Recently in Parañaque City, a Chinese national was arrested for bringing a gun with live ammunition as well as illegal drugs that were hidden in his bag, 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 Chinese national was arrested for possession of firearms and drugs upon entering a hotel and casino hub in Parañaque City on Sunday, September 10.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Wan Liang, 40, was arrested at around 3:00 p.m. at the Pearl Entry of Okada Manila, Entertainment City in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
The police said security personnel noticed suspicious items inside Liang’s bag during the routine bag screening before entering the hotel and casino hub. The security immediately prevented Lang from entering the establishment.
Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol with one magazine loaded with seven live ammunitions, a zip-locked sachet containing 1.77 grams of shabu worth P12,036 and two alleged ecstasy tablets worth P3,400, along with assorted IDs and P710.00 cash inside the bag.
The suspect was immediately turned over to the Tambo police substation by Jaafar after the discovery of the illegal items.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be Chinese nationals moving around Parañaque secretly carrying guns and illegal drugs with them?
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 Las Piñas City, the City Government issued a public warning to local residents about individuals who have been pretending to be employees of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and acts of extortion that were detected, 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…
The Las Piñas City government is warning the public against individuals posing as employees of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and unlawfully extorting money from applicants.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar released the advisory after receiving several reports of “unscrupulous activity” involving individuals posing as BPLO employees who are allegedly extorting money from applicants in exchange for faster processing of their permits.
Aguilar said the city government is also coordinating with the police to apprehend individuals posing as BPLO employees.
She emphasized that those who will be apprehended for falsely posing as any city government employee will face legal repercussions.
Authentic or legal employees of the BPLO and the city government carries valid IDs, according to their assigned offices, complete with a photo, name, position and signature, the mayor added.
Aguilar told the public to verify the identity of the individuals they interact with by asking for proper identification and contacting their designated offices.
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? Did you encounter someone who claims to be working for the city’s BPLO? Are you concerned that there could be more scammers posing as authority figures in the city?
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 the city of Parañaque, several Chinese nationals and a few Filipinos were apprehended for illegal gambling as a result of a raid that took place in Barangay Tambo, 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…
Ten Chinese nationals and three Filipinos were arrested by personnel of the Southern Police District (SPD) –Special Operation Unit (SOU) for illegal gambling in Parañaque City on Monday, Sept. 4.
Reports showed that the SPD-SOU raided a recreational hub located at Bayview Drive, Tambo, Parañaque at around 9:30 p.m., leading to the arrest of the suspects who were allegedly engaged in illegal gambling activities.
The suspects were identified as Gong, Zhao Wei, 34; Long, Junfei, 33; Tang, Xiaoxang, 29; Dong, Jian Hua, 27; Zhao, Zheng, 26; Li, Xin, 35; Tan, Yucheng, 31; Chen, Guo Dong, 28; Yu, Shuai, 37; Han, Xu, 33 and Yue, Xiao Lu, 27; all Chinese nationals.
The three arrested Filipinos were identified as Salman Ali, 28; Jonathan Tañedo, 43; and Anna Silverio, 22.
The SPD said members of the SPD-SOU, in coordination with the Tambo police substation 2, recovered three table gaming machines, 170 token pieces, a counting machine, three bundles of money amounting to ₱27,000 in different denominations, a 9mm caliber Rock Island M1911 A1-FS, a 9mm magazine, and four pieces of 9mm live ammunition.
The arrested suspects are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 or illegal gambling. Additional penalties for violation of Batas Pambansa 881 or the Omnibus Election Code was filed against Ali.
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? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals secretly operating illegal activities in the city?
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
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 culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1996 and explore a part of the Marvel 2099 comics universe through a tale of the Punisher 2099 monthly series.
In my previous retro review, the futuristic Punisher moved on from the deaths of his family members. Influenced strongly by the writings of the late Punisher Frank Castle, Jake Gallows begins operating as a vigilante even though he still has a full-time career as a law enforcer with Private Eye. Not only that, he gets opportunities to face off once again with Kron Stone (Venom 2099 himself) who is responsible for the deaths of Jake’s family.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Punisher 2099 #3, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Pat Mills and Tony Skinner, and drawn by Tom Morgan.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins on one snowy night within the city. A lady who has grown very addicted with Total Reality makes a deal with a sinister merchant and makes her escape out of reality and into a living digital realm without caring about the consequences she will physically experience.
A black ambulance arrives and out comes the Punisher who hits the merchant hard enough with his weapon for a quick knockout. He then takes off the lady’s optical device (note: this should remind you somewhat of Microsoft’s HoloLens in terms of physical similarities) which brings her back to reality. Gallows knows fully well that Total Reality can actually kill users who do not practice any restraint, and he then crushes the lady’s device. Instead of thanking the Punisher, she expresses her frustration and anger to him before leaving.
Afterwards, Gallows brings the merchant into the black ambulance and puts him on stretcher. There are sharp devices nearby that can kill the merchant if he makes any attempt to escape…
Quality
Among his colleagues at work, Jake Gallows simply acts as he himself is the Punisher captured on video (but his face has been protected digitally).
While the first two issues of this monthly formed the origin and establishment of Punisher 2099, this comic book shows him doing vigilante work and acting as judge, jury and executioner all together. Going back to issue #1, the creative team made it clear that in 2099, justice can be bought and punishment for criminals is much softer compared to how it was in the 20th century. This alone serves as a powerful motivation for Jake Gallows to bring back old-fashioned, harsh punishment for criminals even if it means he has to do it by himself outside of the law. This is the core concept of this comic book and along the way, there is this build-up of the villain Fearmaster and his henchman Multi-Fractor.
More on the story, the creative team took their time to develop Jakes Gallows and emphasize how his mind functions each time he works secretly as a vigilante (who cannot be identified visually) and privately as a Private Eye cop (the organization’s psychologist noticed something about him). More on his secret as the Punisher, it turns out Gallows was able to establish a secret prison complex, equipment for crime-fighting and even a deadly chair underground.
As he continues to be obsessed with fighting criminals with the harsh ways of the past, the futuristic Punisher symbolically becomes a questionable protagonist. On face value, he seems to be good by simply opposing crime and yet he seems to be evil as he commits acts outside of 2099’s laws.
Conclusion
Clearly acting out of the law, the Punisher of the future imprisons criminals and acts as judge, jury and executioner without hesitation. This also shows his dark side.
With its simply concept, Punisher 2099 #3 (1993) succeeds in defining the futuristic Punisher’s motives, intentions and execution. Compared to Frank Castle Punisher, Jake Gallows lives in a society which has laws that are so weak to push back against crime, justice becomes hollow and even laughable. That being said, this comic book is very socially relevant (note: Leftists in America weakened laws which benefited criminals, supported illegal immigrants at the expense of citizens, and have varied movements of arrogant protesters and activists who intimidated people and caused serious damage around the country) and what has been happening in America under the influence of the Democrats makes the dark future of 2099 looking like it could happen. At the same time, the Punisher in this story incidentally became somewhat unlikable as his crime-fighting obsession is gradually turning him into becoming as bad as the bad guys. This is a lively reminder that even in a society that is plagued with crime and weak justice, vigilantism is still a big no-no and it is also very destructive. To be a vigilante means becoming wicked.
Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers arrested a man who attempted robbing a delivery rider (note: incident was captured on video), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened during the law enforcers’ follow-up operation.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A man who attempted to rob a delivery rider as shown in an online viral video was arrested by Parañaque police during a follow-up operation on Aug. 18.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Jovi Perdido, 33, was arrested by members of the Station Intelligence Section and Substation 2.
According to the Parañaque police, the suspect reportedly tried to steal the victim’s cellphone and money he collected from his delivery service.
The robbery-holdup incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. along Cabesang Cicilio St. in Barangay Tambo on Aug. 17.
The police said that based on the viral video that circulated on social media, uploaded by “Janjan,” Perido mauled and tried to stab the victim who, in turn, resisted.
The suspect was prevented from further harming the victim by concerned citizens who witnessed the incident.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you believe that more delivery riders could be targeted by thieves while doing their duties 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the local police force received new equipment from the City Government which should help it maintain order, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government turned over Kevlar helmets, vests, and ammunition to the Muntinlupa police to beef up their capabilities.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon personally handed over 60 bulletproof helmets, 60 body armor vests, and more than 74,000 rounds of ammunition to the Muntinlupa police headed by Col. Angel Garcillano.
“Kasama sa priority programs natin ang Kapayapaan at Kaayusan kung saan patuloy nating pinalalakas ang peace and order capability ng ating lungsod (Peace and order are included in our priority programs wherein we continue to strengthen the peace and order capability of our city),” said the Mayor.
The equipment is part of the city government’s program to provide security in the city.
The mayor said the city government had previously established security outposts in strategic areas in Muntinlupa coupled with increased police visibility.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think this new development will help make Muntinlupa a more peaceful and orderly city? Do you think the criminals will be discouraged from committing illegal acts now that they know the local police are more equipped 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 engagements, 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 Manila, local police officers arrested a transgendered woman (note: biological male identifying as female) for the alleged extortion of money from a minor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The victim’s mother learned about the details of what happened and called the police for assistance. The arrest was the result of an entrapment operation.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A 23-year-old transgender woman was arrested by police in an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting money from a minor with special needs at a mall in Ermita, Manila on Monday morning, Aug. 14.
The MPD-MDACT said the suspect is a student with aliases “Ann Antukin” and “Sunata Hen” residing in Brgy. Balong Bato Quezon City.
The mother of the victim told police investigators that her son (name withheld), a minor with special needs, met the suspect on Facebook two years ago. Their online relationship blossomed and they became lovers.
Through the course of the relationship they exchanged intimate photos of themselves in their online conversations. Her son thought all along that the suspect was a real woman, the mother said.
The problem started when the suspect demanded money from the victim, threatening to expose his sensitive photos to his parents.
Police said that the mother of the victim got wind of her son’s predicament after she found out that he stole money from her. This prompted her to check on her son’s cellular phone where she discovered that the suspect was demanding money from the victim such as a monthly allowance of P10,000 and others.
She further learned that the suspect was asking her son to deliver the money at a mall in Ermita.
The mother sought the assistance of the MPD-MDACT team who promptly planned an entrapment operation against the suspect at the mall.
During his arrest, the suspect yielded two pieces P1,000 marked money, a Vivo V23 5G cellular phone, a vaccination record card and a National ID under his name.
The above report ended stating that the transgender suspect is facing charges for violating Article 317 (swindling of minors), Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), and Republic Act 11930 (The Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a parent whose children are still minors, does this crime news report make you feel concerned about what kind of people your children communicate with online? Do you think that there could be more transgendered individuals out there looking to victimize children and other people that they believe could easily be fooled?
In what seems to be an intention to ensure election integrity, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed that it is planning to allow warrantless arrest of persons who are caught buying or selling votes specifically during the campaign period, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that this is related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Commision on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it is planning to allow warrantless arrest for those who will be caught in the act of buying or selling votes during the campaign period.
In a press conference, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the commission will issue new guidelines for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), which is set on October 30.
“Sa ilalabas naming guidelines bilang pahapyaw lang po, papayagan natin silang mag-aresto especially kung yung tao ay caught in flagrante or caught in the act. Dati wala po yun. Ngayon, i-authorize po namin siya with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed,” said Garcia.
(In the guidelines that we will issue, we will allow the PNP to arrest if the person is caught in the act. We will authorize that now with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed.)
Garcia said that the basis of the previous prohibition of arrest during the campaign period was the 1985 omnibus election code.
But under the 1987 Constitution, Garcia said warrantless arrest is allowed in cases of flagrante delicto or being caught in the act.
He pointed out that if there is a contradiction between existing law and the Constitution, the Constitution will be followed.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by the COMELEC makes sense as far as election integrity is concerned? Do you think warrantless arrests will make a major dent against the buying and selling of votes during the campaign period?
Recently in Las Piñas City, police officers arrested vloggers known for organizing public pranks and publishing videos, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report. For reference, read my previous posts by clicking here and here.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Inquirer news report. Some parts in boldface…
Three vloggers who went viral for staging a kidnapping prank were arrested by authorities last August 1, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a report on Monday, the PNP said Las Piñas City Police Station arrested vloggers Mark Heroshi San Rafael, Mark Lester San Rafael, and Eleazar Steven Fuentes after their video, which was uploaded last April 7 went viral and drew flak online.
The video was uploaded on the vloggers’ YouTube channel “Tukomi,” featuring one of its members buying food from several side street vendors and food stalls along Saging Street, Phase 2 in Barangay CAA, Las Piñas when suddenly a group of men onboard a vehicle seized him.
After the video went viral, PNP-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group Staff Sergeant Ronnie Conmigo lodged the complaint against the trio, which led to the issuance of a warrant of arrest by Judge Lynnette May Deloria-Manarang of Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 124.
For further insight, watch the mentioned April 7, 2023 Tukomi prank video below…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think public pranks that involved acts of crime are very disturbing? Did the arrested vloggers organize a public prank in your local community over the last twelve months?
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
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 culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 to take a close look at the second issue of the second Venom comic book mini-series Venom: Funeral Pyre.
In my previous review, the gang-driven violence intensifies as the Punisher makes his move armed with lots of resources (including a van loaded with weapons and computerized functions). Venom struggles to free himself from the temporary prison the Punisher placed him in. As the violence escalated, Gray Russell finds himself in much deeper trouble as the anticipated rescue does not happen.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Venom: Funeral Pyre #3, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Carl Potts and drawn by the late Tom Lyle. This if the final issue of the mini-series.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins inside a building with high-tech equipment from HYDRA. Gray Russel is no longer himself but as the red-skinned, highly radiated figure Pyre. He fires a microwave blast at Venom which hurts him so much. In response to Venom’s claim that he came to rescue him, Pyre reacts with rage telling the murderous man with the symbiote that he arrived too late which resulted in the forced killing of people during the gang violence on the streets of Oakland.
Being filled with pure rage, Pyre intends to burn Venom alive. Thinking that Pyre is distracted, the Punisher leaps to get a gun on the floor which causes the radiated person to fire a microwave blast at him. The Punisher takes cover behind a machine but notices the microwaves sparking off the metal.
Venom then takes advantage of situation…
Quality
This page shows Venom at a disadvantageous state with Pyre whose microwave blasts are more than enough to kill him.
As the conclusion of the mini-series, this comic book went all-out portraying what turned out to be the final conflict involving the murderous Venom, the vigilante Punisher and the energy-filled Pyre. As a result, the narrative strongly focused on the final conflict (note: stretched out to last several pages) and never bothered to look back at the people and activities on the city street.
That being said, you will get to see more of the two established Marvel figures struggling hard against an unexpected force of opposition who was previously an undercover news reporter who infiltrated a certain gang and sent a message (delivered by a young boy) that caught Eddie Brock’s attention. At this point, it is clear that Venom’s effort to rescue Gray (who became Pyre after using a super soldier chamber left behind by HYDRA) ended in total failure and finds himself facing someone who could kill him and his alien costume together.
If there is anything notable about this issue, it is the portrayal of Venom being highly disadvantaged and even vulnerable. There are no armed men with sonic weapons and high-tech equipment to bring Venom down but Pyre whose microwave blasts are deadlier than flame and sonic. In connection to the situation, Venom is not his aggressive self but a struggling figure who strives to survive and somehow find solutions during the heat of danger.
The Punisher, meanwhile, also struggled to survive but would simply not run away even though his chances of escape are much better. Instead, he focuses on actually eliminating Pyre without hesitation and Venom’s attempt to rescue Gray meant absolutely nothing to him.
More on Pyre, he is not really interesting nor was he ever engaging as the one powerful force of opposition that Venom and the Punisher must face. His being consumed by unrestrained rage and wielding so much power did not really raise the tension of the story. Had he eliminated the two Marvel figures who got in his way, what would Pyre do afterwards? Devastate the entire city of Oakland because he lost his identity as Gray and could not get over his involvement of taking other people’s lives while in the middle of gang activities? Would he proceed to San Francisco’s underground community and eliminate the people only because he blames Venom (note: Eddie Brock got involved with the underground people of San Francisco as seen in the Lethal Protector mini-series) for his failure of rescuing him? Pyre is nothing more than a throwaway comic book force of opposition.
From a visual standpoint, Tom Lyle once again pushed his creativity hard and showed some dynamic shots of spectacle here and there. At this stage, he proved to be very capable of visualizing Venom and the Punisher.
Conclusion
The Punisher refuses to give up and gets Microchip to assist him.
While issue #2 was a notable improvement over the first issue, Venom: Funeral Pyre #3 (1993) does not have much to offer in terms of engagement and entertainment. This is because it was crafted as a strict Venom-Punisher-Pyre conflict that provided spectacle and intrigue but ultimately ended up hollow. To see Venom at a huge disadvantage is interesting but did not add much weight to the plot. The Punisher was his usual self and in some ways overshadowed Venom for a while. Too bad there was not much space left for Venom and Punisher to fight each other again.
As the final issue of this mini-series, the story concluded with a whimper. Ultimately the Funeral Pyre storyline ended up as a diversion within the Marvel Comics shared universe that happened to attract Punisher, Venom and the gangsters of Oakland.
Overall, Venom: Funeral Pyre #3 (1993) is satisfactory.
Author Carlo Carrasco 