Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a man from Iloilo who is wanted for rape and has been hiding for some time, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The Parañaque police officers executed the arrest in coordination with the police station operatives of Maasin, Iloilo.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A rape suspect in Maasin, Iloilo who went into hiding for two years was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police during the conduct of manhunt operation against wanted person on Saturday, March 15.
The Southern Police District identified the suspect as alias “Joebert,” 47, a construction worker and a resident of Makati City. He was arrested at Roxas Boulevard (Service) Road, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.
According to the police report, Joebert, who was listed as Top 4 most wanted person at the provincial level, was spotted by members of the Baclaran Police Substation, leading to his arrest in coordination with the Maasin Police Station Intelligence Operatives.
The police said Joebert was arrested by warrant of arrest issued by Judge Gemalyn Faunillo Tarol, of Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 76, Janiuay, Iloilo on September 26, 2023, with no bail recommended for two counts of Violation of Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be wanted persons from the provinces hiding in the city?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a South Korean fugitive who has been hiding in the country for more than two years already, according to a GMA Network news report. The fugitive is wanted in South Korea for telecommunication fraud.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A South Korean fugitive wanted in his country for his alleged involvement in telecommunications fraud was arrested in Parañaque City.
Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) nabbed Park Seungeon, 24, along Bradco Avenue on February 27. He is now under BI custody and is detained at the warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, where he will remain pending deportation proceedings.
“He is also an overstaying alien as he had hidden in the country for more than two years to evade arrest and prosecution for his crimes,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a news release.
According to the BI, an Interpol red notice was issued against Park over a year ago after a warrant of arrest was issued against him by the Incheon district court in Seoul where he was indicted for fraud.
Korean authorities said that Park is a member of a telecom fraud syndicate who allegedly offered false low-interest debt consolidation loan to a victim from whom he fraudulent obtained and embezzled money amounting to more than 20.1 million won, or roughly US$14,000.
A check of his travel records showed that Park arrived in the Philippines as a tourist on August 2022 and has not departed since then.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more foreign fugitives hiding within 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
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed online recently that the overall collection of its coin deposit machines (CoDMs) has surpassed P1.3 billion The latest statistics are accurate of as February 15, 2025.
Based on the latest statistics, a total of P1,308,208,203.18 (5.89% higher than the previous count of P1,235,393,307.96)in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 299,457 transactions from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 326,188,289coins were deposited.
Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P4,368.6012 per transaction at the machines (compared to the February 15, 2025 average of P4,335.1088 per transaction). As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P4.011 per coin deposited (previous average was P3.9764 per coin deposited)
When it comes to the number of coins involved with each transaction, 326,188,289 coins divided by 299,457 transactions resulted in an average of 1,089.2659 coins per transaction (a slight drop compared to the previous average was 1,090.2030 coins per transaction).
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSP should install more coin deposit machines, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao regions? How was your experience the last time you tried to deposit your loose change into the nearest BSP coin deposit machine? Whenever you deposited your coins, do you transfer the value to GCash or Maya, or convert the value into shopping vouchers?
Recently in Parañaque City, local authorities arrested a Chinese doctor and an assistant after discovering a condominium unit that was converted into a mini-hospital with medical equipment, several medical products and even a few patients, 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 boldface…
Authorities arrested a Chinese doctor allegedly running a mini hospital in a condominium in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
The doctor was identified only as Dr. Lee, according to a report on Unang Balita on Wednesday.
The suspect also allegedly sells medicines not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also arrested was the doctor’s assistant.
Police found a hospital bed, medicines, and equipment used for critical operations inside the unit.
Two patients were also at the alleged mini hospital at the time the police came in. They were transferred to a legitimate hospital.
The suspects will face charges of violation of the FDA Act of 2009 and the Medical Act of 1959. The doctor did not give any statement.
Police said they will look into whether the mini hospital caters to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more Chinese nationals doing something illegal behind closed doors inside rented units within your local community? Did you notice a Chinese national bringing in unusual things into the local community over the past three months?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member 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 Muntinlupa, local police officers arrested two women for selling the illegal substance shabu during a buy-bust operation in Alabang, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa police arrested two women after they sold shabu to an undercover officer in Alabang on Feb. 27.
The buy-bust operation was conducted by the Muntinlupa Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit at about 2:40 a.m. at the Old City Terminal in Alabang, leading to the arrest of suspects identified as Nobaisa, 38, and Milla, 34, both residents of Purok 4, Balbanero Compound in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Authorities seized a plastic sachet of shabu, the item sold during the undercover transaction. The police confiscated three more sachets containing shabu from the suspects.The total confiscated shabu weighed 55 grams valued at P374,000.
Also seized during the operation were a genuine P500 bill and 10 pieces of counterfeit P500 bills used as boodle money. The seized illegal drugs will undergo laboratory examination at the Southern Police District (SPD) Forensic Unit.
The two suspects are detained at the Muntinlupa police’s custodial facility. They will face charges for violation of Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
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, do you feel safer now that the police caught the two suspects who sold shabu in Alabang?
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 Muntinlupa, local police officers arrested two most wanted persons – ranked 9th and 10th most wanted respectively – over illegal drugs cases, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa police arrested the No. 9 and No. 10 most wanted persons who are facing cases for possession of illegal drugs on Feb. 27.
The first operation was conducted in Barangay Bayanan, Muntinlupa that led to the arrest of alias Ricardo, 23, a tricycle driver and a resident of Barangay Alabang. Ricardo was ranked as the No. 9 top most wanted person for the first quarter of 2025.
Ricardo was apprehended by operatives from the Muntinlupa police’s Station Intelligence Section based on a warrant of arrest dated Jan. 28 issued by Presiding Judge Liezel Aquiatan of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205.
After his arrest, Ricardo was taken to the City Health Center for a medical examination before being turned over to the police’s custodial and detention facility.
On the same day, police operatives arrested alias Cesar, 41, ranked as the No. 10 top most wanted person, on Montillano Street in Alabang.
He was nabbed based on a warrant of arrest issued by Presiding Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204.
The two men are facing cases for possession of dangerous drugs under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
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, do you feel safer now that the police caught the two most wanted persons successfully?
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
Very recently in Parañaque City, local police officers pulled off a successful entrapment operation in Barangay BF Homes that resulted in the arrest of man over his engagement in the illegal sale of firearms, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A man engaged in illegal sale of firearms was arrested by members of the Southern Police District (SPD) in an entrapment operation in Parañaque City on March 4.
The suspect, identified as alias “Enrique,” 45, a resident of Sampaloc Site, Parañaque City, was collared at around 11:30 p.m. in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City.
Acting on the report of a regular confidential informant, the District Special Operation Unit (DSOU), in coordination with the District Intelligence Division (DID) and the Parañaque City Police Station, conducted a buy-bust operation against the suspect.
The police seized from the suspect a .45-caliber pistol with magazine loaded with five live ammunition placed in a black sling bag.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be someone in your local community who might be engaging in the illegal sale of firearms? Does the suspect look or sound familiar to you?
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
This past weekend, the 30th anniversary of the cityhood of Muntinlupa was celebrated with special activities. On the afternoon of March 1, Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his State of the City Address declaring Muntinlupa as a smart, sustainable and strong city, according to the Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Mayor Ruffy Biazon said Muntinlupa has become a smart, sustainable and strong city with the use of technology and innovation, and solutions that maximize resources.
“Today we celebrate the 30th year since our home town became a city. Today we can say that Muntinlupa has transformed into a city that is Smart, Sustainable, and Strong,” said Biazon in his State of the City Address during the 30th Muntinlupa cityhood anniversary celebration on March 1.
He said, “Smart because we are utilizing technology and innovation to make the government more efficient in the use of resources, faster in the delivery of services, more streamlined in its processes and make decisions based on data gathered through its systems.”
The mayor said Muntinlupa is “sustainable because we adopt solutions that help us maximize our use of resources but still remain mindful of the needs of future generations. Strong because we remain resilient in the face of calamities, crisis, and challenges that put to the test our determination to survive and succeed.”
Muntinlupa became a highly-urbanized city with the signing of Republic Act 7926 on March 1, 1995.
In his speech, he mentioned what the city government has done since he assumed office in 2022 and the plans that will be implemented under his 7K Agenda.
“While we have come a long way from what was described as a sleepy town to a bustling, modern, highly urbanized city that it is now, the character of its people remains rooted in the traditional values of caring for the community, goodwill towards each other, and earning your keep through hard work,” he said.
He added, “Coming at the heels of the successes of those who laid the city’s foundation, we ask ourselves: what else can we do to achieve greater accomplishments? We ask this not to just simply outdo those we followed, but more to push ourselves to break new ground, find new paths and create through innovation.”
Kaunlaran (Development) – Under his “Kaunlaran” agenda, the mayor envisions Muntinlupa to be a “Model Smart Urban Village” of the region.
“We crafted our vision to visualize a future that we want for our people. But as I quote during my previous addresses – ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it,’” he said.
This year, he said, the city government is updating the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance, which “will provide a framework for the City’s physical development, and the smart and efficient allocation of land and water resources for various uses.”
The city government will implement key e-governance projects, including the Citizens’ Database and Muntizen ID, “a city-wide database and unified ID Card System to record and monitor the city’s population and migration information, as well as the provision and availment of City Government’s social, educational and medical benefits to our citizens.”
The city will also have the Centralized Geographic Information System (CGIS), “a software to map and digitalize geographic data of the City.”
Improving the MUNCONNECT, Muntinlupa’s public wi-fi system located in schools, business establishments and government facilities, is also being planned.
Biazon said the city government’s efforts were recognized through various awards including the Seal of Good Local Governance for the third consecutive year and ranking fourth among all highly-urbanized cities in the country in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.
He thanked the business sector as the city government surpassed its business tax collection target in 2024, reaching P2.4 billion.
“Through our programs on business permit registrations complimented by ‘Ease of Doing Business’ strategies, we made sure that Muntinlupa is a City that remains Business-Friendly and attractive for new and thriving investment opportunities,” he 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 delighted with what the City Government achieved and how it rendered public service? Do you feel confident that Muntinlupa will keep on progressing and become even more competitive with other cities of the nation over the next ten to fifteen years?
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
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1980s to explore a part of the DC Comics shared universe through a tale of the iconic Superman.
Shortly after the end of the original multiverse of DC Comics, the publisher organized a massive reboot of its superhero franchises and universe. To reboot and modernize the iconic Superman, DC hired John Byrne and backed him up with a solid creative team. The result was the 6-part comic book mini-series The Man of Steel. Previously, I reviewed The Man of Steel #1 and #2 which collectively established Superman and Lois Lane as the iconic superhero and the definitive supporting character of the post-Crisis age respectively. Of course, the super villain opposite the post-Crisis Superman had to be established.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at The Man of Steel #4, published in 1986 by DC Comics with a story written and illustrated by John Byrne.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins when a daringly dressed Lois Lane arrives at the apartment of Clark Kent who has not even fully prepared himself for their trip to an extravagant gathering. It turns out, Lois’ ride picked her up earlier than expected which explains her early arrival.
After entering Clark’s apartment, she slowly begins to discover what he looked like in school and who his parents are. By this time, it has been almost eighteen months since Clark beat her to the first-ever Superman news story at the Daily Planet.
Afterwards, Lois and Clark took a surprising helicopter ride going to the luxurious ship of the powerful tycoon Lex Luthor…
Quality
Superman intervenes to protect Lois Lane from one of the terrorists.
To make things clear, this issue is all about John Byrne presenting a new version of Superman’s definitive rival Lex Luthor with the 1980s in mind. Instead of a mad scientist, the post-Crisis Luthor is a billionaire whose corporation (Lexcorp) has an interest in virtually every business in Metropolis and his immense wealth makes him a very powerful figure. This new version of Luthor was clearly done to be more grounded with reality, specifically with regards to the rise of tycoons in America in the 1980s. In short, Luthor was the ruthless and powerful businessman before Michael Douglas even got to play Gordon Gekko in 1987’s Wall Street.
While the effort of making a really new version of Superman’s arch-rival is clear, Luthor here does not appear too menacing at first. The story and impact of Luthor’s evil really started to materialize as soon as the South American terrorists appeared, but not in a way that you might expect. As mentioned above, Luthor here is more grounded with reality and that means you won’t see him oppose Superman with science and technology. Instead, Luthor simply has wealth, the power and resources to go against the Man of Steel. The tycoon also knows that the American-born Kryptonian would not dare attack him as laws already exist.
Having read lots of Superman’s encounters with Luthor in the pre-Crisis era – particularly the 1970s up to the mid-1980s – it is clear to me that their first post-Crisis encounter turned out underwhelming and never dynamic. In fairness, I really enjoyed reading the 2nd encounter between Superman and Luthor as the words of the latter were filled with anger and tension. It should be noted that Byrne’s visual approach on showing the city and the people as Luthor’s dialogue went on was a great touch.
When it comes to the storytelling, it is quite simple which is not surprising because it was crafted to make way for post-Crisis Luthor to be introduced and dramatized. As for the character development, there is indeed progress with regards to the chemistry between Clark Kent and Lois Lane who are portrayed as friends living with a journalistic competition between them. It was also in this comic book where you will see Superman follow the law and the command of Metropolis’ highest official.
Speaking of law, you will notice what kind of impact Luthor has on others when he really does things his own way. This is something you should read in this comic book.
Conclusion
This is John Byrne’s version of Lex Luthor in the form of a powerful tycoon. A complete departure from the mad scientist Luthor of the pre-Crisis era of DC Comics.
While the first-ever conflict between Superman and Luthor in the post-Crisis age was indeed underwhelming, it was John Byrne’s in-depth writing and portrayal of events that made The Man of Steel #4 (1986) a worthy read. Don’t expect to see a lot of action here nor anything spectacular with Superman. Clearly, the tycoon Lex Luthor is the feature character of this tale and the start of his hatred towards Superman is really worth reading. In retrospect, Luthor’s ruthlessness and evil got stronger and clearer after the end of this comic book (for reference, click here).
Overall, The Man of Steel #4 (1986) is recommended.
New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – presented its official report for the year 2024 during the February 9, 2025 worship service in Alabang.
In 2024, NLCOM did the following for the many victims and the affected communities: serving 598,833 hot meals, distributed 5,457 relief goods, rebuilt 1,200 homes, reached 49 communities and trained 447 individuals.
Compassion knows no boundaries, and our mission has no limits. In 2024, we witnessed this truth once again as NLCOM’s reach expanded even further, and the unwavering support and contributions of our donors, partners, and volunteers have been pivotal to that success. Thanks to their supply, we’ve been able to bring light, hope, and transformation to even more lives, making a profound impact on our community.
NLCOM presented its 2024 report on February 9, 2025, at New Life Alabang.
Beyond immediate relief, NLCOM remains committed to fostering long-term community resilience. In 2024, they conducted onsite and online resilience training and Psychological First Aid (PFA) workshops for city employees, volunteers and network churches in Manila and Catbalogan, Samar.
NLCOM also revealed that it has partnered with New Life Kathmandu to support 350 families in Nepal who were devastated by landslides on September 28, 2024.
In his message to the partners and friends, NLCOM Executive Director and Pastor Paul Giague stated:
As we reflect on the past year, we’re reminded of the numerous challenges we faced together – from devastating fires to powerful typhoons. Yet through every disaster, our collective resilience shone even brighter. We stood united, responding with compassion, reaching out with kindness, and rebuilding hope. We’re deeply grateful for your unwavering support, which has been instrumental in our efforts. Our Community Ready campaign embodies this spirt of unity and action, empowering everyone to make a lasting difference.
Through your contributions, we’ve been able to provide hot meals, distribute relief, and equip communities with vital resilience training. These tangible expressions of God’s love have brought comfort to those in need. Togther, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, ensuring that no one faces hardship alone by providing aid, training and community support. We invite you to continue partnering with us, and if you’re new, we welcome you to join us. Let’s build stronger, more resilient communities through Community Ready.
Because of you, lives are being changed. Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving others.
For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my recent blog posts can viewed by clicking here, here, here, here and here. NLCOM has an established record of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.
NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…
If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:
For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.
In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true. Be remind that Lord Jesus is the hope of all nations.
Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.
Proverbs 19:17 (MSG)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 