Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers organized an anti-crime drive targeting wanted persons and this resulted in the arrest of three men, the Manila Bulletin reported.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City police arrested three men during an anti-criminality drive that targeted wanted persons on Monday, March 6.
Police identified the suspects as Erwin Beltran, alias “Toto”, 46; Roberto Guillen, 57; and Reynaldo Panilagao, 28.
City police chief Col. Jaime Santos, said Beltran, who was tagged as Top 10 most wanted person, was arrested by members of the Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and the Intelligence Section (IS) around 3:00 p.m. at Basa Compound, Barangay Zapote on Monday, March 6.
Santos said Beltan was nabbed by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Ann Beatrice Aguana Balmaceda of Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 200 on Feb. 9 for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022.
Santos said Guillen, listed as Top 8 wanted person, was arrested around 4:30 p.m. on Malungay St. in Barangay CAA.
He said the arrest order against Guillen was also issued by Judge Balmaceda on March 2 for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022.
The third suspect, Panilagao, who was listed as Top 5 wanted person, was arrested by the police on Tuesday, March 7, around 7:45 a.m. on San Francisco St. in Barangay Ilaya.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Are you thankful to the local police for apprehending the wanted suspects? Do you feel safer 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 Parañaque City, two wanted foreigners allegedly connected with the Japanese burglary gang leader Yuki “Luffy” Watanabe were arrested by law enforcers in BF Homes 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 report. Some parts in boldface…
Two more suspects connected with Japanese burglary ring leader Yuki “Luffy” Watanabe were arrested in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Saturday.
Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the Japanese nationals as Fujita Kairi, 24, and Kumai Hitomi, 25, who were apprehended in BF Homes by operatives of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit on Friday afternoon.
The two have standing warrants of arrest for theft issued by the Tokyo Summary Court in September 2022. They are detained at the BI facility in Taguig City pending their deportation.
“This is a major breakthrough in the case, as we have finally arrested more suspects involved in this major case in Japan,” Tansingco said in a statement. “They will finally be facing their crimes in their homeland.”
Watanabe and accomplice Tomonobu Saito were deported on Feb. 8, the day after fellow fugitives Toshiya Fujita and Kiyoto Imamura, both 38, were sent home.
The above report ended stating that the gang was involved in at least twenty robberies that happened in Japan in the past twelve months, as well ass the murder and robbery of a 90-year-old person in the city of Komae.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you convinced that there could be more wanted criminals from abroad who could be hiding within your local community right now? If you have been following the developments about the Luffy case, do you know where exactly in BF Homes did the arrests happen?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in Parañaque City, a 29-year-old man who was named by the police as the 5th most wanted person in the city was arrested over charges of acts of lasciviousness, 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 Parañaque Police’s Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) arrested a suspect who is facing three counts of acts of lasciviousness on Thursday, March 2.
The suspect was identified as Mario Formalejo, 29, tagged by the police as No. 5 among the top ten most wanted person.
According to the police, Formalejo was arrested around 4:00 p.m. along Fourth Estate, San Antonio, Parañaque.
Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, said members of the WSS served the warrant of arrest against Formalejo issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro, of Parañaque Family Court Branch 10 on June, last year for three counts of acts of lasciviousness with a bail recommended at P540,000.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that there are still loose suspects who committed acts of lasciviousness in your local community before?
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, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the early 1980s and examine an alternate universe portrayal of Wolverine and some other characters as told in one of the comic books of the first volume of the series What If.
Wolverine is one of the most iconic characters of Marvel Comics and he has been part of some of my retro reviews (click here, here, here, here, here, here and here). Wolverine made his first appearance in comics in Incredible Hulk #181 which was published way back in 1974 which marked the first conflict of the two Marvel icons. Years later, Marvel decided to revisit that event with a What If story.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at What If #31 published in 1982 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Rick Margopoulos and drawn by Bob Budiansky.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with Wolverine and the Hulk in combat with each other in a forest within Canada. It turns out, Wolverine was sent by Canadian authorities to capture not just the Hulk but also the Wendigo.
With the Wendigo down on the ground, Wolverine and the Hulk struggle with each other. The Canadian’s speed helped him dodge the green giant’s powerful punches and as the fight goes on, so does the impulse and emotion from within. Suddenly, Wolverine decides to deliberately disobey his orders by deciding to kill the Hulk. In a few but strategic strikes with his Adamantium claws, Wolverine kills the Hulk. The Canadian authorities eventually got rid of the corpses of the Wendigo and the Hulk.
Soon enough, news about the Hulk’s death spread like wildfire all over America catching the attention of Spider-Man, the Avengers, the Fantastic Four and General Ross and his daughter Betty…
Quality
Wolverine gets abducted not by aliens from outer space but by Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.
To start with, I can say that I immensely enjoyed this alternate portrayal of the events that happened in relation to Wolverine’s first-ever appearance in comics. For one thing, the concept of Wolverine actually killing the Hulk is not only shocking on its own, it also set a chain reaction of events that involved or affect a whole lot of other characters within the Marvel Comics shared universe.
Let me start with Wolverine himself. As the story was set before he joined the X-Men, you will see Wolverine as a super-powered agent of Canada whose career really goes down as he failed to restrain his wild self from killing not once but twice. This results in a Wolverine who is deeply troubled with guilt and becomes desperate believing that running away and hiding will somehow solve his dilemma.
Wolverine’s entry into a gang of evil mutants led by Magneto (note: this comic book’s main villain) is itself worth getting this comic book. This shows Magneto – always obsessed with his belief that mutants are superior to humans – putting his diabolical plan into action with Wolverine as the key participant. This itself led to Wolverine’s encounter with the X-Men (the one team he was destined in reality to be with).
The creative team clearly exerted a lot of effort to not only ensure the plot made sense but also have a solid structure that can accommodate twists, intrigue and superhero spectacle altogether complete with enough room for character development. Lastly, I should say that this comic book’s climax is both compelling and shocking to read.
Conclusion
Wolverine’s 2nd kill in this comic book.
What If #31 (1982) is indeed a great Marvel comic book to read. It has a very engaging alternate universe portrayal of Wolverine and this paved the way for a new and fresh approach on showcasing how the X-Men and Magneto’s gang reacted with the clawed Canadian. While the scope of the consequence of Wolverine’s killing of the Hulk ultimately ending up narrowing on Marvel’s mutants could be disappointing for those who seek a bigger impact on other Marvel universe characters, what was shown here in this comic book still made sense and ultimately turned out believable. This comic book also has another tale exploring what if there was no Fantastic Four which ultimately ended up as a decent additive.
Overall, What If #31 (1982) is highly recommended.
Tax evasion remains a very serious problem in the Philippines. As far as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is concerned, the authorities lose around half a trillion Pesos each year due to tax evasion, according to a BusinessWorld news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the BusinessWorld news article. Some parts in boldface…
THE GOVERNMENT loses around P500 billion annually to tax evasion, according to a top Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) official.
“There is a lot, especially if we include those involved in illicit trade. In cigarettes alone, there’s around P100 billion,” BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said, when asked about revenue losses from tax evasion.
“Leakages aren’t part of that yet, like petroleum or vape products that aren’t registered, as well as fake receipts. I think it won’t go below P500 billion if you add everything up,” he added.
Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will have an easier time achieving its collection targets if it addresses tax evasion.
Earlier this month, the BIR filed 74 tax evasion complaints worth P3.5 billion against several companies.
“We will tailor efforts to improve digital services so businesses will leave the shadow economy and join the tax net. We will now focus on enforcement activities against tax evaders, put emphasis on tapping uncollected taxes through illegal activities,” Mr. Lumagui said.
The BIR is currently monitoring and investigating a number of suspected tax evaders.
“The most important right now is the selling of fake receipts and we know who (they are). We are investigating so we can file a case against those involved,” Mr. Lumagui said.
The BIR is targeting to collect P2.6 trillion in revenues this year.
“With all our activities and efforts we are making, we will be able to achieve the tax collection target,” he said.
In 2022, the agency collected a total of P2.34 trillion, surpassing its P2.1-trillion target.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lumagui said the agency will also review its policies after the Supreme Court declared void its regulations that require firms to disclose the personal information of investors.
“We must respect the privacy (of these investors) but when it comes to the correct amount of taxes, the BIR has auditing power. There is still a need to pay taxes and the compliance of these businesses needs to be monitored. When it comes to determining the correct amount of taxes, we can investigate that,” he added.
The Supreme Court declared that the BIR Revenue Regulations No. 1-2014 and Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 5-2014 “void for being unconstitutional” as it violated the right to privacy.
The regulations require businesses to disclose investor information such as addresses, tax identification number (TIN), and birthdays, among others.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BIR will be able to collect P2.6 trillion this year even with tax evasion still going on? What do you think should be done to eradicate tax evasion all over the Philippines?
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the local police organized a buy-bust operation which led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man suspected of drug peddling, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Seized from him were illegal drugs and weapons.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Members of Las Piñas Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) seized illegal drugs, a grenade and a gun from a suspected drug peddler during a buy-bust operation on Friday, Feb. 17.
Col. Jaime Santos, city police chief, said the suspect, Roberto Aringo,30, alias Jon, reportedly known for his illegal drug trade, was nabbed at about 6:30 p.m. in Kawayanan Tambakan, Pulanglupa Uno, Las Piñas.
Santos said police operatives confiscated from the suspect three heat-sealed transparent sachets containing 12.2 grams of shabu worth P82,960.
The city police chief said that aside from shabu, the cops also seized from the suspect a hand grenade, .38-caliber revolver, and the P500 buy-bust money.
Santos said the confiscated shabu was turned over to the Southern Police District (SPD) Forensic Unit for chemical analysis.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that loose firearms and illegal substances are affecting your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member 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, a wanted person from the province of Leyte was arrested by the local police, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said person was previously charged for statutory rape and his arrest happened in Barangay San Antonio.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A 31 year-old-man facing statutory rape charges and two counts of acts of lasciviousness was arrested in Parañaque City on Monday, Feb. 13.
Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, said members of the Tabontabon Muncipal police station coordinated with members of the Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) for the arrest of the suspect identified as Gilbert Barbo Durana.
Ocampo said Durana, who was listed as Top 1 wanted person in Tabontabon, Leyte, was arrested around 6:40 p.m. along San Antonio Valley-1, Barangay San Antono.
He said members of the Tabontabon Municipal police station conducted manhunt operations against Durana after a warrant of arrest for statutory rape was issued against him on Feb. 1.
The city police chief said Judge Catherine Jane Lopez, of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Eight Judicial Region, Branch 15, Burauen Leyte, ordered the arrest of Duran.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that more wanted persons could be hiding in your local community 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 city of Parañaque, over P180 million worth of illegal drugs were recovered by local police officers inside an abandoned car and the said substances were contained in tea bags, the Manila Bulletin reported. There were also other notable items found inside.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Tea bags containing more than P180 million worth of shabu were recovered by members of the Parañaque police inside an abandoned car early morning of Thursday, Feb. 9.
Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, said Mark Joseph Espinosa, a barangay watchman, reported to the Tambo police sub-station the discovery of an abandoned vehicle — a red Toyota Innova with plate number CDI 9724.
Ocampo said the vehicle was discovered abandoned around 2:00 a.m. at the corner of Quirino Avenue and M. Delos Santos St., Barangay Tambo.
During the inspection conducted by members of Tambo police sub-station, operatives noticed that the SUV’s doors were left unlocked and one brown backpack, a box, and a sack were found at the backseat.
The Tambo police sub-station operatives and the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) found sealed tea packs containing 27 kilos of suspected shabu worth ₱183,600,000 inside the sack.
Ocampo said that aside from the 27 kilos of suspected shabu, police operatives also discovered two photo copies of the original receipt, car registration, deed of sale of the Toyota Innova, original receipt and car registration of a Nissan Sentra with plate number TKS 429, two photo copies of driver’s licenses and birth certificate under the name of Ma. Teresa Fernandez, identification and vaccination cards belonging to a certain Patani Barauntong and other personal belongings inside the vehicle.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? What do you think could explain why the vehicle was left abandoned even though it had several important items inside?
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 Las Piñas, the local police arrested two men for illegally possessing weapons and shabu. The weird thing is that a vehicular accident led to the apprehension according to a news report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Inquirer news report. Some parts in boldface…
A vehicular accident in Las Piñas City resulted in the arrest of two men for alleged illegal possession of firearms and shabu, the police said Monday.
The Las Piñas City police, in a report, said its officers were responding to an incident along Alabang Zapote at around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday when suspects Jefferson Garin, 32, and Raymund Mangubat, 39, attempted to flee the scene.
Officers who came to help captured the suspects on Neltex Street in Barangay Pamplona.
During the procedural body search, the suspects yielded a .9mm Pietro Beretta pistol and three plastic sachets of suspected shabu worth around P40,000.
Garin and Mangubat were brought to the Station Investigation and Detection Management unit of Las Piñas City police station.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that loose firearms and illegal substances are affecting your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member 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 arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 and explore a part of Marvel Comics’ universe through the first-ever limited comic book series featuring one of Marvel’s most iconic supervillains – Venom.
Previously, I wrote about Venom with his appearances in What If comic books (click here and here) as well as in issues of Venom: Lethal Protector (click here and here). Venom also appeared in the disappointing crossover comic book Spider-Man Meets Spider-Man 2099.
Moving back to the year 1993, the Venom: Lethal Protector limited series ended and Marvel went on to release a 2nd limited series composed of three issues complete with an all-new creative team. That series was Venom: Funeral Pyre and the most notable thing is that Venom gets to be with the Punisher (read my other retro reviews that include the character here, here, here and here).
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Venom: Funeral Pyre #1 published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Carl Potts and drawn by the late Tom Lyle.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins on the streets of Oakland, California. There, a young guy named Gray Russell watches gang members severely beat up another guy which disturbs him deeply. He is part of the gang. A short time later, he rides with the gang in a car which hits a man (who managed to have his young nephew move out of harm’s way).
Somehow the man survived and moves to another direction deliberately to lure the gang away from his nephew. As the gangsters move towards a local building, Gray separates from his harsh companions to find a phone booth. Gray finds Calvin (the nephew of the man who got hit) nearby and decides to comfort him. From a distance, they heard the gangsters beat Calvin’s uncle to death.
The next day in the underground city beneath San Francisco, Calvin meets Eddie Brock and hands him a note meant for the police. As Calvin reveals more details, Eddie gradually turns into Venom with his alien costume covering up his body. After learning of the death of Calvin’s uncle and hearing the young boy’s plea for help for Gray (an investigative reporter in secret within the gang), Venom agrees to help him as it is their mission to save the innocent and destroy the guilty…
Quality
Punisher and Venom’s first-ever encounter with each other.
I want to start first the with the overall presentation crafted by the Potts-Lyle creative duo. In terms of story and setting, this comic book has a very strong urban crime vibe which is not a surprise given the fact that Carl Potts wrote lots of stories of the Punisher and his personal war against criminals. That being said, the tone is very different compared to what was shown in Venom: Lethal Protector and other Venom tales that got published before this comic book. Very clearly, this story is dark, gritty and even disturbing to read due to the subject matter of crime and senseless violence caused by people who are obsessed with violence. The fantasy elements of Venom: Lethal Protector are unsurprisingly absent here.
Carl Potts’ take on Venom’s personality is technically an extension of what was established previously. Venom, who is truly a murderer on the loose, continues to live with his very distorted code by helping the innocent by means of using violence and death on others he personally views as guilty. His getting involved in the turf of crime here is, however, a fresh approach on the super villain now acting “heroic” helping Calvin who lost his uncle. Being a former journalist himself, Eddie Brock “relates” with the investigative journalist involved with the gang.
The other major character – the Punisher – is his typical self in this story. He gets involved in the conflict in Oakland not purposely but accidentally as he was just passing by in his weapons-filled van as he heard the local police communication on local crime. The only thing notable about the way the Punisher is portrayed here is his first-ever interactions with Venom which is a crossover scene filled with a decent amount of hard action.
Gray, the investigative journalist, is presented here as technically the third major character of the story. In some ways, he even overshadows Venom and the Punisher in key parts of this comic book. He is not really an interesting character himself but there are some interesting Marvel universe details shown from his personal memories. What is clear about this uninteresting character is that the creative team planned something with him in a key role within the core concept of this mini-series.
As for the plot itself, it clearly has a dark and gritty concept of street crime in 1990s Oakland which itself plays a big part of the build-up of the story and the eventual crossover between Venom and the Punisher. The problem is that the build-up has an uninteresting character with Gray involved and there is a lot of exposition to go through before the Venom-Punisher encounter.
The encounter between Venom and the Punisher here came with the superhero comics crossover trope of the players misunderstanding the situation and each other, and getting into a conflict very early on. Both characters have their respective obsessions and so-called codes of purposes, which predictably leads them into conflict as they stayed hard-headed towards each other. While it is flawed, the Venom-Punisher crossover here is the highlight as well as the relief from having to read all the exposition and build-up.
Conclusion
A scene like this could inspire Black Lives Matter terrorists, SJWs, woke activists and North American socialists to become violent and cause havoc around America.
Venom: Funeral Pyre #1 (1993) is a flawed comic book that happens to highlight the Punisher and Spider-Man’s greatest nemesis of the time. It delivered on its promise of showcasing the two characters – a cold-hearted anti-crime vigilante and an alien costume-equipped murderer – in a crossover but the pay-off was barely enough when you take into account the build-up, the exposition and the involvement of the uninteresting third player named Gray. Compared to what was shown in Venom: Lethal Protector, this comic book clearly has an urban crime flavor which Carl Potts strongly implemented. As for the art, Tom Lyle showed he is really good in visualizing Venom, the Punisher and street gang wars.
Overall, Venom: Funeral Pyre #1 (1993) is serviceable. Definitely this is not the fabulous 1st issue described on the foil cover.
