Very recently, Malacañang Palace issued Proclamation Number 792 formally declaring the date of February 13, 2025 a non-working day in Parañaque City marking its 27th cityhood anniversary, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The proclamation was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin by the authority of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Malacañang has declared Feb. 13 a non-working holiday in Parañaque City in celebration of the city’s 27th Cityhood Anniversary.
Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez said the declaration was made through Proclamation No. (792) to give city residents the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the celebration.
Olivarez said the city government prepared various activities, including medical services, from Jan. 27 to Feb. 15.
He said the cityhood anniversary kicked off with the presentation of candidates for the much-awaited search for “Gandang Mamita and Gwapitong Papito” on Monday, Jan. 27. The search for the “Ginoo and Binibining Parañaque” will be held on Feb. 4.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this recent development? How interested are you to participate or witness the scheduled activities related to the 27th anniversary of Parañaque’s cityhood? Do you think the 27th cityhood anniversary will help you forget about the rampant crime in Parañaque that involved foreigners?
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
Recently in Parañaque City, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) supported by representatives of theDigital Forensic Laboratory (DFL) arrested eight Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in online phishing, but one other suspect remains at large, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Pieces of evidence were found at the site of the crime.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Eight Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in online phishing operations were arrested in Parañaque City, the National Bureau of Investigation announced on Wednesday.
In a news release, the NBI identified the arrested suspects as Xiao Li, Chuan Zi Gao, Ming Ru Li, Wen Shu Liu, Qui Shun Li, Cai Li Pan, Changfu Liu, and Zhang Zhen. A ninth suspect, Hwang Xiaobin, remains at large.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the suspects were engaged in investment fraud, crypto asset/currency scam, romance scam and identity theft through the use of social engineering and digital communication schemes.
Following surveillance on Jan. 14, a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD) was granted by RTC Paranaque City against the group.
On Jan. 17, NBI operatives, together with representatives from the Digital Forensic Laboratory (DFL) implemented the WSSECD.
DFL representatives conducted an onsite examination on a laptop and a desktop found on the site and discovered transcript template of phishing and/or social engineering schemers used in obtaining sensitive information of another person.
Financial transactions of crypto currency scams were also found during the examination, the NBI said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, have you grown tired about your city being such a hot spot of illegal operations, scams and crime involving foreign nationals? What do you think made Parañaque a favorite destination for the remnants of POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and scammers involving foreigners?
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
Very recently in Parañaque City, ten foreign nations were arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged online scamming, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension took place inside a village.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Ten foreigners have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a subdivision in Paranaque City where they were found allegedly conducting online scamming activities.
In a statement, the NBI said the 10 foreigners were arrested by operatives of the NBI National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) at a residence in Multinational Village in Paranaque City.
It said all the 10 foreigners face charges of violating Republic Act (RA) 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
The NBI identified seven of the foreigners as Vietnamese nationals Phan Viet Ngan, Do Anh Tuan, Nguyen Duc Anh, Phan Kim Sang, Vo Hong Sy, Nguyen Van Khanh, and Doan Van Dung.
The other foreigners were identified as Chinese nationals Zhang Ming Yi, Xin Yao Huang and Himen Chen.
The NBI said that during the operation, seized from the suspects were computers and transcripts with Chinese characters.
“Based on the seized translated transcripts, Subjects are indeed engaged in phishing and scamming activities,” it said.
“In addition, Operating System Triage conducted on the seized computer units revealed the illegal activities of the Subjects like romance scam, fictitious messaging accounts, fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and fake investment solicitations,” it added.
The NBI said the operation was conducted after NBI-NCR received “an intelligence report that groups of foreign nationals are engaged in Investment Fraud, Crypto Asset or Crypto Currency Scam, Artificial Intelligence scam and High Yield Investment Program (HYIP), Romance scam and identity theft through the use of social engineering scheme and digital communication systems.”
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 there could still be a lot more illegal operations secretly happening in residential communities with foreigners doing the work? When was the last time an online scamming operation was discovered in your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended twelve Chinese nationals and five locals for alleged scamming operations and an attempt of bribery, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Twelve Chinese nationals and five Filipinos were arrested for alleged scamming operations and attempted bribery, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) bared Tuesday.
The foreigners were arrested in an operation on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Rance Corporate Center Aseana City in Tambo, Paranaque City for alleged violation of the Philippine Immigration Act.
During the operation, NBI personnel found “romance or love scam scripts, messaging applications with fictitious accounts, bank accounts, and fraudulent cryptocurrency scams, and fake investment schemes.”
The discovery resulted in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals namely: Xu Chao, Meng Wei Shi, Xing Chao, Qin Hai Feng, Li Xiang Hua, Zhang Wei, Wang Qin Xiang, Wang Jia Fa, Jiang Qi Long, Luo Shang Fen, Qixin Wang, and Chen Jiang Song.
The NBI said while the operatives were preparing to return to headquarters with the arrested subjects, a certain Ezechiel Bernales volunteered to come with them, claiming that he is the suspects’ official interpreter.
Bernales allegedly told the NBI operatives that Wang Qin Xiang and Qixin Wang were offering to pay PHP300,000 for the release of each arrested individual or a total of PHP3,600,000.
An entrapment operation was then conducted at the parking lot of the NBI office in Pasay City on Jan. 10 resulting in the arrest of Bernales and four others, namely: Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Bautil.
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 more Chinese nationals secretly conducting scam operations? Who do you think could be the mastermind behind the bribery attempt? Are you thankful that the NBI arrested the suspects?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.
#1 Popcorn in Bed reacts to An Officer and a Gentleman – Released in 1982, An Officer and a Gentleman is a romantic drama film with a militaristic flavor showing a young Richard Gere and Louise Gosset, Jr., in a very memorable role. Some parts of the movie were filmed on location here in my native Philippines. While I am not exactly a fan of the movie, I can say that it still has some shining moments as well as some memorable dramatic scenes. Recently, YouTuber Popcorn in Bed posted its reaction video of the movie, and I can say it is worth watching.
#2When hackers made ATMs release so much money – Recently, YouTuber fern published a new video explaining a certain financial crime that resulted in physical activities that was hard to imagine – automatic teller machines (ATMs) shooting out multiple bills of cash for thieves to collect. What happened, what can financial institutions do to prevent their system from getting hacked, and how the events turned out are explained in detail by fern.
#3 Criterion Collection shows how to restore and remaster very old films – The Criterion Collection (AKA Criterion) is a company that specializes on licensing, restoring and releasing selected films that movie buffs, fans and new film enthusiasts could enjoy. I myself own the Criterion Blu-ray discs of The Blob (1958) and Gojira, and I can say that the company did a great job restoring the said films while adding stuff for collectors and fans to enjoy. When it comes to restoring decades-old films and making them presentable with quality in mind, Criterion really works hard and you can learn a lot from them by watching the videos below.
#4 VKunia reacts to Man of Steel – Do you movie fans enjoy watching Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel? The 2013 Superman movie remains divisive among fans and superhero movie enthusiasts to this day. I’ve seen the movie many times from the local cinemas to my Blu-ray copy, and I can say it truly is a mixed bag when it comes to providing viewers fun and defining Superman in the 21st century. Still, there is a chance that the Man of Steel reaction video by YouTuber VKunia could spark your interest in the film as well as in Zack Snyder’s visceral vision of DC Comics superheroes. I encourage you to watch her reaction video below.
#5 Commie Kamala Harris proves herself pathetic yet again during California wildfire briefing – By the time you are reading this, Donald Trump has officially returned as United States President. That being said, even during times of disaster, the defeated Commie Kamala Harris proved to be pathetic and worthless during the recent briefing about the wildfire in California. She is so pathetic and worthless, Harris proved she is not trustworthy. Imagine all the amounts of American taxpayers’ money that got wasted by Harris during her 4 years as US Vice President.
#6 Battlezone revisited – Released by Atari in 1980, Battlezone was a groundbreaking game both visually and with game design. It gave gamers an immersive experience of driving a tank with 3D graphics, fun gameplay and a first-person view. If you wish to learn about the history of Battlezone, who the creators were and how were they able to produce the game, watch the video of gaming history expert PatmanQC.
#7 Minty Comedic Arts and the 1980s – I really enjoy watching the videos of Minty Comedic Arts. His series of “10 things you didn’t know about…” videos on pop culture (mostly movies) is fun to watch and he often entertains with his delivery of trivia information. In recent times, he posted trivia videos about certain films from the 1980s – each one being memorable in their own ways – namely Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Club, The Blue Brothers, Beverly Hills Cop and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Watch Minty’s videos now!
#8 The failure of Segway remembered – Remember decades ago when the Segway was first launched and heavily featured through the media? Invented by Dean Kamen, the Segway was a 2-wheeled personal transporter which was released looking fantastic but ended up as a failure. The Segway also ended up looking very bad in media reports about accidents with it. To find out what led to the Segway’s debut and how it failed, watch the video below.
#9 GoodBadFlicks examines five major flops – When it comes to movies that failed miserably, were those really terrible to watch or were they actually decent productions that failed to attract enough moviegoers? There are factors as to why movies fail. There are films that generated so much negative press, the moviegoers were convinced to avoid them. There are movies that were really badly made and there are others that got promoted or distributed very poorly. GoodBadFlicks recently post a video examining five major flops and it might convince you to watch The 13th Warrior, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Titan A.E., The Chronicles of Riddick and Cutthroat Island.
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?
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 Las Piñas, local police officers arrested three “Akyat Bahay” gang members who broke into a house along El Grande Avenue and robbed it of valuables, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened within the jurisdiction of Barangay BF International-CAA and the suspects were caught hiding in the house ceiling.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Three members of “Akyat Bahay” gang were caught by members of the Las Piñas City Police hiding in the ceiling of the house they robbed of valuable items on Jan. 7.
Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as alias “Anthony,” 24; alias “Andrei,” 21; and alias “Paul,” 19, all residents of Parañaque City.
They were apprehended at around 3:00 p.m. at a house on El Grande Avenue in Barangay BF International/CAA Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said the victim, identified as alias “Ernesto,”67, visited his house and discovered that it was ransacked, prompting him to immediately report the incident to the police.
He said the suspects were found hiding in the ceiling of the house of the victim during the investigation by responding policemen, village security personnel and barangay officials.
The victim claimed that his 42-inch Sony flat-screen TV worth P60,000, a 43-inch Devant flat-screen TV worth P50,000, and a Mac computer valued at P100,000 were stolen and not recovered. Tafalla said an air conditioning unit worth P70,000 was recovered at the scene.
He said the suspects also damaged a circuit breaker worth P120,000.00, the ceiling worth P50,000, and floor tiles and sliding door each valued at P50,000.
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? Was there an Akyat Bahay incident that happened in your local community over the past six months? Do you own a home that got robbed?
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
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?
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 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?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Justice on Sunday warned foreign Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers to surrender to authorities or face legal consequences that include permanent blacklisting.
“The President is unequivocally clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines and we vow to give our all-out support for the sake and welfare of the Filipino people,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.
“This Administration stands firm in its resolve to intensifying its guerilla operations against non-compliant POGOs,” he added.
In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs after several businesses were implicated in a variety (of) crimes, including human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and money scams.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, 22,609 of the 33,863 foreign POGO workers have already left the Philippines. This means around 11,000 foreign POGO workers are still in the country.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the authorities will be able to find the 11,000+ foreign POGO workers who are remaining in the country? Do you think that local candidates running for positions in the 2025 National and Local Elections could secretly have been funded by POGOs?
Author Carlo Carrasco 