. We will continue to fight until justice is served,” PNP-ACG Spokesperson Police Captain Michelle Sabino.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the PNP is at fault with regards to occupying the premises of the raided business? Do you think human trafficking really happened?

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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Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center officially accredited for Las Piñas City Green Card program

July 21, 2023July 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, the Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center has been accredited officially by the City Government for inclusion in the local Green Card program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Patients of the Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center can now avail of the benefits included in Las Pinas City’s green card program after the hospital received its accreditation from the local government.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the city government added Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center to the growing list of accredited facilities for the green card program, citing it as a significant step towards enhancing health accessibility for its residents.

The green card program provides free hospitalization worth P30,000 to its residents, Aguilar said.

The inclusion of the hospital is set to further widen its reach and ensure better medical care for the city’s population, the mayor added.

The other hospitals in the city that are accredited to use the green card are Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Piñas; Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, and Las Piñas City Medical Center.

The mayor said the City Health Office (CHO) has outlined a smooth transition plan to integrate private hospitals into the green card program.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are there many Green Card holders within 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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Another foreign fugitive found among those rescued in Las Piñas City raid

July 19, 2023July 17, 2023carlocarrasco

The developments related to the recent raid in Las Piñas City continues to be surprising as another foreign fugitive was identified among those who got rescued by the police, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that previously there were other foreign fugitives uncovered.

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

Another Chinese fugitive was identified among the rescued workers from the raid in a Las Piñas City establishment in June, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the fugitive was identified as one of the “big bosses” of the company that was raided by authorities over suspected illegal activities.

“Noong in-apply natin ang search warrant ay identified na po siya as one of the bosses po ng Hong Tai company,” Fajardo said.

(When we applied for a search warrant, he was already identified as one of the bosses of Hong Tai company.)

“Noong nag-background check na po ang embassy ay nalaman po natin, nagbigay po sila ng document na may warrant of detention na rin pala ito at lumalabas po noong chineck, isa pala siya doon sa mga big bosses ng company,” she added.

(We learned about it when the embassy conducted a background check and it gave us a document showing this person already has a warrant of detention.)

Four Chinese and three Taiwanese fugitives were previously discovered among the rescued workers. They were turned over to the Bureau of Immigration on July 7 for deportation.

On June 26, authorities implemented a search warrant in a compound in Las Piñas over an alleged human trafficking situation.

The police reported that 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners were rescued from the raid.

According to Fajardo, authorities also discovered two minors — an Indonesian and a Malaysian — among the rescued workers.

On June 30, five Chinese suspects identified as Li Jiacheng, alias Li Jiachang, Xiao Liu, alias Xiao Lin, Yan Jiayong, alias Pan Wen Jie, Duan Haozhuan, and LP Hongkun, alias Li Yang, underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

But according to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the five Chinese were ordered to be released due to lack of evidence.

Remulla slammed the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), which spearheaded the raid, for supposedly failing to coordinate with the DOJ before conducting the raid.

The suspects’ lawyer, Atty. Christian Vargas, said the five Chinese nationals are still under police custody despite a release order from the DOJ.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you feeling concerned that there could be even more foreign fugitives among the many employees of the raided POGO?

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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Las Piñas City honors more local athletes who won overseas

July 17, 2023July 15, 2023carlocarrasco

In Las Piñas City, the City Government honored three more local athletes who won in sports tournaments overseas including the 32^nd Southeast Asian Games, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar warmly welcomed three athletes who won medals in international competitions, making the city proud.

The athletes met the mayor in separate courtesy visits last July 13 and 14.

Aguilar commended Jeon Bardley dela Cruz, a five-year-old Jiu Jitsu athlete who won silver medals at the Asian Sport Jiu Jitsu Federation (ASJJF) Philippine International Jiu Jitsu Open and the Abu Dhabi Pro (AJP).

*Dela Cruz with the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Las Piñas City. (source-City of Las Piñas FB page)*

She said despite Dela Cruz’s young age, he displayed immense skills and determination in sports, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.

Joseph Arcilla and Sherwin Nuguit, renowned tennis players, were also honored for their remarkable achievement in the sports abroad.

*The two local SEA Games medalists with the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Las Piñas. (source – City of Las Piñas FB page)*

In the recently concluded 2023 South East Asian Games held in Cambodia, Arcilla clinched the highly coveted gold medal in soft tennis while Nuguit secured the bronze, adding to the growing list of accolades earned by Filipino athletes.

Aguilar expressed her immense pride and appreciation for the athletes’ hard work, commending their exceptional performances and remarkable contributions to the sport.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted to find out that more local athletes got honored by the City Government?

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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Las Piñas City employees receive CPR training

July 13, 2023July 12, 2023carlocarrasco

In Las Piñas City, employees at city hall received training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to prepare themselves how to respond properly during emergencies, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for its city hall employees to equip them with proper knowledge to respond to emergencies.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said 30 CPR instructors received certifications from the Department of Health (DOH) recently after they finished the said seminar.

Aguilar said the instructors were composed of members from the DRRMO, City Health Office, Nutrition Office, Lying-In Clinic, and the Bureau of Fire Protection – Las Piñas,

She said with the new group of instructors, Las Piñas City can now offer free comprehensive CPR training to schools, offices, companies, and barangays.

The mayor said the group started training at least one representative from different offices in the city hall for them to be prepared anytime.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you feel confident that the training will help city hall employees to respond better during emergencies?

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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DOJ Secretary laments PNP’s failure to heed department’s advise, refers to Las Piñas City raid

July 12, 2023July 10, 2023carlocarrasco

In the latest turn of events related to the recent raid of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Las Piñas City, Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla lamented the Philippine National Police (PNP) to head his department’s advice to build up cases first before doing raids targeting criminal suspects and rescuing victims, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The Las Piñas City raid was referred to by Remulla.

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

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla lamented the failure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to heed the advice of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to build up cases first before implementing raids to arrest suspected criminal offenders and rescue possible victims.

Remulla pointed out the raid conducted by the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) at the Hong Tai Compound in Las Pinas City where it allegedly rescued 2,714 Filipinos and foreigners from human trafficking.

“May pag-uusap na kasi ang DOJ at tsaka Anti-Cybercrime Group ng PNP na bago kumilos ay mag-case build up muna para ‘pag tayo ay nagraid at tayo ay manghuli ang lahat ng ating huhullihin ay pihadong may ebidensya laban sa kanila (The DOJ and PNP-ACG have already talked that before policemen act they should conduct case build up first so that, once they hold raids and make arrests, law enforcement will surely have evidence),” Remulla said during a press briefing on Monday, July 10.

“Hindi po ito nasunod (This was not followed),” he lamented.

With PNP’s failure to heed the advice, he said “ngayon maraming nakabinbin na hindi maifile na mga kaso sapagkat wala naman ebidensya na kumpleto (there are many pending cases that could not be filed because of incomplete evidence).”

Records showed that the PNP also filed criminal cases before the DOJ against five Chinese nationals who were arrested for alleged violations of the anti-human trafficking law. They were identified as Li Jiacheng, Xiao Liu, Yan Jiayong, Duan Haozhuan and LP Hongkun.

Remulla said the five suspects have been released for further preliminary investigation.

“Sinabi na namin mag-usap muna tayo bago kayo kikilos. Tapos gusto nila file kami ng file ng kaso kahit wala kaming ebidensya. Hindi namin gagawin ‘yun (We told them to talk first before taking action. Now they want the DOJ to file cases even though there are no evidence. We will not do that),” he stressed.

He said that most of those rescued have been repatriated to their respective countries and over 1,000 of them remain in the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that the raid on the POGO firm in the city by the local authorities is justified?

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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PAGCOR orders shutdown of raided POGO in Las Piñas City

July 11, 2023July 8, 2023carlocarrasco

In the latest turn of events related to the June 26 raid of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Las Piñas City, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ordered the shutdown of the affected business joint, according to an Inquirer news report. This is the same POGO whose workers include a few foreign fugitives.

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

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has issued a cease and desist order against Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) service provider Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. (formerly known as Hong Tai), effectively shutting down its operations in Las Piñas City.

The Philippine National Police said it could now hasten the implementation of the warrants following Pagcor’s order to shut down Xinchuang, which police raided last week.

Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of the PNP public information office, considered the Pagcor intervention “a welcome development” as this would enable police units to implement the five warrants to search, seize and examine data and two search warrants issued by Las Piñas Regional Trial Court against Xinchuang Network, one of the 111 Pogo service providers accredited by Pagcor.

PNP units led by the National Capital Region Police Office and Anti-Cybercrime Group are on the 10th day of its raid, which started on June 27, at the Xinchuang’s self-contained hub along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno.

“When we implement search warrants, it is imperative that no other activities are being conducted in the area, because we want the operating elements to have complete control of the situation,” Maranan told reporters in Camp Crame on Friday, saying this would prevent tampering of evidence and escape of suspects.

“It is the obligation and responsibility, not only of the PNP, but of all government agencies that are involved, so that we can ensure that our Pogo industry is clean from committing illegal activities,” he added.

According to Maranan, 71 out of 138 seized safety deposit boxes have been opened as of Thursday, as part of the inventory managed by the Anti-Cybercrime Group and witnessed by representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Council and barangay officials.

A total of 781 have been processed out of the 1,239 foreign workers rescued at the compound during the raid on June 27. All 1,534 Filipino workers have already been cleared and allowed to leave the premises.

7 fugitives caught – Seven fugitives—four Chinese and three Taiwanese nationals—were found to be working for Xinchuang, and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation.

“Hopefully we can complete the profiling of the foreign nationals and the implementation of the search warrants in the coming days,” Maranan said.

In a statement on Monday, Pagcor said it has already issued a show cause order to Xinchuang “to explain in detail its defenses against the allegations being faced by the company and why the state-run gaming regulatory firm should not cancel its certificate of accreditation and authority to operate.”

Pagcor also ordered Xinchuang to stop all its offshore gaming activities pending the completion of the investigation being conducted by the PNP.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you satisfied with the PAGCOR’s cease-and-desist order (CDO) on Xinchuang?

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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New child development center in Las Piñas City inaugurated

July 10, 2023July 7, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, a new child development center was formally inaugurated in the presence of the Vice Mayor and a City Councilor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas city government held the inauguration and blessing of the newly established child development center located at Santos Homes 2 Complex in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno on July 6.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar and City Councilor John Jess Bustmante led the ceremonies for the inauguration.

Aguilar emphasized the significance of the center in nurturing the future generation. She said the center is poised to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children, facilitating their growth and development in various aspects of their lives.

The vice mayor also commended the efforts of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) under Lowefe Romulo and expressed her heartfelt sentiments about the importance of child development centers.

Aguilar stressed that the child development centers play a crucial role in shaping the future of the community by fostering early childhood education, social skills, and emotional well-being.

She said the new child development center is part of the city government’s broader commitment to investing in early childhood development and ensuring the well-being of its young residents.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the new child development center will be beneficial to the city as a whole?

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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Entertainment joint and other facilities found inside raided site in Las Piñas City

July 7, 2023July 6, 2023carlocarrasco

In relation to the raid of June 26 in Las Piñas City, an entertainment joint and other facilities were discovered inside the building of the affected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) which GMA Network covered in their recent news story.

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

A Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm recently raided in Las Piñas City over alleged human trafficking was found to have its own so-called “entertainment complex” within its premises, John Consulta reported on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) showed parts of the raided compound to the media to prove the POGO hub is reportedly involved in other activities apart from online gambling.

“Kaya natin ito ni-raid, kasi meron tayong reason to believe na involved sila sa love scam. Mga investment scam, nag hi-hide sila sa guise ng legitimate POGO,” said PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group spokesperson Police Captain Michelle Sabino.

(We conducted a raid because we have a reason to believe they’re involved in a love scam and investment scam. They are hiding behind the guise of being a legitimate POGO firm.)

Inside the entertainment complex are spacious rooms akin to the VIP rooms of posh nightclubs, where male employees of the offshore firm allegedly take a break.

Also found in the POGO compound are the so-called “romance room” that police believe to be the site of the supposed ”love scam,” the employees’ dormitories, medical and dental clinic, ticketing office, bayad center, grocery shop, seafood market, and food court.

“‘Yung mga Pinoys, they are allowed to go out. ‘Yung mga foreign nationals aren’t allowed to go out, but meron silang incentive, ‘pag maganda performance nila, pwede silang lumabas but may kasama,” said Sabino.

(Filipinos are allowed to go out, the foreign nationals are not. They can go out as an incentive for a good job but they need an escort.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you surprised that an entertainment joint was established inside the site that was raided?

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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Foreign fugitives among those rescued during the June 26 Las Piñas City raid

July 6, 2023July 5, 2023carlocarrasco

In the city of Las Piñas, controversy regarding the raid of June 26 continues to grow as it was revealed by the local authorities that there were foreign fugitives among the thousands that supposedly got rescued, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Police found two Taiwanese fugitives among the rescued workers from the raid in a Las Piñas City establishment recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said Monday.

Aside from them, the PNP earlier reported that four Chinese fugitives were also discovered from the thousands of workers rescued from the raid.

“During the June 26, 2023 police operation, where thousands of individuals were rescued, four Chinese and two Taiwanese fugitives were discovered,” the ACG said in a statement.

The ACG said the six fugitives have been identified through the help of concerned foreign embassies in the documentation of their respective citizens and cross-matching of their records.

Authorities implemented a search warrant in a compound in Las Piñas over an alleged human trafficking situation.

The police reported that 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners were rescued from the raid. According to PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, there were 17 foreign nationalities involved.

While over a thousand Filipino workers were safely released and allowed to return to their homes, the foreign nationals have not been released yet as the documentation of the remaining workers is still ongoing, according to Fajardo.

“Law enforcement authorities have gathered personal information for the remaining one thousand-plus foreign nationals, who will be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for proper disposition and repatriation process,” the ACG said.

On June 30, five Chinese suspects were subjected to inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice in Manila for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Meanwhile, the company that was raided, Xinchuang Network Technology, has denied that it is involved in human trafficking.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the police raid of June 26 has been justified?

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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