Very recently in the city of ParaƱaque, local law enforcers composed of the police, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a corporate facility and arrested hundreds of people suspected of engaging in online scams and violating immigration laws, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
More than 400 individuals allegedly engaged in online scams were arrested by law enforcement agencies in ParaƱaque City on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena said the ParaƱaque City Police rendered assistance to the joint operation conducted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Abrugena said the 400 individuals, composed of foreign nationals and Filipinos, were arrested at around 4:00 p.m. in two units of a corporate center on Asiana Avenue in Barangay Tambo, ParaƱaque City.
He said the operation was conducted as part of a BI mission order targeting foreign nationals involved in illegal activities in the country.
The SPD chief said the arrested persons were engaged in various unlawful activities, including operating online scams and violating immigration laws.
Abrugena said the arrested persons, including one alias āLiang,ā are now (under) investigation. They were brought to the BI facility for documentation and legal action.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, are you convinced that a lot of foreigners who were previously employed by POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are secretly hiding in your city doing further illegal activities like online scamming?
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 engagement, 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 ParaƱaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a house resulting in the rescue of a helper and the apprehension of several Chinese nationals, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The authorities rescued a house helper in ParaƱaque City after being locked in by her employer operating a (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation) (POGO).
According to John Consulta’s report on 24 Oras, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents raided a house inside an exclusive subdivision in ParaƱaque City.
On the third floor, some Chinese nationals were caught online.
The helper said when she found out about the illegal activities happening inside the house, they locked her inside the house.
āNoong bigla ako umakyat doon at nakita ko na ganun ang trabaho nila. Noong malaman ko binabawalan na nila akong umakyat, bawal na ako lumabas kasi baka magkwento raw ako sa labas. Binabawalan nila akong maglinis sa third floor. Natatakot po ako,ā she said.
(When I went up there, I saw what they were doing. When I found out what they were really doing they banned me from going upstairs, I wasn’t allowed to go out because I might tell someone about this outside. They forbid me to clean the third floor. I’m afraid.)
The NBI said she wasn’t able to go out since November.
āNag-start ng November na ādi na siya pinapalabas, restricted na galaw niya. Kahit sa paggamit ng cellphone, di na siya pinapagamit ng maayos,ā said Terence Long-e, NBI agent.
(It started in November that she was no longer allowed to go out, her movements were restricted. Even when using a cell phone, she is not allowed to use it.)
Luckily, she was able to call a friend who then asked for help from the NBI.
The authorities discovered their scripts on the computers and the various online frauds they were into. There is also an indication that they are preying on some Filipinos.
“Nakakita kami ng mga written script which indicates social engineering scheme, may cryptocurrency scripts, may money muling, may nakita kaming romance scam script,” said NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.
(We have found written scripts that indicate social engineering schemes, there are cryptocurrency scripts, money muling, and we have found romance scam scripts.)
āThey come from a big POGO organization, dahil sa wala na nga, pinatigil na ng pangulo ang POGO, nagdivide sila into smaller group at tinuloy nila ang mga kalokohan nila,ā said NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
(They come from a big POGO organization because it’s gone, the president stopped the POGO, they divided into smaller groups, and they continued their nonsense.)
Seven Chinese nationals were arrested and are facing multiple complaints. No one among them gave a statement.
The NBI will assist the rescued helper to return home to her two children in Davao.
āYung finile namin is at least apat na charges, merong afasa, may Kasambahay Law, may Republic Act 10175, at merong expanded Anti- Human Trafficking in Persons Act,ā said Lotoc.
(Our final is at least four charges: there is a fast, there is the Maid Law, there is Republic Act 10175, and there is the expanded Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act.)
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, are you concerned that there could be small groups of POGOs secretly setting up new and illegal operations within your local community? Do you think ParaƱaque has something that makes it a preferable destination for Chinese nationals to set up illegal operations?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it is intensifying its efforts to find and arrest foreigners who illegally staying in the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The BI also warned fugitives overseas not to attempt to enter the country.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intensified its efforts in arresting and deporting foreign fugitives.
This came after Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado ordered the bureauās fugitive search unit (FSU) to strengthen its actions in locating and arresting foreigners who are illegally staying in the country.
He also directed the FSU to explore data sharing agreements to receive information on fugitive records in a more timely manner.
āThe faster we receive critical information, the faster we can arrest and deport these fugitives. Fugitives have no place in the Philippines,ā he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He also warned foreign fugitives not to attempt to enter or stay in the Philippines, following the deportation of two-high profile fugitives.
On Monday, the BI deported 36-year-old Japanese national Sasaku Yohei, a member of a Cambodia-based telecommunication syndicate engaged in kidnapping, illegal detention, extortion, and fraud.
BI officers also intercepted Australian national Rodrigo Elices, 32, last Nov. 28 at the NAIA Terminal 3 from Abu Dhabi, after he was found to be a subject of a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
Viado also cited information obtained by the BI that Elices is a member of the notorious āHells Angelsā gang, an internationally outlawed club of motorcycle riders allegedly involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BI will be able to arrest and deport foreign fugitives nationwide while also preventing undesirable foreigners from entering the country?
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, movie fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1990 to take a look at the official comic book adaptation of the movie Predator 2 (1990).
For the newcomers reading this, Predator 2 is the sequel to the 1987 movie directed by John McTiernan (Die Hard) and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. As the movie became a huge commercial success, it started a chain of events that led to the rise of the Predator entertainment franchise covering merchandising, comic books and video games to name a few. Of course, the development of a cinematic sequel happened and both the movie studio and filmmakers took their time to make it. Predator 2 was directed by Stephen Hopkins and it starred Danny Glover, Gary Busey and Bill Paxton.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Predator 2 #1, published in 1990 by Dark Horse Comics with a story written by Frank Henkel (based on the screenplay by Jim Thomas and John Thomas) and drawn by Dan Barry. Mark Verheiden (writer of 1989ās Predator #1) was acknowledged with special thanks. This comic book is the first of a 2-part comic book adaptation of the movie.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins during a very hot day in 1997 Los Angeles. Police office Mike Harrigan rushes to the site of a major shootout between heavily armed gangs (Colombians and Jamaicans). The police managed to corner a gang to a building that was occupied by the foreigners. Knowing that a fellow cop is slowly bleeding to death and the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team are still stuck in traffic, Harrigan decides to take action against the armed gangsters with the support of his teammates and some police personnel.
After managing to get close to the gangsters by the building using his car, Harrigan manages to shoot them all and pave the way for his teammates to get closer. Harrigan does not realize that a camouflaged Predator is watching him from above.
At one of the higher floors of the building, the rest of the foreign gangsters prepare themselves for the arrival of the cops by gathering guns and ammunition. Suddenly, the camouflaged Predator crashes in on themā¦
Quality
The Predator here is quite aggressive and even arrogant enough to suddenly fight the Jamaican gang alone.
I am surprised how entertaining this first chapter of the 2-part comic book adaptation of Predator 2 turned out to be. While the accuracy is understandably less than 100% with regards to translation from cinema to literature, this comic bookās narrative is quite faithful to the events of the movie (from the start until the King Willie scene) and the filmās vibe was strongly captured. In fact much of the dialogue spoken in the film were mostly recaptured here, and the same can be said about the way the characters were portrayed.
For brevity and the maximizing of the pages made available, creative liberties or shortcuts were taken by the creators. This means that the presentation of details was carefully done to keep readers properly informed while managing to keep the fun factor and level of intrigue strong. Indeed, writer Frank Henkel did a very good job keeping things together to make the reading experience fun and engaging.
If there is anything that this comic book exceeds the movie on, it is the graphic violence. Artist Dan Barry really ramped up the bloody scenes and gore (examples: Mike Harriganās killing of two foreign gangsters with a shotgun, and the scene when Harrigan and his team were stunned by the sight of the many ruined dead bodies of gangsters who were just eliminated by the Predator before they arrived) as he used his own style to make the action scenes as intense as the ones filmed by Stephen Hopkins and crew. It was obvious he saw the movie.
Barry also had his own style on visualizing the characters without the authority to use the likeness of any actor from the film. Mike Harrigan looks nothing like Danny Glover while Peter Keyes does not resemble Gary Busey. Barryās visual take on the Predator itself has a really distinctive look when compared to how other artists drew Predators.
Barry did not aim to achieve photo realism at all with the characters (who appear with a slightly cartoonish aesthetic), the locations and action scenes but I donāt find anything problematic with his work here. In fact, I enjoyed his way of translating the movieās visual presentation into literary format.
Conclusion
Mike Harrigan, Danny and Leona make their moves.
Predator 2 #1 (1990) is a very enjoyable read. It strongly captured the vibe of the movie complete with the dialogue and the way the characters were presented. Very clearly, the Henkel-Barry duo did really fine work in this comic book adaptation and I am convinced to move on to issue #2.
Overall, Predator #2 (1990) is highly recommended!
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined and what happened during my free time. 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, readers and fellow followers of the Lord! This is the 9th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by strategic partner Behold Israel). To see my previous Israel tour articles, click here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. No matter what happens in this world, I will always stand with Israel and my faith in the Lord remains uncompromising!
In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you one of the things I did during the one and only day-off (February 15, 2023) of our pilgrimage tour. This was the day I visited the Temple Mount, revisited the Western Wall and the Upper Room, and visited the grave of Oskar Schindler. After Schindler, I marched all the way from the Old City to the modern parts of Jerusalem. I had a stopover at Tmol Shilshom to recover before proceeding to Mahana Yehuda Market where I had lunch at Shakshuka Machaneh Yehuda.
During my time at Mahane Yehuda, the cold weather intensified (cloudy and slightly raining). I knew that the heat I got from consuming my lunch would not last long. Suddenly, I remembered what I had been planning to doā¦visit Power Coffeeworks.
I first learned about Power Coffeeworks on social media while preparing for the trip to Israel some months prior. I checked out what drinks they offered and I knew I had to visit them and enjoy something.
So there I was walking through the crowd at the roofed section of Mahane Yehuda. Remembering what I studied from Google Maps, I went on until I reached a certain road, crossed it and made my way to the commercial building where Power Coffeeworks was located at.
I remember smiling upon arrival outside of Power Coffeeworks as it was my intention to visit and try their coffee.
For the first several moments upon arrival, I examined Power Coffeeworksā physical set-up, the menu and the local vibe as there were customers who arrived ahead of me. I also noticed that inside are lots of products for sale such as coffee beans, Pumpking Spice, tea and more.
After reading the menu, I went on to order a hot Macchiato as I really needed heat and energy to endure the cold weather. Then I noticed a vacant table and chairs located close to the heater. So I went there to take a seat, enjoyed my hot Macchiato and used the free WiFi (password shared to me at the counter moments earlier) with the comforting heat from the heater. I even had a short chat with one of the coffee jointās employees as he cleaned the table.
From my early moments at Power Coffeeworks. I like the vibe of the place.
For more than half an hour, I sat there enjoying my coffee, the place, checking updates online and re-energized myself because I planned to return to Mahana Yehuda one last time for treats before marching all the way back to our Jerusalem hotel. My feet were a bit sore by the time I arrived at the coffee joint.
Some of you reading this might be wondering what Power Coffeeworks is and why was I so interested with it. Personally, I really pursued buying (and enjoying) goods of local businesses in Israel. When it comes to coffee, I never thought about the international brands during my time in Israel as I went for Israeli enterprise.
That’s a nice display of products at Power Coffeeworks!
As for Power Coffeeworks, it describes itself as follows:
Power was inspired by the lack of excellent roasted coffee within Jerusalem. With its awesome steampunk vibe and amazing aroma, it is the perfect location for working, reading a book, spending time with friends or chatting with our amazing baristas.
Our coffee is roasted fresh daily, ground per cup and served with a huge amount of love. We are all about the taste, flavor, vibe and not to forget ā the music.
Stephanie and Brandon, the owners made aliyah from Cape Town, South Africa in 2016 with their four children to Efrat, Gush Etzion. With their extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry, they decided to open Power Coffeeworks, an anglo orientated coffee roastery in Machane Yehuda Shuk.
Five years later, Power is exactly what they wanted it to be. Despite the struggles of starting a new business in a new country, Stephanie and Brandon took the coffee culture of Jerusalem to a whole new level. After three more children, Covid19 and a whole load of drama. Power coffeeworks has grown to be the number one location in Jerusalem for the best cup of coffee and an unbelievable section of coffee beans.
After spending time at Power Coffeeworks, I left as a satisfied and a happy customer. I would not hesitate to revisit the coffee joint once I return to Israel someday. I am deeply thankful to the Lord for the enterprise of Power Coffeeworks and everything else about the entire Israel pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church.
This leads to my next point: always be thankful to the Lord for the blessings you enjoyed as He is our source and the definitive provider. All the praise and glory is to Him. Learn from the holy scriptures belowā¦
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:19-20 (NKJV)
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. [For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him.] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it).
Romans 11:36 (AMPC)
āBlessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV)
Never forget that Israel is the land that God the Heavenly Father designated to the Jewish people and He always has great plans for them. As people of faith, we should do our part to love and bless the Jewish people. Also remember that the ties between Jews and Christians are biblical. Read the scriptures belowā¦
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
āGet out of your country,
From your family
And from your fatherās house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.ā
Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV)
Again God said to him, Your name is Jacob [supplanter]; you shall not be called Jacob any longer, but Israel shall be your name. So He called him Israel [contender with God].
And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock;
The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land.
Genesis 35:10-12 (AMPC)
Now therefore, if you will obey My voice in truth and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own peculiar possession and treasure from among and above all peoples; for all the earth is Mine.
And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation [consecrated, set apart to the worship of God]. These are the words you shall speak to the Israelites.
Exodus 19:5-6 (AMPC)
No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.ā
And God said to Abraham, āAs for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.ā
Genesis 17:5-9 (ESV)
Say therefore to the people of Israel, āI am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.āā
Exodus 6:6-8 (ESV)
āYet hear now, O Jacob My servant,
And Israel whom I have chosen.
Thus says the Lord who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you:
āFear not, O Jacob My servant;
And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,
And floods on the dry ground;
I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,
And My blessing on your offspring;
They will spring up among the grass
Like willows by the watercourses.ā
One will say, āI am the Lordāsā;
Another will call himself by the name of Jacob;
Another will write with his hand, āThe Lordās,ā
And name himself by the name of Israel.
Isaiah 44:1-5 (NKJV)
āNow, show the people the pieces of wood you have written on, and tell them, āLord Yahweh says this: I will gather the Israelites from the nations where they have gone. I will gather them together from everywhere and bring them to their homeland. And I will make them into a single nation in the mountainous land of Israel and give them one king to be king over them all. They will never again be divided into two nations nor split into two separate kingdoms.
Ezekiel 37:20-22 (TPT)
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
John 3:16 (AMPC)
Jesus said to him,
āI am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
āIf you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.ā
John 14:6-7 (NKJV)
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying,
āThis is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.ā
Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying,
āThis cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.ā
Luke 22:19-20 (NKJV)
Conclusion
The view from my table.
I would love to return to Power Coffeeworks once I return to Jerusalem in the years to come. Only the Lord know when that time will be. No matter what happens, my faith in the Lord will never be compromised. To those of you who are interested to discover Power Coffeeworks and find out what products they offer, I encourage you to visit their official website at https://www.powercoffeeworksjerusalem.com/. Remember that once you make it to the Mahane Yehuda market, this nice coffee joint is just a short walk away.
Israel is a great and holy place to visit! Visit Israel with the Holy Bible! Pray to the Lord wholeheartedly and reveal to Him your heartās desire to visit Israel to deepen your faith in Him. Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Follow the light of Lord Jesus, keep on praying to support Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem. Live on with uncompromising faith in Him!
Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel articles here. There is more to come!
In recent times, the returning US President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand āBongbongā Marcos, Jr., talked with each other on the phone and discussed the US-Philippines alliance, 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 boldfaceā¦
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spoke to United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump over the phone on Tuesday morning, where they discussed the longstanding alliance between their two countries.
In a media interview during his visit to typhoon-hit communities in the province of Catanduanes, Marcos said he expressed to Trump the Philippinesā openness to further deepen relations with its oldest and strongest military ally.
āI expressed to him our continuing desire to strengthen that relationship between our two countries, which is a relationship that is as deep as can possibly be because it has been for a very long time,ā he said.
The President said he also expressed his intention to meet with Trump as soon as possible. He added that he told Trump that Filipinos in the US voted āoverwhelminglyā in his favor.
Trump is set for his second term as US president after winning the recently held elections.
According to Marcos, it is his mother, Imelda Marcos, who is a close friend of Trump.
āAng kaibigan niya talaga mother ko. Kilalang-kilala niya ang mother ko. Kinukumusta niya, āHowās Imelda?ā Sabi ko binabati ka nga (It is really my mother who is his friend. He knows my mother very well. He asked how she is, ‘How’s Imelda?’ I said she is extending her congratulations),ā he said.
Although he said they did not talk about the fears of a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the US after Trumpās win, Marcos assured that the government is already working on it to assist affected Filipinos.
āWe didnāt talk about that. It was just a congratulatory call. But, of course, our ambassador is already working on that,ā he said.
Nonetheless, Marcos said his conversation with Trump was āvery productive.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that once Trump takes office again as US President on January 20, 2025, a lot of Filipinos illegally staying in America will get deported along with millions of other illegal aliens? Are you concerned that the dynamics of trade between the United States and the Philippines will be changed drastically? Do you think America under Trump will increase military support for the Philippines facing the bullying presence of China?
It has been over a week since Donald Trump pulled off the greatest American comeback ever when he got elected again as President of the United States and he also won the popular vote. He already promised that once he takes office, the US Government will make serious moves to solve the illegal immigration crisis and that includes mass deportation.
That being said, Filipinos who are illegally staying in the United States have been advised not to wait to be deported and they better act fast before it is too late, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez on Friday advised Filipinos illegally staying in the US not to wait to be deported following the victory of President-elect Donald Trump.
In an online forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Romualdez stressed that Trump has “won on the basis that he will deport all immigrants in the United States.”
While there is a smaller number of Filipinos illegally staying in the US at around 250,000-300,000 compared to other countries, Romualdez said those who are still in America without “any kind of status” should voluntarily return to the Philippines or start working on their documents.
“My advice to many of our fellowmen who actually are still here but cannot get any kind of status. My advice is for them not to wait to be deported,” he said.
“Because I can see that the administration of President Trump is really going to be very strict with the immigration policy that he intends to put in place because that is the promise he made to the American public,” he stressed.
Once deported, Romualdez said there is 99% (chance) that they cannot come back to the US.
“You can never come back to the United States. At least, if you leave, there is always the opportunity or a chance that youāll be able to file,” he said.
However, he clarified that the “only assistance” that they can provide is “to give them advice.”
“If they have a potential roadblock to be able to stay in the United States legally, then we tell them to get the right person to help youā a lawyer or whoever it isā and start the process. But if there is none, itās clear that there’s only one way so that you will have a chance to be able to apply legally but do not allow yourselves to be deported,” he said.
He warned that Filipinos cannot continue to hide from authorities because the exchange of information among US agencies is much easier today.
In his victory speech, Trump reiterated that he would close borders in the US and would impose stricter laws against illegal aliens.
āWe gonna have to seal up those borders, we are gonna have to let people come into our country. We want people to come back in, but they have to come in legallyā¦ We are gonna start by putting America first,ā he said.
Data gathered by the GMA Integrated News Research showed that there are 4,640,313 Filipinos in the US as of last year, according to the latest figures by the US Census Bureau.
For the newcomers reading this, I am not an American citizen and I am based here in the Philippines. I should also state that I personally oppose illegal immigration and I believe that US President-elect Trump (who will formally take office again on January 20, 2025) will do what Americans voted him for and that means securing the border, going after illegal aliens and deporting a lot of them. It is an undeniable fact that illegal immigration adds to crime as well as the rising costs of housing and government spending. Illegal aliens are consuming taxpayersā funds which is very unfair to the Americans.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think all Filipinos illegally staying in America should surrender themselves and come back home before it is too late? Are there Democrats or any Leftist in your local community who continues to promote illegal immigration, criminal and terrorists? Did the Democrats brainwash a member of your local community into believing that illegal immigrants are refugees?
Recently in the city of ParaƱaque, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested several Chinese nationals who were caught doing scamming operations at the Casiana Residences and one of the suspects even tried bribing the law enforcers to release them, 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 boldfaceā¦
Eighteen Chinese nationals have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for operating a suspected online scam hub at the Casiana Residences in Paranaque City.
One of those arrested, who was suspected to be the group’s leader, attempted to bribe the NBI operatives of P5.1 million for their release, NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago said.
Director Santiago on Wednesday, Oct. 30, presented to the media the suspects, including their arrested leader Hou Jusen.
He said the two Filipino companions of Hou will be used as state witnesses. They were not identified.
The 17 other Chinese nationals were identified as Zhao Jianjin, Huang Cheng Chi, Huang Bi Ying, Li Hui Juan, Lengxin Yu, Liu Xing Rong, Chen Zihao, Zhou You Liang, Chen Xing, Chen Qing Gang, Huang Zhixon, Riu Chen, Mao Jing Hang, Liu Xuan Wu, Wang Wen Bin, Yan Xiao Hong, and Yang Yun.
āLast night (Oct. 29) nagswoop down ang aming mga ahente at nakahuli nga ng labingpito na Chinese while actually engaged in scamming activities (Last night our agents swooped down at the illegal operation and arrested 17 Chinese while actually engaged in scamming activities),ā Santiago said.
He said the operation was conducted by the NBI Cybercrime Division (CCD) and Special Task Force (STF) operatives who served a Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) issued by the Paranaque City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 258.
āNa-seize namin āyung mga involved na gadgets, electronic devices (We seized their gadgets and electronic devices),ā said NBI-CCD Chief Jeremy C. Lotoc.
Lotoc observed that the scam hub is massive “āyung kanilang crypto transactions (they have massive crypto transactions).ā
He said the operatives discovered social engineering scheme scripts, money muling activities, crypto investment activity, and romance scams.
The 18 arrested Chinese nationals were presented for inquest after their arrest.Hou was charged with corruption of public officials, falsification of public documents, and violating the Anti-Alias Law, Lotoc said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot of Chinese nationals living in your local community secretly doing a scamming operation? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right 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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The eight illegal aliens ā seven Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen ā who were recently arrested inside Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, will soon be deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). All of the suspects were found to be undocumented and also under suspicion of scamming.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The eight foreigners apprehended for illegally staying in the country at a village in Muntinlupa City are set for deportation, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday.
Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, in a news release, said seven Chinese nationals and a Vietnamese national were arrested by operatives of the BIās intelligence division along three streets inside the village on Oct. 22.
āThe homeowner association representatives of the Ayala Alabang Village were very helpful in helping us verify target areas,ā he said in statement.
All of them were found to be undocumented — two of whom were also found to be overstaying while one was suspected to be an illegal entrant.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier reported that items used for online scamming were seized from the suspects.
Viado noted that they have received information that smaller “pockets” of scamming hubs are forming after the closure of big Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs in the country.
āWe have found reason to file deportation cases against them. They will be considered undesirables once their cases are resolved, and face deportation,ā the BI chief added.
The operation was conducted with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the NBI National Capital Region (NCR).
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted that the local authorities arrested the illegal aliens and prevented them from proceeding with scams? Do you think there are small groups from POGOs that could be secretly operating in 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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, eight foreigners ā seven Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen ā suspected for scamming got arrested inside a house in Ayala Alabang Village as a result of an operation by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Malaya Business Insight news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
SEVEN Chinese and a Vietnamese suspected as scammers were arrested in an operation in Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City, the Department of Justice said yesterday.
In a statement, the DOJ said the operation, carried out with the Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, stemmed from information provided by residents and corroborated by intelligence regarding the presence of the foreigners in the posh village.
The DOJ said three Chinese were initially nabbed, two of whom were found to be overstaying in the country, while the other one could not present any documentation.
It said one of the three served for a time as a manager of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
āUpon entry, there was a live computer operated by a Chinese individual. When read by an interpreter, the screen showed scripts used in a standard phishing scam,ā the DOJ said, adding operatives also found a voice-over IP, an equipment usually used in telephone scams to avoid detection.
Four Chinese and the Vietnamese were later arrested.
The DOJ said four failed to present documentation and were considered illegally staying in the country.
āOne Chinese national, though not lacking in documentation, is suspected to have harbored the illegal aliens in violation of immigration laws,ā the DOJ said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned that scammers from overseas could be living somewhere in your local community secretly doing illegal operations? Do you think that foreign POGO workers could be secretly staying in your village right now? Do you think the seven arrested Chinese nationals could be spies of Communist China?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 