Tag: GMA Network

Alleged gunman behind October 3 Las Piñas City killing of radio broadcaster Lapid surrenders to local authorities

Alleged gunman behind October 3 Las Piñas City killing of radio broadcaster Lapid surrenders to local authorities

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Finally! The alleged gunman behind the October 3 killing of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid (note: for references click here and here) turned himself in to the local authorities and was presented to the media with the presence of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos and others, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Apart from that, there were some very disturbing details revealed and the one who surrendered was part of a team that worked in the October 3 killing.

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

The alleged gunman in the killing of veteran radio host Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid, has surrendered to authorities, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said on Tuesday.

“Ngayong umagang ‘to, gusto ko lang i-kumpirma na nasa kustodiya na ng PNP (Philippine National Police) itong suspek na ang pangalan ay Joel Estorial. Siya ay of course taga-Quezon City (This morning, I would like to confirm that the PNP has custody of the suspect identified as Joel Estorial, He is of course a resident of Quezon City),” Abalos told reporters in a press conference at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame.

Abalos said Estorial, 38, a resident of Quezon City, turned himself in to the police on Monday “out of fear for his personal safety” after his photo was released last week and a PHP6.5-million bounty was placed on his head.

Estorial revealed that there are six of them involved in the murder of Lapid and they were promised a sum of PHP550,000.

He also surrendered the firearm he used to gun down Lapid at about 8:30 p.m. on October 3 at the gate of BF Resort along Aria Street, Barangay Talon 2, Las Piñas City.

“Ang tanong ng publiko, totoo kayang sumuko yan or he’s just a fall guy? Hindi po, siya talaga. Hindi niya lang inamin because the gun itself matched the slug, nag-match ang ballistics. ‘Yung mga damit (na suot niya nung nakuhanan siya ng CCTV) na pinunit punit niya nandoon pa rin (he presented to the police) (The public may be asking, did he really surrender or he’s just a fall guy? No, it’s really him, he didn’t just admit it because the gun itself matched the slug, the ballistics matched. The clothes (that he was wearing when he was caught on CCTV) that he tore apart are still there (he presented to the police),” said Abalos.

Abalos said Estorial issued an extrajudicial confession where he also named his cohorts identified as brothers Edmon and Israel Dimaculangan and a certain Orly, who are all still at large.

Meanwhile, the two other suspects who were not identified are “from the New Bilibid Prison”.

Abalos said police are still identifying the mastermind of the crime as well as the motive.

Wearing a bulletproof helmet and vest, Estorial faced the members of the media and apologized to the family of the victim.

“Sana po mapatawad ako nila. Hindi ko naman kagustuhan yun. Nadala lang ako (I hope they can forgive me. I had no intention. I was just carried away),” he said.

Estorial said the order to kill Lapid came from someone inside the New Bilibid Prison.

Estorial narrated that he was with “Orly” a resident of Batangas, during the incident while the Dimaculangan brothers, on the other hand, were on another motorcycle.

“Kasi ‘yung ano usapan, kung sino ang matapat doon kay Percy po, siya ang babaril eh nagkataon natapat sa akin, sabi naman po kapag hindi ko binaril, ako ang papatayin kaya binaril ko na po si Percy (What was discussed was whoever is nearest to Percy, they will shoot him. It just so happened that he was near our team, I said if I will not shoot him, they will kill me, so I shot Percy),” Estorial said.

When asked by Abalos as to who threatened him, Estorial said: “Si Orly (It’s Orly).”

Estorial said the PHP550,000 was split six ways, with him getting PHP140,000 deposited to his account.

For added insight, watch the GMA News videos below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Who do you think could be the mastermind behind the killing of the radio broadcaster? Do you believe the police will be able to figure out all the details and find the answers behind everything?

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

P1.5 million cash reward for those who could provide information behind the October 3 killing of a radio broadcaster in Las Piñas City

P1.5 million cash reward for those who could provide information behind the October 3 killing of a radio broadcaster in Las Piñas City

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Recently, there has been a wave of news and social media buzz over the sudden killing of a notable radio broadcaster that happened in the City of Las Piñas on October 3. In a more recent development, a person-of-interest was made known visually and the cash reward of P1.5 million was announced, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Police investigators already have a person of interest in the October 3 killing of radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, or more popularly known as Percy Lapid, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Friday.

At a press briefing, NCRPO chief Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo said the person of interest was captured by CCTV cameras from along Lapid’s routes moments before he was shot dead.

“The Special Investigation Task Force Percy Lapid, with their ongoing follow-up investigation, confirmed to have developed a person of interest in the case as a result of their collection of all available backtrack CCTV footage along the victim’s routes before the incident happened,” Estomo said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who was also in the briefing, presented an enlarged printout of the person of interest, whose identity is still unknown.

“Importanteng ma-identify natin ang taong ito [it is important to identify this person],” Abalos said.

Estomo also announced that the reward money being offered to fast-track the resolution of the case has been increased from P500,000 to P1.5 million.

Estomo also said the additional cash reward came from “friends of the victim and concerned citizens.”

“Our very own SILG said that we are offering this reward to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the speedy resolution of this case,” Estomo said, referring to Abalos, who offered the initial P500,000 reward from his own pocket.

Estomo said the police are guaranteeing the safety and security of the informant.

Abalos, meanwhile, expressed confidence that with the reward money and the person’s picture released to the public, the person of interest would be identified soon and that it would be better for him to just surrender.

“Marami nang nakakaalam sa iyo, marami nang magsusumbong. Siguro sumuko ka na. Napakaimportante na sumuko ka na sapagkat pag-isipan mo, ‘yung mga nag-utos sa ‘yo baka may masamang gawin sa ‘yo,” Abalos said, addressing the person on the picture.

(A lot of people already know you and they may reach out to us. So perhaps you should surrender. It’s important that you surrender before whoever ordered you to commit the crime do something bad to you.)

Lapid, host of online broadcast program “Percy Lapid Fire” at DWBL 1242 and columnist for Hataw, was shot dead by two men while on his way home in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City on the night of October 3.

Malacañang earlier said President Marcos is “concerned” over the killing of Lapid.

Meanwhile, the family of the slain broadcast journalist appealed to Marcos Jr. to lead the investigation into the killing.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Roy Mabasa, Lapid’s brother, said the President leading the investigation may put a stop to the killing of journalists “once and for all.”

“Nais kong manawagan sa Pangulo na sana ay pangunahan itong imbestigasyon. Dahil bakit ba natin gusto na ang Pangulo ang nasa unahan nito? Para matigil na once and for all ang killings sa mga journalist,” he said.

(I want to appeal to the President to hopefully lead the investigation. Why? So that for once and for all the killing of journalists will stop.)

For added insight, watch the news videos below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Did the recent killing make you feel uneasy? Are you willing to help the authorities identify and find the person-of-interest so that the case will be resolved?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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

Gang of kidnappers busted; one of the victims was abducted in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque

Gang of kidnappers busted; one of the victims was abducted in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque

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A gang of kidnappers whose members were described as transgendered people got busted by the personnel of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) as a result of a joint operation with the Anti-Kidnapping Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and some military personnel, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report. The gang referred to as Warla had victimized more than ten people (including one victim in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque  City according to a Philippine Star news report) and they collected millions of Pesos worth of ransom money for the purpose of sex reassignment surgery (AKA sex change) for themselves.

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

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) dismantled a kidnapping syndicate whose members are transgenders.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, CIDG director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee identified the suspects as Francis Villa, Lawrenza Lingo, Johnas Belonio, Bernard Torres and Mark Joseph Pelonio, all members of the “Warla” kidnapping group.

They were nabbed in a joint operation with the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, National Capital Region Police Office and military troops on Oct. 1.

Lee said the modus of the group is to lure victims from dating apps and sites to meet up with their good-looking members.

Once abducted, the victims are brought to their safehouse and the suspects demand money from them in exchange for their release.

After receiving the ransom, the suspects drop off the victims in random places around Metro Manila.

The group is said to be operating in the southern part of Metro Manila, specifically in Parañaque, Pasay, Taguig, and Makati and has victimized around 14 persons.

They were able to collect total ransom money amounting to PHP4.2 million which will be used for their sex reassignment surgery or “sex change”.

Lee said the group was made known to the police after Taiwanese victim Michael Lee was rescued on Sept. 7 in Parañaque City, after he was abducted on Sept. 3.

The kidnapping group demanded a sum of money from the victim’s friends in exchange for his freedom. The victim’s friends were able to send money to five different digital wallets reaching a total of PHP308,000.

“For the longest time that I have been in anti-kidnapping operations, this is the first time we have encountered this group of transgenders who have already victimized 14 people. We are still backtracking to find out who they are and fortunately, Michael Lee complained and sought the help of the Taiwan police so that was the breakthrough in this case,” Lee said in Filipino.

Lee said the kidnapping group is led by a certain Mikey Ebol, a.k.a Mike Collado Ebol, who is now hiding.

After trailing transactions of the group, the police located four other suspects who had already surrendered — Dewie Shaine Collado Garcia, Charlemagne Olunan Vargas and Christian Paredes.

In their statements, they said the SIM (subscriber identity module) cards they owned were bought by Ebol.

During the investigation, Lee said the group was formed in 2018.

Col. Hansel Marantan, CIDG National Capital Region field unit director, said the name of the group was coined from the gay lingo “warlalu” which means “let’s get it on, let’s go to war”.

“They will post themselves as beautiful women on Facebook to lure their prey. And that’s it, once the victims are kidnapped, they will start negotiations like asking for PHP500,000 and the span of negotiations is very short. It takes only about three to four days and they use GCash as an avenue for the collection of money which is very hard to trace,” he added.

Further probe revealed that the group is involved in the illegal sale of firearms.

The PNP-AKG filed kidnapping charges against Ebol and his cohorts before the Department of Justice on Sept. 12.

Meanwhile, continuous manhunt operations are being conducted to track the whereabouts of Ebol, and his other members Lexi Villanueva, Jaine Martinez, Hector Magallanes a.k.a. “Yanyan”, Erwin Flores a.k.a. “Marga”, and Matthew San Diego.

As mentioned earlier, one of the victims was abducted in Parañaque City – specifically in Barangay BF Homes – on September 3 before getting rescued a few days later. The Philippine Star noted this in its own report. Posted below is an excerpt from the report. Some parts in boldface…

Three of the suspects – Dewie Shaine Garcia, Charlemagne Vargas and Christian Paredes – surrendered to police after they were found to be connected to the kidnapping of 58-year-old Taiwanese businessman Michael Lee in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque on Sept. 3. He was rescued last Sept. 7.

Unfortunately, the Philippine Star report did not specify where exactly in Barangay BF Homes did the kidnapping happen. Right now the local authorities and their investigators are trying to figure out what exactly happened and what resources the kidnappers had.

This newest development should serve as a warning to all those who use dating sites or dating apps. There is the need to be cautious when interacting with someone through an online dating source. It is bad enough that there are lots of scammers here in the Philippines who try to lure people through text messaging and social media to get their money.

For added insight, watch the following news videos below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about these new developments? Are you concerned that you may have interacted with kidnappers pretending to be attractive individuals on dating sites or dating apps? Do these events make you afraid of online dating? Do you think your local community could be easily infiltrated by kidnap-for-ransom gang members?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others as well as 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

Donations for Barangay BF Homes Parañaque hit-and-run victim allegedly taken by scammer, incident reported to police cyber-crime team

Donations for Barangay BF Homes Parañaque hit-and-run victim allegedly taken by scammer, incident reported to police cyber-crime team

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It has only been days since an elderly sweeper got hit and ran over by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) at the corner of Elizalde street and Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City. Since then, the SUV driver got arrested, the victim got hospitalized and a donation drive was launched. Just yesterday, GMA Network published a Tagalog news report that a scammer took several thousands of Pesos worth of donations away. As such, the victim’s family reported the crime to the police for help.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA Network news report with content translated into English. Some parts in boldface…

(A) scammer cleaned the mobile wallet containing the (donations) for the 63-year-old street sweeper who was run over in Parañaque recently, according to the victim’s son this Tuesday.

In an interview with Unang Balita, Jade (Bacus) said that the scammer got as much as P76,000 from the donation for her mother, Doreen Bacus, who is currently being treated at the hospital.

“All donations to GCAsh have been scammed,” said Jade.

He added that the scammer pretended to be a representative of a charity that wanted to help his mother.

“Because it happened so fast. The woman spoke so well. (She) said (she) would help, (she) said (she) was from a charity. Besides, (she) said (she) watched mom’s video so they want to help,” said Jade.

The family has already reported the incident to the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police.

It can be recalled that Doreen was hit and rolled by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) recently while sweeping the street at the corner of Elizarde and Aguirre Avenue in Barangay BF Homes.

In the CCTV footage, the arrival of the SUV driven by Raymond Sapirain can be seen and directly collided with the victim and rolled over. The SUV did not stop and the victim was left lying on the side of the road.

According to the police, security guards of the subdivision intercepted the driver and took him to the police.

The street sweeper suffered head and ear injuries, according to (her) son.

“The one on (her) head opened because the one on (her) head was sewn there. Besides, the one in (her) ear was removed, so now is (her) schedule for (her) ear to be closed and put in an artificial ear,” said Jade.

The above report ended stating that the victim’s son already talked to the apprehended driver. For additional insight, watch this related GMA news video.

If there is anything to be learned from the newest incident that happened, better do your donation drive independently complete with total control to yourselves. Never share passwords nor direct access into your accounts with others outside of your inner circle. If you will seek charitable assistance at all, you better make sure that such charities that approach you are credible because online scammers here in the Philippines are many and they are always persistent with their wicked intentions. Scammers are also known to be actors who will pounce on the helpless, the ignorant and the desperate.

As far as this month of September and Parañaque are concerned, it is very notable that two separate SUV-related hit-and-run tragedies happened and made the news in back-to-back fashion. The other hit-and-run incident happened in Barangay San Antonio which resulted in the death of a 3-year-old girl. The driver responsible was apprehended as well.

With these incidents being so disturbing and depressing, I would like to encourage you readers to take time out and pray for the healing of victims who got hurt, and also pray for the souls of the victims who got killed as well as their families who are dealing with the loss. Pray to the Lord wholeheartedly and with unwavering faith. You can start with certain scriptures from the Holy Bible posted below.

For the victims who got hurt and are struggling to recover…

When they are sick, lying upon their bed of suffering, God will restore them. He will raise them up again and restore them back to health.

Psalms 41:3 (TPT)

I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.

John 14:25-27 (MSG)

For the victims who died and their respective families who are in pain…

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].

Psalm 147:3 (AMPC)

For the best set-up and privacy with the Lord, be in your room with the door shut closed to pray to Him. Pray in tongues (praying in the spirit) to Him as well.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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

3-year-old girl dies after being hit and ran over by SUV in Parañaque City, victim’s companion hurt

3-year-old girl dies after being hit and ran over by SUV in Parañaque City, victim’s companion hurt

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Another hit-and-run tragedy took place recently in Parañaque City which resulted in the death of a 3-year-old girl who got hit by a sports utility vehicle (SUV), according to a news report by GMA Network. The victim’s companion got hurt as well. This report was published not so long after the reporting of the tragedy that took place in BF Homes in the same city.

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

A three-year-old girl died after being run over by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Paranaque City.

The girl’s companion, another child, sustained wounds, according to a report by Jonathan Andal on the weekend edition of “24 Oras.”

The two kids reportedly went out of their house to look for the brother of the victim and were walking on the road when the SUV made a left turn and hit one of them.

Concerned citizens had to run after the SUV driver to stop him and told him about the incident.

“Sabi ko, ‘boss may nasagasaan kang bata, akin na yung susi mo.’ Eh ayaw ibigay.  Hindi ko nakita na may bata, ‘yun ang sabi niya,” John Bert Lopez said.

He continued, “Pero imposible na hindi nya nakita ‘yun, kasi andito pa lang sa humps dapat nakita nya ‘yun.”

The father of the child, Raymond Sampang, regretted going to work in a construction site that day.  As he had to be away, he said he asked his older sons, age 11 and 12, to look after their sister.

“Kung alam ko lang na mangyayari yun, hindi na sana ako nagtrabaho ng araw na ‘yun,” he said.

The victim’s mother has just returned home from her work abroad, but could not be with her family yet as she has yet to complete her quarantine.

Sampang said the 68-year-old SUV driver has not offered help to his family.

The driver, who was not allowed to be interviewed by GMA News, said he did not see the two kids on the road. 

For more insight, posted below is the news video of the same story. This one contains CCTV footage of the incident which is very disturbing to watch. You have been warned.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Parañaque City resident, what can you say about this latest crime-related news? Do you believe the claim that the driver of the SUV did not even see the two kids on the road?

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

Over 100 foreign and local workers rescued from POGOs in Rizal and Pampanga

Over 100 foreign and local workers rescued from POGOs in Rizal and Pampanga

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Thanks to the collective efforts of local law enforcers, more than one hundred foreign and local workers from two Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) establishments in the provinces of Pampanga and Rizal, according to GMA Network’s news reports. Human trafficking and physical abuses are notable elements in the reports.

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

Authorities rescued over 100 allegedly abused foreign and Filipino Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers in Cainta, Rizal, John Consulta reported on 24 Oras Weekend.

The Bureau of Immigration and National Bureau of Investigation conducted an operation on Saturday to rescue workers who were allegedly tortured and held against their will by fellow foreigners.

The victims claimed they were not being paid, while one of the workers alleged that he was kidnapped and forced to work for the POGO. Others were promised free board, lodging, and a high salary for working 22 hours a day.

But even if they were forced to work long hours without being paid, the workers were still allegedly physically punished if they were caught sleeping on the job. Wounds were seen on a worker’s back.

Suspect Lee Mengqiang, a Chinese national, denied harming the POGO workers.

Meanwhile, the NBI also discovered that the POGO’s permit had expired but continued to operate.

Now here is the related news video about the above news story. Watch the video and pay close attention…

About the POGO and rescue of workers in Pampanga, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA Network report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday said it shut down a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) establishment in Pampanga and rescued at least 43 foreign nationals from allegedly human trafficking.

Following a series of raids, DILG secretary Benhur Abalos and officials of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group permanently closed the Lucky 99 Outsourcing Inc. offices, located at Fil-Am Friendship Hi-Way in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Abalos said the raids resulted in the rescue of the foreign nationals who were brought to the establishment.

The DILG secretary said the police would continue to apprehend individuals involved in similar illegal activities as part of the intensified crackdown on POGOs involved in human trafficking.

“With the help of PAGCOR and the SEC, we will be able to identify who are the individuals behind this illegality,” he said in a statement.

Abalos said the DILG also sought assistance from the Bureau of Immigration to check the visas of the rescued foreign nationals.

“We will make sure that all victims will be accorded due process as the Immigration [Bureau] checks their documents and visas properly to avoid being victimized again,” he said.

The DILG Secretary also encouraged the public to report such illegal activities in their respective areas.

“We are nearing the end of the pandemic and the only way to put a stop to this is by working together,” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about these new developments? Are you now concerned that POGOs operating in your city could be secretly committing crimes such as kidnapping, physical abuse and human trafficking? Do you think that the POGOs in your city are somehow adding to new incidents of kidnapping, prostitution, gun smuggling, torture and other criminal activities? Do you believe that the government should permanently shut down POGOs that are involved in criminal activities?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others as well as 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

COVID-19 Crisis: Optional face mask use outdoors recommended by IATF

COVID-19 Crisis: Optional face mask use outdoors recommended by IATF

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Are you sick and tired of wearing face masks outdoors as a means of protection from COVID-19? Did you hear about the Cebu City government’s bold move on having voluntary use of face masks on a trial period? Looks like things will change here in the Philippines and its efforts on rising up from the pandemic’s effects as the Inter-Agency Task Force of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) recommended the voluntary use of face masks in open spaces by year-end, according to a GMA Network news report pointing to Malacañang and the Department of Health (DOH).

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

The Inter-Agency Task Force of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has recommended the voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces by year-end amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Malacañang said Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the IATF’s recommendation is to make optional the wearing of face mask in open spaces or non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation, provided that the COVID-19 booster uptake in the country improves.

“Doon sa IATF, ang kanilang rekomendasyon ay pag-liberalize ng ating mask wearing mandate and make mask wearing outdoors voluntary across the country,” she said in a press briefing.

(IATF’s recommendation is to liberalize our mask wearing mandate and make mask wearing outdoors voluntary across the country.)

Angeles stressed that this is not yet a policy, but the pilot testing of the optional face mask use will be conducted towards the end of the year.

“Ang tuluyan na lifting ng mandatory mask mandate ay ipi-pilot towards the last quarter of 2022, provided na may improvement doon sa COVID booster vaccination coverage,” she said.

(The lifting of the mandatory mask mandate will be piloted towards the last quarter of 2022, provided there is an improvement in the COVID booster vaccination coverage.)

Senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals are, however, still highly encouraged to continue wearing face masks, she added.

‘Verbally approved’ by Marcos

Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire confirmed such a suggestion by the IATF, saying that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already “verbally approved” it.

“There is a verbal approval from the President when they talk to Secretary Benhur from DILG,” she said, referring to the Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Vergeire said Marcos’ executive order on the matter may be released “immediately,” but he has not given a timeline as to when exactly.

“Everything is being prepared. Nakipagusap na rin naman po tayo. We’ll just wait for the issuance. But definitely, and we think based from the feedback, talagang pabor naman ang Presidente, so the executive order can be issued immediately,” she said.

As you can see above, the recommendation of the IATF is related to the state of COVID-19 booster shots and the efforts to have more people immunized. There is still much work to be done on the part of the national authorities, the provincial authorities and local authorities to have more people vaccinated and boosted. What I find very notable was the Press Secretary’s mention of a pilot testing phase of the optional use of face masks which will be conducted towards the end of 2022. That pilot testing is very related to what Cebu City’s government pushed for. Also notable was the mentioned verbal approval of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (who is overseas as of this writing) according to the DOH’s officer-in-charge Vergeire.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Are you eager to see IATF’s recommendation of voluntary outdoor face mask use officially become policy? Do you think the IATF’s recommendation was somehow influenced by Cebu City’s bold move? Are there enough people in your local community who got boosted for COVID-19? Do you think that the anti-vaccine fanatics will distort the meaning of the IATF’s recommendation?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 suspects arrested in Parañaque City for alleged carnapping

Two suspects arrested in Parañaque City for alleged carnapping

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Thanks to a tip, the anti-carnapping team of the National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) caught and apprehended two suspects in Parañaque City for allegedly committing carnapping, according to a GMA Network news report. The suspects were riding an SUV when the arrest happened.

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

Two men aboard an SUV were apprehended in Parañaque City for alleged carnapping, Marisol Abdurahman reported on “24 Oras”.

Members of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Anti-Carnapping unit flagged down the vehicle of Laim Ali Maronsing and Jovy Cebuano, after receiving information that an SUV with replaced license plate and armed passengers were roving the area.

“May nagreport sa amin na sa area na yan may isang Montero na iba yung plaka na nakakabit tapos allegedly armado. Kita na namin na kaduda-duda ‘yung galaw nila. Don na namin sila pinababa,” NCRPO-ANCAR chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Legayada said.

(Someone reported to us that a Montero with a different plate and armed passengers was in the area. We saw their movements and it was suspicious. That was when we flagged them.)

An inspection of the vehicle confirmed it was bearing the wrong license plate and had no official receipt or certificate of registration. Also seized from the vehicle is an unlicensed Glock .40 caliber firearm.

“Sa anti-carnapping law, pag pinalitan mo ‘yung identity ng sasakyan, ‘yung plate number, pwede siyang makasuhan. Illegal transfer of plate,” Legayada said.

(Under anti-carnapping law, if you change the identity of the vehicle, or the license plate, you can be held accountable. That’s an illegal transfer.)

Meanwhile, a brief chase between the police and Maronsing ensued after the driver of the vehicle tried to escape during the inspection. It was found the suspect did not have a driver’s license either.

“Natakot lang ako eh. ‘Yung sasakyan na ‘yun, nirerentahan ko sa kaibigan ko. Then hiniram po ng isang kaibigan ko naman, pinalitan ng plaka,” Maronsing said.

(I got scared. I rented the vehicle from a friend. Then another friend borrowed it and changed the license plate.)

“Sumama lang ako sa kaniya sa pagbili ng gamot,” Cebuano said.

(I went out with him to buy medicine.)

The above report ended stating that the police now has a lead on the activities of the group. They are still trying to determine if the suspects belong to other groups that engaged in carnapping and other illegal activities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this report? Do you think that Parañaque will remain a hot spot for carnapping? Was anyone in your local community a victim of carnapping?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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

COVID-19 Crisis: Cebu City Government sets voluntary face mask policy on trial period until December 2022

COVID-19 Crisis: Cebu City Government sets voluntary face mask policy on trial period until December 2022

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In recent times here in the Philippines, Cebu City has been getting a lot of attention with regards to the COVID-19 crisis we are all living with. This was because the City Government decided to loosen the face mask mandate within the city’s jurisdiction and the Department of Health (DOH) claimed that they were “never consulted” about it. Just yesterday, GMA Network reported that the City Government of Cebu announced that the voluntary face mask policy will be set on a trial period until the end of 2022. In case a COVID-19 surge, the said policy will be lifted automatically. Already, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has its attention on Cebu City.

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

The Cebu City government on Monday announced that its voluntary face mask policy will be on trial period until December 2022, and will be automatically lifted should there be a surge in COVID-19 infections in the city.

In reading the Executive Order (EO) No. 6, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s spokesperson Karla Henry-Ammann said that the trial period of the EO 5 which lifted the mandatory face mask use in the city, was set from September 1 to December 31, 2022.

“The same period is hereby referred to as the trial and observation period,” she added.

Further, Ammann said the EO will be automatically lifted and the wearing of face masks in the city will be mandatory anew if there will be a surge of COVID-19 cases in Cebu City, as verified by the government.

Rama signed the EO on Monday during the city government’s flag ceremony.

Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge (OIC) Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday said they were not consulted regarding the lifting of the mandatory face mask policy in Cebu City.

Vergeire stressed there will be a higher risk of infections in an area if the safeguards against COVID-19 are not in place.

The above article ended by stating that Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said they respect the mandate of the local government units (LGUs) over their respective jurisdictions.

Meanwhile, the Manila Times published an article regarding Cebu City’s move on loosening the face mask policy and the need for health experts to update the face mask policy. Posted below is an excerpt. Some parts in boldface…

CEBU City’s attempt to relax the rules on the wearing of face masks draws attention to an attribute needed in policymaking. That is, the crafting and tweaking of policies should keep pace with how quickly situations change. We remain firm in the belief that science, or more specifically medical expertise, should take the lead in devising the policies concerning Covid-19. But people struggle to understand why they take so long to adjust to developments.

Perhaps officials in Cebu have grown impatient with the national government, more specifically the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Last week, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama issued an executive order making the wearing of face masks in open spaces optional. But he later delayed the implementation of the order after talking to Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Abalos promised the mayor that he would bring up the need to review the health protocols with the task force.

Mr. Abalos sounded inclined to allow Mayor Rama’s executive order. The secretary said in a statement: “In fact, I am going to even further suggest to make Cebu City the pilot implementer of this measure since the city has always been first in espousing non-masking policies outdoors for the ease and benefit of its people amid the pandemic.”

The point in delaying the new order in Cebu seems to be about “harmonizing existing laws and policies” regarding the lingering pandemic. The problem is that the situation is not uniform across the country. Also, the Philippines has opened up its borders to tourists and foreign travelers, including those who come from countries where wearing face masks are no longer required. And doing so has not caused a spike in new or imported Covid-19 cases.

Indeed, a review of health protocols seems overdue. Earlier in June, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia clashed with national health authorities when she issued an executive order that allowed people not to wear face masks in open areas, like beaches and mountain trails. Her decision seemed sensible then, and so does the similar order issued by Cebu City.

Perhaps, the national government should listen more to local officials. They should consider giving them more discretion in setting health guidelines for their respective areas of concern.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction this latest series of developments? Do you think Cebu City’s approach on loosening the face mask policy within their jurisdiction makes sense? Do you believe that the national authorities – including the DOH itself – should listen more to the local government and provincial government leaders on how to deal with COVID-19 and implement health protocols? Do you think that the remaining restrictions are outdated and don’t make sense anymore? Do you think Cebu City’s move on loosening the face mask policy will succeed and inspire other LGUs – especially in Metro Manila – to follow suit? Do you think that the anti-vaccine fanatics and other anti-authoritarian activists will make moves to ruin the authorities’ moves on dealing with COVID-19?

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

Supreme Court issues TRO against No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) and sets January 2023 oral arguments

Supreme Court issues TRO against No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) and sets January 2023 oral arguments

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To those of you motorists who got penalized over alleged violations of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) implemented by some local government units (LGUs), be aware that the Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the said police and scheduled oral arguments on January 2023, according to a GMA Network news report. Also be aware that certain Metro Manila city mayors are standing firm with the NCAP.

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

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) being implemented by local government units.

In a media briefer, the SC said effective immediately, any apprehensions through the NCAP programs and ordinances related to the policy shall be prohibited until further orders from the court.

It also enjoined the Land Transportation Office and all parties acting on its behalf from giving out motorist information to all local government units, cities, and municipalities enforcing NCAP programs and ordinances.

The SC set the oral arguments on the issue on January 24, 2023.

The SC’s order came after transport groups Kapit, Pasang Masda, Altodap, and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations filed a petition against local ordinances related to NCAP in five cities in Metro Manila.

A lawyer also asked the high court to declare as unconstitutional and issue a TRO against Manila City Ordinance No. 8676, which implements the policy.

For its part, the LTO has previously asked local governments to temporarily suspend the implementation of the policy, with its head, Teofilo Guadiz III, calling on the mayors of the five cities to sit down with the LTO and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to create uniform guidelines.

To this day, the NCAP is controversial and anyone who got charged for traffic-related violations can challenge the findings through due process. There was this case of the road trap in Parañaque City that affected a lot of motorists with penalties for alleged disregarding of traffic signs. For insight, posted below is an excerpt from a Motopinas.com article about Parañaque’s road trap. Some parts in boldface…

For the many motorcycle riders who reside in Las Pinas and Cavite, going to Manila or Quezon City meant passing through Paranaque City’s Dr. Arcadio Santos Avenue (Sucat RD) toward Domestic Road on the way to EDSA, or toward Macapagal BLVD and Roxas BLVD.

A few weeks ago, road users were in an uproar on what they dubbed as “road trap” in one of the intersections of the said thoroughfare.

On this particular intersection of J.P. Rizal and Sucat RD, the second lane was marked with an arrow for left-turning vehicles only. Since Paranaque City is one of the few Metro Manila cities that implement a No-Contact Apprehension System, hundreds of drivers and motorcycle riders were summoned with their corresponding traffic violation which amounts to PHP 1,500 for Disregarding Traffic Signs (DTS).

What’s odd is that the marking was previously pointing north towards the former Nayong Pilipino and not to the left.

With fuel costs nearing PHP 100/liter, every penny counts for the Juan dela Cruz rider/driver, and penalties from similar traffic violations could mean a family skipping lunch or dinner.

Just recently, a motorcyclist was summoned by the city for DTS. The motorcycle rider sought help from the Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO), who then advised what steps should be taken following due process of law.

According to MRO, based on their research of relevant laws, LGUs like Paranaque City cannot make a new or update a road marking/traffic sign without prior approval from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or the Department of Transportation (DOTr)/ Land Transportation Office (LTO).

To follow due process, MRO advised the rider to first seek a reaction/memo from the DPWH as to the legality of the road/traffic markings. The DPWH has then sent a letter to Paranaque LGU advising them that the marking is inconsistent with current standards. You can view the MRO social media post here.

On their end, the City of Paranaque has made the necessary lane marking corrections and has declared the motorcycle rider’s traffic violation void.

For added insight about Parañaque, watch the video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? If you were charged for traffic violations based on findings through the NCAP system, which particular local government unit penalize you? Do you believe that the NCAP system is being abused by LGUs as a means to raise internal revenues at the expense of motorists who were tagged for traffic violations? Did Parañaque City’s notorious road trap get you penalized? Do you believe that the NCAP made traffic flow and road discipline better? Do you believe that the NCAP implemented by the cities of Parañaque, Valenzuela, San Juan, Manila and Quezon City should be declared illegal by the Supreme Court?

Do you believe that the city governments of Parañaque, Valenzuela, San Juan, Manila and Quezon City should be compelled to reveal how much many they each raised from all the penalties collected through NCAP?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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