City of Manila – Author Carlo Carrasco

Philippines Department of Tourism Condemns Fatal Shooting of Two Japanese Nationals

August 27, 2025August 19, 2025carlocarrasco

As the Philippines continues to experience difficulty attracting foreign tourists, a tragedy struck two Japanese nationals in the City of Manila which led to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) condemnation of the fatal shooting committed by motorcycle-riding assailants, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, Japan accounted for 444,528 visitors in the Philippines for the year 2024 which was a huge growth over the 2023 numbers.

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

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday strongly condemned the fatal shooting of two Japanese nationals in Manila.

In a statement, the agency extended its sympathies to the families and called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a “swift and thorough” investigation into the incident.

“Tourism, a vital pillar of livelihood for millions of Filipinos, heavily depends on creating and maintaining conditions of peace, safety, and security,” the statement read.

“We note with deep concern that recent events have already prompted advisories from foreign embassies in the country’s top visitor source markets, which could adversely affect tourist confidence and the Philippines’ image as a safe and welcoming destination,” it added.

The DOT is working with relevant agencies, including local governments and stakeholders, to reinforce security measures for visiting foreigners.

“[T]he Department also continues to coordinate with its Regional Offices, local government units, and tourism stakeholders to reinforce protective measures, reassure foreign and domestic visitors, and safeguard the tourism industry that sustains so many Filipino families,” it said.

The two Japanese were shot by motorcycle-riding assailants while exiting a taxi along Malvar Street in Manila on Aug. 15.

The Manila Police District on Monday said one suspect has been taken into custody while another person of interest has been identified in connection with the robbery with homicide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the fatal shooting of the two Japanese nationals in Manila is already heavily damaging the Philippines’ standing as a tourist destination? Do you think that people in Japan are already turned off by the tragedy of August 15?

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

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

Suspects behind murder and robbery of TNVS driver in Parañaque City surrender to authorities in another city

July 17, 2025July 11, 2025carlocarrasco

The three individuals who were involved in the murder and robbery of a TNVS driver in Parañaque City came out and surrendered to authorities in the City of Manila, according to a GMA Network news report. The body of the victim was eventually found.

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

The three suspects behind the murder and robbery of a TNVS driver in Parañaque City last May have surrendered to authorities on Monday.

According to Jaime Santos’ report in “Saksi”, the families of the suspects coordinated with their barangay chairperson and councilor to surrender before Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. The mayor, on the other hand, coordinated with the Manila Police District and the Northern Police District.

The families of the suspects feared for their safety after their identities were reported, the report added.

“Humingi sila ng tulong kung paano sila susuko sa alagad ng batas, through some assistance from the Northern Police District and the Manila Police District, nandito sila kanina. Gusto ko rin ipaalam sa inyo na ang pamilya ng mga suspects ay nandito rin. Kinausap ko sila kanina,” said Moreno.

(They asked for help on how they can surrender to the authorities, through some assistance from the Northern Police District and the Manila Police District, who were also here earlier. I also want to inform you that the family of the suspects are also present here. I talked with them earlier.)

“Now I’m happy that the case is na-resolba. Nakikiramay kami…sa pamilya ng biktima. In our own little way, kami ay maging tulay man lamang na makapagbigay ng hustisya sa pamilya ng biktima.”

(I’m happy that the case is now resolved. We extend our sympathies to the family of the victim. In our own little way, we hope we can become a tool in giving justice to the victim’s family.)

Meanwhile, the suspects have yet to declare where they disposed the victim’s body.

“Disgrasya lang po talaga ang lahat…Hindi ko na po masasagot…Sa NBI ko na lang po ipapaliwanag ang lahat po,” one of the suspects said.

(Everything was just an accident…I cannot answer anymore….I will just explain everything to the NBI.)

Moreno said that it will be up to the National Bureau of Investigation to take the next steps on the case. The suspects are now in NBI custody.

The suspects were picked up by the victim in Parañaque last May 18. The car didn’t reach its destination in Molino, Cavite and instead was driven around the province.

Audio from the car’s dashcam indicated that the victim, Raymond Cabrera, was no longer driving the car. It can also be heard from the audio that he was being stabbed.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that murder and violent forms of crime in the city will keep getting worse over the next six months?

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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Crime syndicates may have infiltrated government agencies

February 18, 2025February 9, 2025carlocarrasco

In connection with the recent raid on a particular travel and consultancy firm that was allegedly involved with the issuance of fake Philippine government documents, it seems that crime syndicates may have infiltrated certain agencies of the government, 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…

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that criminal syndicates may have infiltrated key government agencies following the recent raid on a travel and consultancy firm that allegedly facilitated the issuance of fraudulent Philippine government documents.

“The recent raid strengthens our suspicion that criminal syndicates have infiltrated agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine National Police (PNP),” Gatchalian said in a statement on Friday.

This came after members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) found birth and marriage certificates and a passport with a foreign national’s photo but a Filipino name during a raid at JRB Travel and Consultancy Services Inc. based in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.

Gatchalian, who has filed a bill to expand Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) authority and impose penalties on civil registrars involved in fraudulent registrations, urged law enforcement to intensify efforts in dismantling these illegal networks.

He cited cases wherein individuals reported paying large sums to the travel agency to secure the release of their detained partners, with one complainant claiming to have paid PHP900,000 to free her fiancé and another paid PHP1.1 million for her husband’s release after a Jan. 17 raid in a Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) center in Parañaque City.

In a press conference on Thursday, PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz described the raided travel agency as the “missing link” in the Senate’s ongoing investigation on POGOs.

He said the firm enabled foreigners to obtain government-issued documents, allowing them to stay in the country despite crackdowns on POGOs.

Aside from document forgery, Cruz revealed that personnel of the travel agency also impersonated PAOCC personnel to extort money.

Cruz, however, clarified that no actual PAOCC officers were involved in the scheme.

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 find and arrest all the criminal elements who infiltrated government agencies? Do you think the law enforcers can put a stop on the forgery of government documents?

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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Karate instructor arrested in Manila for robbing a house in Parañaque, illegal possession of firearms and other violations

October 20, 2024October 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently a man who taught karate lessons as a profession was arrested by the police in the City of Manila for breaking into a house in Parañaque City and robbing it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The police responded to the complaint of the Parañaque resident who was robbed.

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

Members of the Parañaque City Police arrested a karate instructor after breaking into and robbing a house in Barangay Tambo on Saturday, October 12.

The Southern Police District (SPD) immediately conducted an operation against the armed suspect identified as “Davy” following a robbery complaint filed against him by his victim.

According to the police investigation, the suspect suddenly entered the victim’s house at gunpoint and stole a gadget, an iPhone, and cash amounting to P5,000.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said police officers were able to track and arrest the suspect using a global positioning system (GPS) from the victim’s stolen mobile phone in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did you notice a rise of house break-ins and robbery in your local community over the past sixty days?

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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Makers of fake passports and ID cards for POGO workers arrested

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024carlocarrasco

There is no doubt that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) added a lot to criminal activities and pain in the country which is why a national ban on them was declared. Still there is a lot to uncover with regards to the processing of records of people – both foreign and local – who worked for POGOs. Recently, law enforcers raided an office that turned out to be making fake passports and ID cards for POGO workers, according to a GMA Network news report. The suspects were arrested for falsifying public documents.

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

An office manufacturing fake documents like identification cards and passports was raided by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Sampaloc, Manila.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras,” it was also discovered that the group was making fake IDs and passports for Chinese and Filipinos who work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

The location appears to be just a photocopying stall from the outside, but upon entering, the equipment and tools allegedly used to make fake IDs and documents were seen.

Pieces of evidence were recovered in the raid such as documents from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), drug tests with negative results, and agency IDs, all of which are fake.

Several Central Processing Units (CPU) of the computers were also recovered, where the files of the contractors who work at POGO are being kept.

According to the NCRPO, this started with the fake IDs and passports of the Chinese that they handed over to the scam hub in Parañaque last month.

“Medyo mahirap-hirap hanapin. Palipat-lipat sila. Ang transaction ay three different persons. We were able to arrest personalities involved in the forging, falsification at paggawa nitong items na ito, lalo na ang passport, identification card, and birth certificate,” said Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, NCRPO Regional Director.

(It’s a little hard to find. They move around. The transaction involves three different persons.)

Since the POGOs in the country are only valid until December, the NCRPO suspects that the Chinese are now busy making Philippine passports for them to stay in the Philippines.

“Ang kailangan nila during their travel, para undetected na maka-travel is to produce these kind of documents, lalo na ang passport,” said Nartatez.

(What they need during their travel, to be able to travel undetected is to produce these kinds of documents, especially the passport.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the pieces of evidence that the law enforcers found will help them put a stop to further falsification of documents by Chinese nationals and POGO workers? Are you concerned that there may have been many Chinese nationals in the Philippine who already secured fake passports and fake ID cards to be able to stay longer in 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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NBI arrests 12 Chinese nationals who were caught in the act of scamming and for previously detaining and harming a man who refused to work as a scammer

August 16, 2024August 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Every day here in the Philippines, either someone got scammed or someone is secretly organizing a scam to steal money from others. Recently in the City of Manila, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended twelve Chinese nationals who were caught in the act of scamming and also for illegally detaining and assaulting a man who refused to work as a scammer, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) has arrested 12 Chinese nationals for alleged online scamming and assaulting and detaining an individual who refused to work as a scammer, it said Friday.

In a statement, the NBI said the victim filed a complaint for alleged violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, serious physical injuries, and serious illegal detention.

The complainant said he was forced to work as an online scammer in a building in Manila and was beaten and assaulted when he refused.

He said the suspects then demanded him to pay the P500,000 ransom, but he was only able to give P300,000. After this, he was released and threatened to be killed if he will report the incident to authorities.

This led the NBI-STF, in coordination with the Manila Police District, to conduct an operation on August 6.

They arrested 12 Chinese nationals caught in the act of committing online scamming activities. Four of them were positively identified by the complainant as the ones who assaulted him.

The suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for violation of 4(b)(2) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and Article 263 and 267 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be a lot more Chinese nationals committing crime and harming people here in the Philippines? Have you been scammed before? Do you think the Chinese nationals currently living in your local community could be secretly scamming others online?

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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NLCOM helps Typhoon Carina victims in Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Manila and Cavite

August 1, 2024July 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Were there many people in your local community whose lives got disrupted by the weather effects of Typhoon Carina?

Recently New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – announced through social media that it has provided assistance and relief to typhoon victims in Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Manila and Cavite.

Typhoon Carina has since left the Philippines but the people who got affected by it are still struggling to get back to normal. That being said, NLCOM’s assistance for the victims who called for help was crucial and their staff worked hard with the preparations of relief.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the July 27, 2024 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldface…

NLCOM immediately swung into action as Super Typhoon Carina left its trail of destruction on Thursday morning.

Its emergency response team was mobilized, coordinating with partners, conducting assessments, and delivering relief bags and hot meals to nearby areas gravely affected by the flooding.

A total of 200 relief bags were distributed to families in Baseco Compound (Port Area, Manila), Muntinlupa, and Pulang Lupa (Las Pinas) on July 25. We also served a total of 1,300 hot meals to flood victims the same day in Wawa (Bacoor Cavite), San Isidro, San Dionisio, and Sto Nino (all in Parañaque).

For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here, here, here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has an established record of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.

NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…

If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CARE FOUNDATION INT’L. INC.

PESO CHECKING ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

00-133000543-3

US DOLLAR ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

13-133000530-7

Swift Code: ubpphphmm

Via PAYPAL:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nlcomPH

For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.

In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true. Be remind that Lord Jesus is the hope of all nations.

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;

those who help others are helped.

Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.

Proverbs 19:17 (AMPC)

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)

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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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Delivery rider arrested for extorting money from motorist while posing as a traffic enforcer

April 12, 2024April 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Manila, a delivery rider who disguised himself as a traffic enforcer flagged down a motorist and extorted money which eventually led to his arrest, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect has been charged for robbery extortion and the usurpation of authority.

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

A delivery rider posing as a traffic enforcer was arrested after he flagged down a motorist to extort money.

The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as Lloyd Tolentino, 27, resident of Barangay Kaunlaran, Navotas City.

According to the police report, the 43-year-old victim Reagan Ramos was traveling along Pedro Bukaneg Street corner Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila on Sunday night, March 31.

He said he was flagged down by the suspect, who was wearing a Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau uniform, and introduced himself as a traffic enforcer.

The suspect asked for the victim’s driver’s license for a traffic violation (swerving), but the victim contested.

The victim became suspicious when the suspect demanded P200 in exchange for not being issued a traffic violation ticket. Police said the victim immediately reported the incident to authorities that led in the arrest of the suspect.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more abusive delivery riders around Metro Manila who could be committing the usurpation of authority and extort money from motorists?

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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Transwoman arrested by police officers for extorting money from student lover

March 26, 2024March 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Manila, local police officers arrested transwoman (note: Transgendered woman who is actually male but identifies as female) for extorting money from a student lover, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A transwoman was arrested by operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) for allegedly extorting money from his lover in Ermita, Manila on Thursday, March 14.

MPD identified the suspect as Justine, 25, a resident of Makati City.

The suspect was arrested in an entrapment operation after his 24-year-old victim, a student, reported him to the police.

Prior to the suspect’s arrest, the victim said he met the suspect on an online dating application.

He said that after a while, they became online sweethearts before they decided to meet in person in Makati City.

The victim said that during their meet-up, he and the suspect had a sexual encounter, but he did not know that the suspect was filming it.

He said that the suspect suddenly demanded P10,000 from him, threatening that he would use the sensitive video as a content on his social media account if he would not give him the money.

The threat prompted the victim to report the suspect who was nabbed in an entrapment operation inside a convenience store on United Nations Avenue in Ermita.

In a media interview, the victim said that he only found out late that the suspect was a transwoman.

Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were an iPhone and the P10,000 marked money.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Are you concerned that someone in your family could be engaging with strangers through online dating applications? Did someone from your local community became a victim of a transgendered crook? Do you think that a lot of extortionists, LGBTQ people and scammers are taking advantage of users on online dating applications?

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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Electric tricycle (e-trike) driver arrested for cursing the police after illegally parking his vehicle

February 29, 2024February 20, 2024carlocarrasco

With the huge spotlight on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) in recent times here in the Philippines, it is clear that such vehicles have caused public disturbances and already local and national authorities are working in response to them. Within the city of Manila, an incident happened recently as an e-trike driver, who caught the attention of the local police with illegal parking, got arrested after cursing the police, 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…

An electric tricycle or e-trike driver who illegally parked his vehicle was arrested for direct assault after shouting and cursing police in Tondo, Manila on Saturday, Feb. 17.

The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the arrested suspect as Abraham Fernandez, 31, a resident of Barangay 123 in Tondo, Manila.

Before the suspect’s arrest, MPD personnel patrolled when they saw the suspect parked his e-trike in a no-parking zone along Juan Luna Street, Barangay 9, Zone 1 in Tondo, at around 4:20 p.m.

The authorities approached the suspect and told him to remove his vehicle blocking the road, which could cause traffic.

However, instead of cooperating, the suspect resisted, shouted, and cursed at the authorities in front of the public, which resulted in his arrest.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Did you notice e-bike or e-trike drivers drive recklessly within your local community? Are there any minors who drove e-bikes or e-trikes in your local community? Are you hoping that the local government and the nation government agencies will ban e-bikes and e-trikes on major roads and have all the vehicles required for registration?

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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