crime news – Page 29 – Author Carlo Carrasco

POGO Ban would help expedite Philippines’ exit from global financial watchdog’s “gray list” related to money laundering

August 8, 2024July 30, 2024carlocarrasco

In relation to helping the Philippines recover from the many negative effects caused by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), the declared nationwide ban on POGOs will help expedite the nation’s exit from the “gray list” of a global financial watchdog that has been monitoring jurisdictions for money laundering risks, 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 RECENT BAN on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) would help expedite the country’s exit from a global financial watchdog’s “gray list” of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for money laundering risks, the central bank governor said.

“With the POGO ban, we do see a drop in money laundering, which should help us exit the gray list,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BPS) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. told BusinessWorld in a text message.

Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered a total ban on all offshore gaming operations due to their ties to illicit activities such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution and human trafficking.

Mr. Marcos directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to shutter all POGO facilities by the end of the year.

This comes after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June kept the Philippines in its gray list for a third straight year.

The global watchdog said the country still needs to address three remaining action items, one of which is “demonstrating that supervisors are using anti-money laundering and counterfinancing of terrorism (AML/CFT) controls to mitigate risks associated with casino junkets.”

Mr. Remolona earlier said the Philippines would likely exit the gray list by next year as it still needs to address the remaining deficiencies cited by the FATF.

From 2018 to 2023, the Philippines was among the top five countries in Southeast Asia with money laundering activities added over the five-year period, earlier data from Moody’s showed.

The number of money laundering events added in the Philippines jumped by 45% from 2022 to 2023, it said.

Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation, said Mr. Marcos’ order to ban POGOs would encourage more “legitimate” investments to enter into the country.

“With the expected ban, the Philippines may be relieved with the gray list tag and re-strategize for fulfilling more legal and moral entertainment investments for the inclusive growth of the country,” he said via Facebook Messenger.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think improvements will be realized gradually over the next twelve months with the ban on POGOs in effect? Do you think that money laundering and crime related to POGOs will go down sharply?

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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Man arrested in Parañaque City for statutory rape

August 6, 2024July 29, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police (who were armed with a warrant of arrest issed by the Parañaque City Family Court) apprehended a 55-year-old man for statutory rape and rape by sexual assault, 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…

A 55 year-old man was arrested by members of the Parañaque city Police Warrant and Subpoena Section and Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for statutory rape and rape by sexual assault on Friday, July 26, the Southern Police District (SPD) said.

The suspect was identified as “Hipolito,” who was arrested in Quirino Avenue, Barangay Don Galo, Parañaque City.

The police said the suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Moises D. De Castro of Parañaque City Family Court, Branch 10 on June 4, 2024 with no bail recommended bail.

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 rapists hiding in your local community right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chinese nationals arrested by NBI agents for credit card fraud and bribery

August 1, 2024July 30, 2024carlocarrasco

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven Chinese nationals for credit card fraud and bribery as a result of separate operations that took place in two cities, according to a GMA Network news report. One of the operations happened in Parañaque City which for some reason remains a hot spot of crime involving Chinese nationals.

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

Seven Chinese citizens have been arrested for credit card fraud and bribing agents of the National Bureau of Investigation, the NBI said Tuesday.

According to the bureau, operatives of the NBI-Cybercrime Division arrested the seven foreigners, classified as a transnational organized crime (TOC) group, in separate operations in Parañaque and Quezon City on July 27.

This was after the NBI received multiple complaints against the foreigners, accusing them of vishing, smishing, phishing, click-baiting, pretexting, and whaling, which resulted in unauthorized or illegal access and eventual utilization of their credit card credentials without their knowledge.

The NBI said the group would cash out money through socially engineered credit card credentials from the accounts of their victims. It said the group would need a point-of-sale (POS) device to expedite cashing out.

During the operation, poseur-accomplices pretended to possess a POS device. They then agreed to meet for the scheme to materialize.

This led to the arrest of two Chinese citizens during an entrapment operation in Parañaque on July 27.

One of them attempted to bribe the operatives several times and offered P1.5 million for their release and the termination of the charges against them. The operatives pretended to agree to the offer and conducted another entrapment operation.

In the evening of the same day, two vehicles arrived at the parking lot of the NBI main office in Quezon City for the exchange.

The NBI said that after one Chinese-looking individual gave a bag of money, the operatives arrested him along with his cohorts inside the vehicles.

Authorities retrieved three handguns with a military-grade smoke grenade from the vehicle. The arrested individuals were unable to provide licenses and papers for the firearms.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more Chinese nationals secretly committing credit card fraud and other forms of cybercrime while they are still staying here in the Philippines?

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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PNP warns public about receiving phone calls from scammers pretending to be bank employees

August 1, 2024July 25, 2024carlocarrasco

Have you been receive phone calls from people who claim they are contacting you on behalf of a bank? Be extra careful because scammers have been acting as bank employees while calling up people in order to steal their money. Already the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public about such callers as they arrested several scammers in Cavite, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group on Thursday cautioned anew the public, especially the elderly, from falling to fraudulent phone calls from those pretending to be bank employees.

The ACG issued the warning after nine suspects allegedly engaged in ‘vishing’ (voice phishing) scams and target bank depositors were nabbed in Cavite province on Wednesday night.

ACG chief Brig. Gen. Ronnie Cariaga said the arrest was made during the service of warrants to search, seize and examine computer data (WSSECD) against April Joy Espino,34, for violation of Section 4 (b) (2) or Computer-related Fraud under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“In telephone calls, these individuals pretended to be bank employees, deceitfully obtaining money from the victims’ bank accounts,” Cariaga said in a statement.

He said the arrest was carried out after an eight-month investigation, case build-up, and surveillance on the suspects which stemmed from complaints from dozens of victims.

Seized during the operation were registered SIM cards, information and communication technology (ICT) devices, bank documents, and scripts used when calling the victims.

Among the bank documents were assorted bank accounts and credit card account records containing various personal information.

Cariaga has called for the cooperation of financial institutions in the investigation to strengthen the evidence, prepare for filing the case, and expedite the process.

“The PNP ACG will also reach out to the victims identified in the gathered evidence to assist them in filing a complaint,” he said.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, ACG Cyber Response Unit chief Col. Jay Guillermo said the suspects siphoned millions from the accounts of their victims.

“So roughly nasa PHP40 million na yang nakuha nila (They got roughly PHP40 million) from the time we investigate from November up to now,” Guillermo said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did someone claiming to be working for a bank call you recently? Do you think banks should do more to inform their clients about their policies with regards to phone calls?

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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Man arrested in Parañaque City for rape and robbery extortion

July 30, 2024July 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police pulled off a successful entrapment operation resulting in the arrest of a man for rape and robbery extortion, 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…

A call center agent was arrested by members of the Southern Police District Special Operations Unit (SPD-SOU) during an entrapment operation in Parañaque City, on Friday, July 19.

Authorities identified the suspect as alias Edward,25, he was arrested at around 1:30 a.m. at Annex 35, Parañaque City after a complaint of rape and robbery extortion was referred by Secretary of Interior and Local Government Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos.

According to the Police report, the victim, a 19-year-old female student met the suspect through an online dating application and after establishing several communications they agreed to meet.

The victim told the police that the suspect allegedly raped her and demanded a large amount of money in exchange for not posting her sensitive photographs on social media.

The SPD said that after receiving the report, they immediately conducted an entrapment operation in collaboration with the victim and her father which led to the arrest of the suspect.

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 rapists, robbers and extortionists waiting to victimize members of your local community?

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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Woman arrested by NBI agents in Muntinlupa City for selling infant online

July 29, 2024July 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) arrested a woman for attempting to sell an infant online, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) has arrested a woman in Muntinlupa City caught selling a baby online for P25,000.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said on Thursday that the NBI has received information from the Department of Justice – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – NBI CyberTip Center (DOJ-IACAT-NBI Cybertip) regarding a certain Christina Paule who was allegedly engaged in selling babies on Facebook.

The 51-year-old midwife allegedly tried to sell the days-old infant for P25,000 on the social media (platform)

An entrapment and rescue operation by government operatives, with support from non-government organization Exodus Road Philippines, resulted in the arrest of Paule.

She was charged with violation of Child Trafficking under Republic Act 7610, as amended (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), in relation to RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), and violation of RA 9208, as amended (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 1998).

The rescued baby was turned over to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region.

National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada lauded the government operation.

“This arrest is a crucial step in our relentless fight against child trafficking, and illegal adoption. The NACC is to chair the newly-created DOJ-IACAT-Technical Working Group on Anti-Illegal Adoption,” she said.

“We commend the NBI and all involved agencies for their swift and decisive action. The NACC remains committed to protecting the welfare of children and ensuring that those who exploit them are brought to justice. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think there could still be other people out there engaging in child trafficking and selling infants 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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Man arrested in Las Piñas City for robbery

July 23, 2024July 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested a man who staged a robbery hold-up at a convenient store in Barangay Talon Singko, 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 call center agent was arrested by members of the Las Piñas City police Talon Substation for robbing a convenience store on Monday, July 15.

Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas police chief, reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of the suspect identified as alias Allan, 48.

Tafalla said alias Allan staged a robbery hold- up at a convenience store along Rainbow Village, San Antonio Street, Marcos Alvarez, Talon Singko, Las Piñas City at around 2:30 a.m.

According to the victim, identified as alias Daryl, 20, the suspect entered the store and pretended to be a customer.

The victim told the police that the suspect was requested to remove his helmet upon entering the store and instead of heeding the request, alias Allan drew out his firearm, a .9mm pistol, and declared the holdup. The cashier, at that time, was about to transfer the money inside their vault amounting to P67,314.

The suspect reportedly told the cashier “bilisan mo” (faster) during the heist and immediately left store. The suspect boarded his motorcycle going to the direction of Alabang-Zapote Road.

Tafalla said the quick response of members of the Talon Substation led to the arrest of the suspect at around 5:00 a.m. and the recovery of a sling bag where the .9mm pistol was placed loaded with nine ammunitions, 30 live ammunitions, one black holster and the stolen cash.

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 concerned that more similar robberies will happen in the stores in your local community?

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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Online sellers arrested in Parañaque City for qualified theft

July 22, 2024July 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two individuals who engaged in selling online were arrested by the local police for qualified theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out that the suspects were found selling hair growth serum which were stolen from someone.

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

Two online sellers were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police for theft after they were found selling stolen hair growth serum on Tiktok last July 9.

Parañaque City police chief Col. Melvin Montante reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Zerimar, 29, manager and a resident of 8th Avenue, Caloocan City; and Raymark, 21, packer and a stay-in employee at Hosuku Inc. at a condominium located in Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Montante said the owner of Hosuku hair growth serum, alias Yuji, 29, a businessman and a resident of Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, discovered that his hair growth serum product was being sold at a Tiktok account called “Parktikal” for a cheaper price and was registered under the name of alias Jerick, reportedly the common-law husband of Zerimar.

He said the victim inspected his warehouse located at Lot 5A Street, Agueda Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Nino, Parañaque City at around 5:35 p.m. and discovered one box of his product containing 300 pieces of 30ml bottles of the hair growth serum worth P105,000 at the locker of Zerimar.

The victim told the police that prior to the inspection of his warehouse, he also saw Raymark bring the box of stolen items inside the locker of Zerimar who was her cousin.

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 there could be thieves selling stolen products online while secretly residing in your local community?

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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Muntinlupa City Mayor reminds police to follow values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust)

July 19, 2024July 17, 2024carlocarrasco

During the recent presentation of newly designated police officers in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded them to follow the values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust) as they perform their duties, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the police to follow the values of ACT or Accountability, Confidence, and Trust, in doing their duties as law enforcers.

Biazon made the reminder during the presentation of the newly designated police officers by Muntinlupa Police chief Col. Robert Domingo.

The new officers in the Muntinlupa Police are:

⬪Major Allan Rainier Cabral – chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS)

⬪Capt. Reynaldo Par – chief of the Custodial and Detention Facility Unit (CDFU)

⬪Capt. Fernando Niefes – chief of the Station Tactical Operations Center (STOC) and concurrent assistant chief of the Patrol Operations Section (POS)

⬪Capt. Rolando Ty – commander of the Tunasan Police Substation (SS1)

⬪Capt. Alemar Cabanit – commander of the Putatan Police Substation (SS2)

⬪Capt. Roderick Tubon – commander of the Sucat Police Substation (SS4)

⬪Capt. Rizalyn Soledad – commander of the Ayala Alabang Police Substation (SS5)

⬪Capt. Marlo Abella – commander of the Poblacion Police Substation (SS6)

Biazon congratulated the newly designated police officers and told them about the expectations from the public.

“And, of course, our expectations from the newly designated. Remember the word ACT. The expectation is not only from you but from the whole Muntinlupa Police Station. The rank and file,” he said.

He added, “One is your accountability to your duty. We will expect that you will take action in fighting crime. Definitely, the public is expecting that. That is why you are in the police because you are our hope in addressing problems of drugs, criminality and, of course, the safety of our citizens. You have assumed that accountability.”

“Letter C, you have our confidence. As what Col. Domingo said earlier, we approved the designation by putting confidence in you. So don’t fail us on that,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you looking forward to observing how the new city police officers will do their duty?

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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Chinese national arrested for using fake documents while applying for Philippine passport

July 18, 2024July 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in Davao City, a 21-year-old Chinese national got arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for using falsified documents when he applied for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As it turns out, the suspect has been using a fake identity for some time here in the Philippines and has already admitting to possessing a Chinese passport.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Davao arrested a 21-year-old Chinese national on Tuesday afternoon, July 9, for applying for a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Davao here using falsified documents.

NBI-Davao Region Director Arcelito Albao said in a press conference on Wednesday, July 10, that the DFA-Davao alerted the NBI-Davao that a Chinese national using the Filipino name Hengson Jabilles Limosnero attempted to apply for a passport. Albao said the suspect was accompanied by the family driver.

Albao, however, declined to disclose the suspect’s Chinese name, pending verification of his real identity from the Bureau of Immigration.

In a brief interview with the media, the suspect, who was presented during the press conference, admitted to possessing a Chinese passport.

Albao said that the Chinese used a birth certificate, driver’s license, and national identification (ID) card from the Philippine Statistics Authority to apply for a passport.

He said that the Chinese used his fake identity to study high school at Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao and college at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU). Albao said the Chinese is a first-year accountancy student at ADDU.

The suspect will face charges for violating the New Philippine Passport Act and Revised Penal Code penalizing falsification of public documents, perjury, and using fictitious name and concealing true name, Albao said.

He said the suspect was issued original documents and IDs by various government agencies but were considered falsified as the information was false.

Albao said that the suspect and his family have been residing in Davao City for 10 years. He said they own a hardware business in this city’s Chinatown District on Ramon Magsaysay Ave., called by residents Uyanguren.

The NBI-Davao head added that an employee from DFA-Davao doubted the suspect’s nationality and authenticity of the documents as he could not speak Cebuano, not fluent in Tagalog, and could only talk in English during interview.

He said the Chinese gave inconsistent answers during the interview.

Albao said the suspect applied for a passport as he wanted to become a Philippine citizen and plans to travel to the US.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be even more Chinese nationals who have been living here in the Philippines using fake identities?

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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