Recently in the City of Manila, a delivery rider who disguised himself as a traffic enforcer flagged down a motorist and extorted money which eventually led to his arrest, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect has been charged for robbery extortion and the usurpation of authority.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A delivery rider posing as a traffic enforcer was arrested after he flagged down a motorist to extort money.
The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as Lloyd Tolentino, 27, resident of Barangay Kaunlaran, Navotas City.
According to the police report, the 43-year-old victim Reagan Ramos was traveling along Pedro Bukaneg Street corner Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila on Sunday night, March 31.
He said he was flagged down by the suspect, who was wearing a Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau uniform, and introduced himself as a traffic enforcer.
The suspect asked for the victim’s driver’s license for a traffic violation (swerving), but the victim contested.
The victim became suspicious when the suspect demanded P200 in exchange for not being issued a traffic violation ticket. Police said the victim immediately reported the incident to authorities that led in the arrest of the suspect.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more abusive delivery riders around Metro Manila who could be committing the usurpation of authority and extort money from motorists?
Recently in the City of Parañaque, a police officer was apprehended for shooting dead a motorcycle rider in Barangay San Dionisio, according to a GMA Network news report. The incident happened during Holy Week and the suspect (currently in jail) denied the allegations against him.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A police officer who is an active member of the mobile unit of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group was arrested for allegedly shooting a motorcycle rider in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque.
According to Mariz Umali’s Saturday 24 Oras Weekend report, 27-year-old Neil Wong was shot dead at around 6:40 a.m. He was seen by a witness talking to the suspect before the attack.
“Nakita ko nang bumagsak na po yung biktima. Tapos sinisigawan ko na yung suspect, sabi ko ‘Huy!’” said the witness.
(I saw the victim fall. Then, I shouted at the suspect, I said ‘Huy!’)
According to the Parañaque Police, the suspect attempted to steal the victim’s motorcycle but ran after it failed to start and was arrested by a passing police patrol.
Taken from the suspect were his service firearm, bullets, and two of the victim’s mobile phones.
“Ang motibo na nakikita namin dito yung robbery,” said Parañaque Police Investigation Chief Police Captain Melvin Garcia.
(The motive that we’re seeing is robbery.)
The victim may also have been in the area because his motorcycle broke down.
Meanwhile, the suspect denied the allegations.
“Bigla niya kong binato out of nowhere. Kala ko di niya sinasadya. Tapos maya-maya bigla niya ko minura. Kaya ko yun nagawa sa kanya, yung binaril ko siya. Humihingi ako ng tawad sa lahat ng kaanak, sa mga magulang at saka sa mga mahal niya sa buhay,” the suspect said.
(He suddenly threw something at me out of nowhere. I thought he didn’t mean it, but later he suddenly cursed at me. That’s why I did it, shooting him. I’m asking for forgiveness from all his relatives, parents, and his loved ones)
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 motorcycle robberies could happen near your local community? Do you think the suspect is telling the truth?
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 Marikina, an elderly woman died shortly after getting hit by an electric bike (e-bike) while crossing the road which was captured on CCTV, according to a GMA Network news report. The e-bike driver, who is now under the custody of the local police, has been charged for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. The victim was 73-years-old.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A grandmother in Marikina was killed after being hit by an electric bicycle or e-bike.
According to Marisol Abduhraman’s report on “24 Oras,” the victim was not immediately brought to the hospital, her family claimed.
As seen on the CCTV footage, after the woman opened her umbrella, she started crossing the road. But while crossing, an electric bicycle hit her.
The woman fell down and was immediately approached by bystanders and the e-bike rider.
The 73-year-old Luzviminda Bisares was declared dead when she was taken to the hospital.
“Hindi ako makapaniwala bakit niya po binangga at sinagasaan po ang lola ko na nagtamo ng brain injury and putol po ang braso niya,” said the victim’s granddaughter, Samantha Bisarez.
(I can’t believe why he hit my grandmother causing her to suffer from brain injury, her arm was broken.)
She added that it was impossible for the rider not to notice her grandmother, especially since she was carrying an open umbrella.
“Sabi niya may tinitingnan daw siya sa bulsa niya pero nasa CCTV at lahat noong tao doon nakita na nagse-cellphone po siya while driving,” said Samantha.
(He said he was looking at something in his pocket but it was seen on CCTV and everyone there saw that he was using his cell phone while driving.)
“Sabihin na nating aksidente pero bakit mo hinayaang manlamig, lumamig ‘yung lola ko. Bakit hindi ka nag-insist na ipagamot yung lola ko o ipadala sa ospital? Para sana madugtungan pa ‘yung buhay niya?” she added.
(Let’s say it was an accident but why didn’t you insist on bringing my grandmother to the hospital so she could be treated?)
The rider explained that he did not immediately take the grandmother to the hospital because he was panicking.
“Malapit na po ako sa bahay nila tapos nandun po kami papasok sa eskinita nahilo po s’ya kaya pinaupo ko po muna s’ya saglit. Hindi na po kami umabot kasi nahilo po s’ya inupo ko po sya dun,” the suspect said.
(We were nearing their house, we were entering the alley…she felt dizzy so I made her sit for a while. We didn’t get there because she was dizzy, so I let her sir first.)
He said a man arrived from the alley and took the grandmother to the hospital.The suspect said he regretted what happened and said he did not mean to kill her.
“Masakit po sa dibdib, sympre po hindi ko naman po sinasadya yung nangyari. Sobrang naging bangungot. Sana po patawarin ako ng pamilya n’ya,” he said.
(It’s painful. What happened was not intentional. It was a nightmare. I hope her family will forgive me.)
But his apology was not enough for the pain of the grieving family.
Posted below is the related news video of GMA Network.
This tragedy in Marikina City reported nationwide by GMA News adds further challenges to e-bike and e-trike drivers/owners as it could spark public demand that each e-bike and e-trike should be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and that all the respective drivers should be required to secure licenses to drive (which means participating in seminars about traffic rules and then passing a test).
As for those private or civic groups that blatantly support the rights of e-bike/e-trike drivers, observe how they will react to the Marikina City tragedy. See how they will come up with excuses as they strive to gain the attention of the media to themselves.
A file photo of an electric tricycle (e-trike) traveling along Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City. In relation to the tragedy in Marikina City, do you think it is high-time to compel all e-bike/e-trike drivers to be licensed to drive and have their respective vehicles registered under the Land Transportation Office (LTO)?
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is time to require all e-bike and e-trike units to be formally registered under the LTO, and the respective drivers should be required to be licensed to drive? Regarding the e-bike driver responsible for the death of the elderly woman in Marikina City, do you think his explanations make any sense at all? Are there many e-bike/e-trike-related accidents that happened in your city recently? Did you see any e-bike/e-trike using driving recklessly recently?
Two members of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) were charged for financing terrorism and the Department of Justice (DOJ) claims it found compelling evidence against the suspects, 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 Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said it found compelling evidence to indict two members of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) responsible for collecting revolutionary funds and financing terrorism.
Following information gathered by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), accused Leonor Taguinod Dumlao and Valentin Cruz Tolentino will be charged with violation of Section 8 of R.A. No. 10168, known as “The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.”
The charges will be filed before the Batangas City regional trial court, the DOJ said in a statement.
The two were originally arrested under Oplan Paglalansag in Mindoro Oriental and Rizal in August 2023.
According to reports, the two accused possessed firearms and ammunition with no definite source of income or apparent purpose, prompting authorities to initiate background checks and collaborate with intelligence counterparts from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) to ask the court’s issuance of search warrants against the two.
Authorities discovered firearms, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), IED components, and a significant sum of money.
Dumlao and Tolentino, the DOJ said, are alleged members of the National Finance Commission (NFC) of the CPP/NPA which had direct involvement in demanding money from construction firms, telecommunication companies, bus companies, mining companies, and businessmen in the guise of “revolutionary taxes.”
The two were also allegedly responsible for the creation of the National Economic Striking Force (NESF) of the CPP/NPA, which serves as security of the “Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri” or the RBKU.
“We will never let even an inch of terrorism’s tyranny sow fear among our citizens, much more let the cowards behind this menace run free. This is a time when we Filipinos should fortify our resolve and show our resilience in fighting this evil,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are several Communists here in the Philippines who are secretly financing terrorism, smuggling weapons and plotting chaos? Do you think the young leftist activists living in your local community could secretly be agents of the CPP/NPA?
Here in the Philippines, scammers are almost everywhere. There are scammers who will send you direct electronic messages or call you with offers of job openings, promos, investment opportunities, subscriptions and the like. What caught my attention was the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) recent apprehension of scammers who posed as personnel of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested on Tuesday eight individuals pretending to be officials and employees of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in an entrapment operation in Mandaluyong City.
The DBM, in a news release Wednesday, said one of the suspects introduced herself to the complainant as an Undersecretary of the DBM supposedly in charge of the agency’s “special projects.”
The scammers promised the complainant, who is a project contractor, access to some PHP1.3 billion worth of government projects involving the construction of a dam.
The suspects assured the complainant that the project will be awarded to her once “grease money” was provided for the project’s “Blue Print” to initiate the processing of documents for the project award.
The illicit activity was uncovered after the contractor conducted an initial verification with the DBM.
After receiving and accommodating the complaint, the DBM sought the help of the NBI to carry out an entrapment operation where the suspects were arrested after accepting the PHP500,000 marked money.
“Mariin po nating kinokondena ang ganitong klaseng gawain. May proseso po tayong sinusunod na naaayon sa mga umiiral na batas (We strongly condemn this kind of activity. We have a process that is consistent with existing laws),” Budget Secretary Mina Pangandaman said.
She said the DBM is hoping that the incident will “send a strong statement to the public” that it will never tolerate fraudulent activities.
“Seryoso po ang DBM sa paglaban sa katiwalian gaya po ng ganitong mga gawain. Kaya naman po hinihikayat ko po ang taumbayan na agad magsumbong at i-report kung may mga mae-encounter sila na ganitong mga indibidwal (The DBM is serious about fighting corruption. That’s why I encourage the people to immediately report if they encounter scrupulous individuals),” Pangandaman added.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be a lot more scammers out there pretending to be representatives or officials of government departments or corporations trying to deceive people over their money? Have you been scammed before?
As I was browsing news of national interest, I came upon a news report by GMA Network related to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in the municipality of Bamban, Tarlac province that was already raided by local authorities. Beyond the raid, the authorities uncovered luxury cars, villas and even tunnels inside the facility.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A swimming pool, several tunnels and luxury cars were among the discoveries inside a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub that was allegedly used for illegal activities by scammers in Bamban, Tarlac.
In an exclusive report from Saleema Refran on 24 Oras, the 10-hectare Zun Yuan Technology complex that was raided by a joint team of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had more than just offices and dormitories.
There were also villas that were reportedly reserved for high ranking officials and VIPs as well as an (Olympic)-sized swimming pool.
Aside from allegations of scams, human trafficking and illegal detention, the compound was also hiding other secrets.
There is a network of tunnels underneath the villas. Authorities said the tunnels led outside the compound.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said the underground passageways might have been used by other suspects to make good their escape.
“Posible kasi na yung mga nakatakas ay dumaan po sa underground tunnels. Mayroon kasing open na mga gates doon sa ibang tunnels pwedeng doon sila nagtakasan.
(It’s possible those who escaped underground. There were open gates in some of the tunnels.)
Inside the villas were expensive furniture and appliances. There were also safety vaults in several rooms. Outside were parked several SUVs and luxury cars.
The massive compound is located beside the Bamban Municipal Hall.
Casio said Bamban town officials should have been more vigilant when it allowed the establishment of the amusement and gaming hub in 2020.
“Lahat po ng POGO, lahat ng (internet gaming license) operators kinakailangan po magkaroon niyan ng Letter of No Objection galing sa city council. Dapat bago nag release ng LONO yung munisipyo dinouble, di lang double, triple o quadruple check kasi nga nakita natin yung mga ebidensya ng scamming dito sa loob,” he said.
The Department of Justice is also investigating the case.
Prior to the March raid, the compound was also raided last February this year due to allegations of a cryptocurrency scam when it was licensed under the Hongsheng Gaming technology.
Posted below is the related news video of GMA.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the remaining POGOs here in the Philippines could be engaging in illegal activities and added to criminal activities in local communities near their facilities?
Recently in the City of Manila, local police officers arrested transwoman (note: Transgendered woman who is actually male but identifies as female) for extorting money from a student lover, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
A transwoman was arrested by operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) for allegedly extorting money from his lover in Ermita, Manila on Thursday, March 14.
MPD identified the suspect as Justine, 25, a resident of Makati City.
The suspect was arrested in an entrapment operation after his 24-year-old victim, a student, reported him to the police.
Prior to the suspect’s arrest, the victim said he met the suspect on an online dating application.
He said that after a while, they became online sweethearts before they decided to meet in person in Makati City.
The victim said that during their meet-up, he and the suspect had a sexual encounter, but he did not know that the suspect was filming it.
He said that the suspect suddenly demanded P10,000 from him, threatening that he would use the sensitive video as a content on his social media account if he would not give him the money.
The threat prompted the victim to report the suspect who was nabbed in an entrapment operation inside a convenience store on United Nations Avenue in Ermita.
In a media interview, the victim said that he only found out late that the suspect was a transwoman.
Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were an iPhone and the P10,000 marked money.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Are you concerned that someone in your family could be engaging with strangers through online dating applications? Did someone from your local community became a victim of a transgendered crook? Do you think that a lot of extortionists, LGBTQ people and scammers are taking advantage of users on online dating applications?
Recently in the City of Parañaque, a pawnshop messenger was shot dead by an unidentified gunman who remains on the loose and the local police are tackling the possibility that the victim was targeted due to his alleged past as an asset of the police, 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…
Probers at the Parañaque City police are looking into the possibility that the killing on Thursday, March 21, of a pawnshop messenger was allegedly due his being a former police asset.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the victim, identified as alias Juan, 45, of Camp Bagong Diwa, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City and a messenger at Champion Pawnshop located along Lopez Avenue, Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City, was shot dead at around 7:40 a.m.
According to the report of the Parañaque city police, the victim was reportedly opening the sliding accordion metal door of the establishment when he was approached by a male person wearing a black hoody jacket, blue pants, red t-shirt, and white rubber shoes and was shot several times in the body.
The Parañaque City police said that based on the CCTV footage in the area, the suspect arrived with a male companion on board a motorcycle and parked their vehicle at the tricycle terminal.
The police said the gunman alighted from the motorcycle and walked casually to the establishment where alias Jun was working.
A few minutes later, a burst of gunfire was heard and the gunman was seen running going to the direction of his companion.
The police added that the motive of the killing could have been revenge because of his allegedly being a former police asset.
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 criminals could be hunting for locals whom they perceive to be assets of the police force?
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
We all live in a chaotic and divisive world. In this case, I’m talking about the concept of the International Criminal Court (ICC) based in the Netherlands getting involved in the internal affairs of the Philippines, particularly with the judicial process. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stood up to the ICC pointing out that the nation has a functioning judiciary, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Be aware that the Philippines severed its ties with the ICC five years ago.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
It is a “mistake” for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene in the Philippines’ judicial process, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said, as he maintained that the country has a functioning judiciary.
Marcos made the remarks during his bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday in Berlin, Germany, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement on Thursday.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood firm before German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines as it remains to have a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanisms,” Garafil said.
During the meeting, Marcos told Scholz that ICC cannot investigate the Philippines’ drug campaign under the Duterte administration because the country is capable of conducting its own probe.
Marcos said there is no need for the international court to meddle, considering that “there are too many lawyers in the Philippines already.”
“And so, it’s really a question of jurisdiction and we have our own investigations and we’re capable of conducting our own investigations and, so we are, we are continuing to do so,” Marcos was quoted as saying by the PCO.
Marcos said the ICC’s apparent intrusion into the Philippine judicial system is something that his administration has to deal with.
He said it is “unacceptable” for an international court to take control over the Philippines where there is a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanisms.
“Well, there is now a conflict between – in terms of jurisdiction because, in our opinion, the ICC was created when a country has no judiciary, no functioning judiciary, no police force to enforce peace and order; enforce law,” Marcos said.
“As a matter of principle, it is very difficult for the Philippines to accept that an outside court will, shall I say, dictate to our policemen, ‘who they will investigate, who they will arrest and who will say, that hey, because we don’t need that advice’,” he added, stressing that the country has a “functioning military and police force that uphold the rule of law.”
In February this year, Marcos said the ICC prosecutors could “produce as much evidence as they want but they could not act upon it in the Philippines.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the ICC and its henchmen here in the Philippines are secretly conspiring to weaken the nation’s justice system and the local authorities’ fight against crime? Do you think the latest move by President Marcos will send a clear signal to the internationalist organizations that it is pointless for them to violate the sovereignty of the Philippines?
On the morning of March 21, 2024 at Branch 274 of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court (RTC), suspect Nelson Antonio was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the September 11, 2013 killing of his father Antonio P. Antonio (also referred to as Tonton and APA) and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua.
As expected, the verdict rendered by the honorable Judge Regina Paz Ramos Chavez drew reactions of happiness and relief from the surviving members of the Antonio family who worked hard to achieve justice for the late APA. In a statement to the journalists who were present, the prosecutor Atty. Carlo Ybañez said that the verdict of guilty beyond reasonable doubt on Nelson Antonio was inevitable as it was clear that their side had many witnesses of the murder that happened in the Antono residence along Concha Cruz Drive, and there was also the fact that the suspect fled and hid overseas to elude justice (note: the charge of parricide was filed in late 2013) for years.
The promulgation happened in Branch 274 of the Parañaque RTC.
Xialen Antonio (daughter of the late Antonio P. Antonio) spoke to the media after the judgment was rendered. With her are the lawyers and her brother Vladimir (2nd from right).
Atty. Ybañez said they are anticipating the next move of the defense which could possibly be an appeal.
“We thank the entire community, the police and the lawyers who helped us for more than ten years in our pursuit for justice. We also thank the public officials who assisted us,” Xialen Antonio stated.
Xialen also reminded the journalists that a certain TV program aired the case of APA which caused an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the Middle East to recognize Nelson (already in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and contacted the Philippine police attache to the UAE which led to the suspect’s arrest and return to the Philippines. For a detailed look at what happened, click here.
A group picture of the Antonio family with the lawyers and others supporters who helped with the pursuit of justice for the late APA that last many years.
For the newcomers reading this, Antonio P. Antonio was a prominent business tycoon and he was one of the most distinguished residents of BF Homes subdivision. APA served as director and president of the old federation United BF Homeowners Association, Inc. (UBFHAI). His sudden departure at age 63 resulted in chaos and uncertainty for the Antonio family. To know more about APA through the 10th death anniversary remembrance I attended, click here. I also have a 2020 feature article of the late Antonio P. Antonio which you can read by clicking here.
The late Antonio P. Antonio (1950-2013).
As of this writing, the news of the verdict is spreading. Justice for APA posted an official update and public statement that viewers can read by clicking here. Already the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) published an online report, so click here.
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
