Tag: crime watch

Muntinlupa Mayor reacts towards discovery of cops who turned out to be working as bodyguards for Chinese nationals

Muntinlupa Mayor reacts towards discovery of cops who turned out to be working as bodyguards for Chinese nationals

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Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, an incident took place inside Ayala Alabang Village which eventually led to the discovery that two members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) turned out to be working as bodyguards for Chinese nationals and drew a reaction from Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, 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 expressed disgust against some police officers who moonlight as bodyguards for Chinese nationals amid the controversy over their presence in the country.

Biazon reacted to the arrest of two members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who engaged in a fistfight in the posh Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa.

They were identified by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) as Police Corporal George Rojo Mabuti, 30, and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez, 30, who were arrested by Muntinlupa Police on May 18.

The NCRPO said the two provided VIP security to a Chinese national involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

Biazon commended the Muntinlupa Police for their immediate action.

“I commend the Muntinlupa Police which immediately responded to the scene and faithfully performed their duty in arresting the culprits,” he said.

However, the mayor said that some police officers work as bodyguards for Chinese nationals.

“It is sad that in the light of the controversy surrounding the presence of Chinese nationals in the country, personnel from the PNP engage in illegal moonlighting as bodyguards. I expect the PNP leadership to do what is right and what is called for by law,” said Biazon.

According to the NCRPO, at about 3:15 p.m. on May 18, a security guard of Ayala Alabang Village who was on patrol saw a fistfight between the two and sought the help from the Ayala-Alabang Police Sub-Station 5 (SS5).

Mabuti fled and sought refuge in one of residences in the village which caused panic and alarm among the residents of the house.

Personnel from the Ayala-Alabang Police SS5 arrested and brought the two to the Muntinlupa City Police Station.

Operatives from the Muntinlupa Police discovered that the two SAF personnel were based in Mindanao.

Mabuti is presently assigned at the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga and Valdez is assigned at the 55th Special Action Company Zamboanga.

The police said they were moonlighting as VIP security to a POGO personality. The two police officers said they are not rendering their official duties with their respective units, the NCRPO said.

Lieutenant Riza Soledad of the Muntinlupa Police said Mabuti and Valdez are currently under their custody and underwent inquest proceedings before the prosecutor’s office for the complaint of alarms and scandals.

They will also face administrative penalties for neglect of duty and misconduct for moonlighting and unauthorized provision of VIP security, the NCRPO 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, are you concerned that there could be more police officers or even barangay tanods who could be secretly working as bodyguards of Chinese nationals or POGOs?

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

Several Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for kidnapping, qualified trafficking and other charges

Several Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for kidnapping, qualified trafficking and other charges

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)’s National Capital Region field unit raided a house in Multinational Village and arrested ten Chinese nationals who allegedly kidnapped seven Filipinos, according to a Philippine Star news report.

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

Ten Chinese nationals who allegedly kidnapped seven Filipinos were arrested in Parañaque on Thursday.

The suspects, seven men and three women, were apprehended by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)’s National Capital Region field unit during a raid on a house in Multinational Village, Barangay Moonwalk at around 4:50 a.m.

Col. Jean Fajardo, the chief information officer of the Philippine National Police, said the rescue operation was based on information from one of the victims, a house helper, who alleged that they were held against their will by the suspects for three days.

Acting on the information, CIDG operatives and security guards of the village went into the house and arrested the suspects. Seven Filipinos were rescued in the operation.

Fajardo said the victims were being forced by the foreigners to engage in activities such as love scams and cryptocurrency fraud.

Police seized two firearms and assorted bullets, 17 cell phones, five desktop computers, three laptop computers, passports and identification cards.

The suspects are facing criminal charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, qualified trafficking in persons, illegal gambling, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and violation of Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot of Chinese nationals living in other villages around the city who could be secretly committing crimes of kidnapping, human trafficking and the like? Are there any groups of Chinese nationals who could be living in households 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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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 at https://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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Wanted man arrested in Parañaque City for statutory rape

Wanted man arrested in Parañaque City for statutory rape

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a man who has been wanted for statutory rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers had a warrant of arrest for the suspect who also turned to be the 6th most wanted person in the city.

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

A man wanted for statutory rape was arrested by members of the Parañaque police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) early Friday, May 3.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect was identified as Jomari “Joms” Alano, 28.

Based on the report submitted to Parañaque Police Chief Col. Reycon Garduque, the suspect tagged as the Top 6 wanted person, was arrested at around 3:30 a.m. in Barangay Sto. Nino, Parañaque City.

Garduque said the suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro of Parañaque City Family Court, Branch 10 on November 13, 2023 with no bail recommended.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that rape is still a major form of crime in the city? Do you know anyone in your local community who had been raped in Parañaque over the past 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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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 at https://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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chinese national wanted for cyber fraud arrested at airport

Chinese national wanted for cyber fraud arrested at airport

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In recent times, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it apprehended a wanted Chinese national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspect is wanted for involvement in cyber fraud.

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

A Chinese passenger who is on the wanted list of foreigners for involvement in cyber fraud was recently arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Wednesday.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the passenger as 28-year-old Qin Xingye, who was intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 3 last April 28 before he could board an Air Asia flight to Hong Kong.

The foreigner was reportedly arrested after his name prompted a hit in the bureau’s derogatory check after presenting himself for clearance at the immigration departure counter.

“He was referred by the immigration officer to his supervisors who verified his identity and later confirmed that the passenger and the person in the bureau’s derogatory list are one and the same,” Tansingco said in a statement.

The derogatory hit showed that he was placed on the immigration blacklist for being an undesirable alien and for overstaying and illegally working in the country.

The BI’s Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BCIU) reported that the passenger was previously charged for engaging in cyber fraud activities and for working without a permit.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is doing a good job apprehending wanted foreigners?

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

Bureau of Immigration (BI) says tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to help ensure national security

Bureau of Immigration (BI) says tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to help ensure national security

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The government here in the Philippines are trying to balance the nation’s need of security and the gains from attracting foreign tourists. Specifically speaking, the spotlight is currently on the handling of visa requirements from Chinese tourists as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) made clear the need to help ensure national security, according to a GMA Network news report.

The BI responded to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals could harm the nation’s tourism as well as the businesses connected with tourist activities. Take note that criminal/illegal activities involving Chinese nationals happened many times here in the Philippines (click here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday that tightening the visa requirements for Chinese tourists would also help the Philippines protect national security, considering the illegal activities involving Chinese nationals.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained that while tourism is very important to the Philippine economy, the government also needs to implement stricter measures to protect public interest.

“We also have to look into the national security issue, the safety of the country. Kung merong mga ilegal na ginagawa [if there are illegal activities], I think it’s also important to have strict measures kung may nakikita na tayo na kakaibang nangyayari [if we see anything different happening] or mga activities that are probably inimical to national security or public interest,” she said.

Sandoval made the remark in reaction to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines could “discourage tourism and hurt businesses.”

She said that the BI has always been strict in inspecting arriving foreign nationals, particularly those involved in illegal activities.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been involved in organized crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and fraud. Some of them were also linked illegally working for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

This prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to tighten the Philippines’ visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid a high number of fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.

The DFA, however, ruled out ongoing tensions with China in disputed areas in the South China Sea as the reason for imposing more stringent visa measures for Chinese visitors.

Sandoval welcomed this development, saying it would add a layer of security in the Bureau of Immigration’s assessment of foreign nationals entering the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese visitors could hurt Philippine tourism? Do you think that Chinese tourists could not behave themselves while they are in the country? Do you want visa rules on all Chinese visitors be tightened for the long-term? Did a Chinese national cause trouble in your local community lately?

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

Four POGO workers arrested in Parañaque City over illegal detention

Four POGO workers arrested in Parañaque City over illegal detention

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested four employees of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) and charged them for illegal detention and grave coercion, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects were all foreigners.

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

Police arrested four Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers during a rescue operation in Parañaque City on Thursday, April 25.

 The Southern Police District (SPD) said Parañaque City police chief Col. Reycon Garduque reported the arrest of the suspects identified alias Wu, 29; alias Fan, 30; alias Liu, 31; and alias Xueyu, 33.

Garduque said the suspects were nabbed at around 6:30 p.m. in Merville Park, Barangay Merville, Parañaque City.

The operatives rescued the victim, identified as alias Zhang, 35, also a Chinese national, who was reportedly detained by the suspects.

Prior to the operation, the victim’s common-law wife, Jenny Rose, requested for police assistance claiming the victim was threatened and illegally detained by the suspects.

She said the suspects offered the victim a job. When the victim realized that the job was illegal, he tried to leave but was prevented by the suspects.

The suspects reportedly detained the victim and demanded P500,000 in ransom money from his relatives and family.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the city still has lots of foreigners secretly committing acts of crime? Are there still lots of POGOs in the city operating? Are there many Chinese nationals living in your local community right now? Do you think that POGOs in Parañaque could be used by mainland China for secret spying operations in the country in relation to the Philippines-China conflict in the West Philippine Sea?

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

Chinese nationals – including a fugitive – arrested in Parañaque and Mandaue

Chinese nationals – including a fugitive – arrested in Parañaque and Mandaue

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In separate operations, agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese nationals in the cities of Parañaque and Mandaue, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. One of them is wanted in China for contract fraud.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday said two Chinese nationals recently arrested in Cebu province and Parañaque City are now awaiting deportation.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified them as Zhu Yuanjiang, 25; and Ma MIngjie, 51, who were arrested last week in separate operations of the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

Both are now detained at the BI detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City while awaiting deportation.

Zhu was arrested on April 17 in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City after the BI board of commissioners issued a warrant of deportation against him last year.

He was ordered deported for overstaying and for working in the country without proper permits.

Investigation showed that Zhu previously worked in Xinchuang Network Technology Inc., an online gaming hub in Pasay City that was raided by authorities in June last year for alleged engagement in various criminal activities such as human trafficking and cyber fraud.

Meanwhile, Ma was nabbed on April 19 at his residence in a subdivision in Parañaque City. He is wanted by Chinese authorities for contract fraud.

Ma has a warrant of arrest from the Jiangbei district sub-bureau of the Public Security Bureau in Chongqing, China issued on Dec. 6, 2017.

Chinese authorities alleged that Ma and his cohorts deliberately tampered with bank accounts and account names of a point of sale machine merchant which resulted in the unauthorized transfer of over 58 million yuan (more than USD8 million) from China Minsheng Banking Corporation to his altered bank account.

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

Two more wanted persons arrested in Las Piñas City

Two more wanted persons arrested in Las Piñas City

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, two wanted persons were arrested as the local police officers continued their anti-crime operations with warrants of arrest issued by different courts, 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…

Members of the Las Piñas City Police on Friday, April 19, conducted anti-criminality operations which led to the arrest of two wanted persons for three counts of sexual assault and illegal possession of drugs.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as alias Marion, 38, and alias Mak, 40.

Based on the police report, Marion was arrested at around 7:00 p.m. in Barangay Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City.

He said Marion was arrested by the combined team of Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Station Intelligence Section (SIS) by virtue of warrant or arrest issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of Las Piñas Family Court Branch 2 on March 18, 2024 with recommended bail of ₱600,000.

Meanwhile, Mak, who was listed as the Top 4 wanted person, was nabbed at around 8:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulanglupa Uno, Las Piñas.

The police said Mak was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Anne Beatrice Aguana Balmaceda of Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 200 on March 12, 2024.

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 that wanted criminals in your city were arrested by due process and without violence?

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

PDEA arrests three suspects and seize P3.4 million worth of illegal substance in Parañaque City

PDEA arrests three suspects and seize P3.4 million worth of illegal substance in Parañaque City

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) organized a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrests of three suspects and the seizure of more than P3 million worth of illegal substance at the basement parking of a certain shopping mall, 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…

Government anti-narcotics authorities seized P3.4 million worth of shabu on Tuesday, April 16, following the arrest of three suspects during a buy-bust operation at the basement parking of a shopping mall in Parañaque  City.

In an initial report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said that the law enforcers confiscated 500 grams of shabu from Asher Guiani, 32; Ariedz Guiani, 27; and Almajid Kudandin, 22, at around 12:20 p.m. during the operation in barangay Don Bosco.

Aside from shabu concealed in six pieces of knot-tied transparent plastic sachets, the operatives seized a genuine P1,000 bill with serial number NUO69267 placed on top of boodle money, one cellphone, a laminated temp PhilSys identification (ID) card under the name of Ariedz Guiaman Guiani and black Hyundai Accent vehicle with license plate AQQ2908 with ignition key.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more people engaging in illegal drugs and other high-stakes criminal activities within the city? Do you think it will be long before Parañaque will get declared as a drug-free city?

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

A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #374 (1993)

A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #374 (1993)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 and examine a small part of the Marvel Comics universe through a tale of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series.

In early 1993, the supervillain and murderer Venom was in very high demand among Marvel readers and comic collectors. The Venom: Lethal Protector mini-series launched with issue #1 selling a lot of copies and it portrayed Spider-Man’s greatest enemy as a very twisted and violent makeshift hero who dedicated himself to protecting what he (Eddie Brock specifically) to innocent people. As Venom was one of the few supervillains who knew Spider-Man’s true identity, the creative team behind the Amazing Spider-Man series decided to raise the stakes temporarily by having him encounter Peter Parker’s parents (the ones that appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #365).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #374, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins inside the bunker beneath the grounds of the deserted Brooklyn amusement park. As Eddie Brock struggles to lift a very heavy piece of equipment, the symbiote forms over his body helping him lift it up above the head. Venom is obsessed with killing Spider-Man and Eddie Brock remains totally bitter over the webslinger’s responsibility on destroying his career. Eddie sees a page of the Daily Bugle on the wall and it contains a news photo of Peter Parker with his mother and father.

At New York’s famous Central Park, Peter, wife Mary Jane and his parents enjoy quality time skating on ice. Aunt May is standing on a wooden platform watching them…

Quality

Lots of intense action scenes in this comic book for fans and readers to be entertained with. The action scenes are not mindless as they serve as reflections of Venom’s powerful quest for revenge.

To begin with, I can say that this tale by David Michelinie is a very intense and dramatic read and it added a new layer of depth into the enduring rivalry between Spider-Man and Venom. At this point in Marvel Comics’ shared universe history, the two icons have encountered each other so many times, the time was right for Michelinie to raise the stakes and have the elderly Parkers (note: Aunt May excluded) as the new targets of Venom (already made obvious on the cover which in turn added tremendous stress on the part of Spider-Man and his wife.

For the newcomers reading this, Eddie Brock’s journalistic career was destroyed over the Sin-Eater story as a result of Spider-Man’s public revelation of Stanley Carter as the said figure (note: Brock’s Sin-Eater article series was based on interviews with Emil Gregg who actually turned out to be a delusional neighbor of Carter’s).

As Brock’s life went way downhill with his reputation destroyed, his hatred of Spider-Man grew and so did his quest for revenge. That being said, what happened in this particular comic book was a very reflective extension of what happened years prior. Anyone who has basic knowledge of the origin of Venom and early appearances of Brock in comics will be able to understand the intensified rivalry in this tale.  

Apart from the great story, this comic book has lots of superhero spectacle for readers to enjoy. That being said, the smashing action of the fight between Spider-Man and Venom was clearly made to be more violent which suitably reflected the supervillain’s lust for revenge. Spidey, meanwhile, had no choice but to avoid causing any more damage or harm as Venom goes after him in public surrounded with lots of bystanders. Along the way, you will see a key moment of the insanity of Venom which served as a useful pause of the fight. Finally, when it comes to the art, this comic book has some of the finest artworks I have seen from Mark Bagley.

Conclusion

At the time of this comic book’s publication, Venom was one of the few supervillains who knew Spider-Man and Peter Parker are one and the same person. The inclusion of Peter’s parents only added to the raising of the stakes.

Amazing Spider-Man #374 (1993) is undeniably a great read complete with intense action scenes, lots of intrigue and, most notably, a rock solid development of the Spider-Man-Venom rivalry. This is the kind of story that will compel long-time Spider-Man fans to revisit Venom’s origin as well as Spider-Man’s involvement with the Sin-Eater. At the same time, this tale will help readers understand the insanity and murderous mind of Venom that took place not only in the Venom: Lethal Protector mini-series in also other mini-series about the symbiotic killer that Marvel published throughout the 1990s.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #374 (1993) is highly recommended!

+++++

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