journalism – Page 21 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Chinese national arrested at NAIA Terminal 3 for stealing from judge inside the airplane

September 24, 2024September 18, 2024carlocarrasco

A Chinese national was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 for stealing the handbag and money that belong to a judge while inside the airplane, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A flight attended saw the said Chinese traveler stealing from the judge who was traveling with two lawyers.

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

A Chinese national was arrested after he was caught stealing from a female judge aboard a plane at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

In a statement, BI Officer-in-Charge Joel Anthony Viado identified the Chinese national as Lyu Shuming, 48, who was arrested at the NAIA Terminal 3 last Sept. 15. The BI did not identify the female judge.

“We will not allow these kinds of foreigners to victimize our kababayan,” Viado declared. Based on his statement, it can be presumed that the judge is a Filipino.

“The BI will continue to monitor the progress of this case, and blacklist any other members that might be found,” he added.

The BI said that Lyu, who was found to have a valid Philippine visa, was traveling with two other Chinese nationals identified as Xu Xianpu, 41, and Xie Xiaoyong, 54.

“All three have been recommended for inclusion in the BI’s blacklist,” the BI said as it noted that Xu and Xie were also suspected to be thieves and have been allowed to board an outbound flight.

The BI said the three Chinese nationals were transiting the Philippines from Malaysia to Hong Kong.

While aboard the plane, the BI said a flight attendant caught Lyu stealing a handbag and P63,000 in cash owned by a female judge who was traveling with two lawyers.

“He was said to have opened the overhead stowage bin to retrieve the bag owned by the judge,” it said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you encounter people stealing the belongings of others while riding the airplane? Do you think the arrested Chinese traveler knew that the judge was traveling with lots of money?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Parañaque City scam hub raided, Chinese nationals arrested

September 21, 2024September 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local authorities raided a scam hub and arrested four Chinese nationals, according to a news report by the Philippine Star. The report also includes the arrest of a Chinese fugitive as a result of a separate operation in Parañaque.

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

Four Chinese were arrested recently during a raid on a suspected cryptocurrency investment and love scam hub in Parañaque City.

The facility reportedly posed as a licensed Philippine offshore gaming operator to conceal its illegal activities.

Wei Hanbing, 33; Wang Bo, 32; Wang Zhaoshan, 37, and Guo Dong, 26 were detained on Aug. 31 at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. Authorities have turned them over to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Meanwhile, Zhang Xi, 38, who is wanted by the Chinese government and the Interpol, was apprehended on Sept. 8 in Parañaque, according to BI fugitive search unit chief Rendel Ryan Sy.

Zhang allegedly led an online criminal ring that designed a computer virus to remotely control around 4,200 computers in China, which gained over seven million yuan in ill-gotten profits since 2023.

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 criminals secretly doing illegal operations within your local community? Why is it that Parañaque is still a hot spot for POGOs, scam hubs and criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Makers of fake passports and ID cards for POGO workers arrested

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024carlocarrasco

There is no doubt that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) added a lot to criminal activities and pain in the country which is why a national ban on them was declared. Still there is a lot to uncover with regards to the processing of records of people – both foreign and local – who worked for POGOs. Recently, law enforcers raided an office that turned out to be making fake passports and ID cards for POGO workers, according to a GMA Network news report. The suspects were arrested for falsifying public documents.

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

An office manufacturing fake documents like identification cards and passports was raided by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Sampaloc, Manila.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras,” it was also discovered that the group was making fake IDs and passports for Chinese and Filipinos who work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

The location appears to be just a photocopying stall from the outside, but upon entering, the equipment and tools allegedly used to make fake IDs and documents were seen.

Pieces of evidence were recovered in the raid such as documents from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), drug tests with negative results, and agency IDs, all of which are fake.

Several Central Processing Units (CPU) of the computers were also recovered, where the files of the contractors who work at POGO are being kept.

According to the NCRPO, this started with the fake IDs and passports of the Chinese that they handed over to the scam hub in Parañaque last month.

“Medyo mahirap-hirap hanapin. Palipat-lipat sila. Ang transaction ay three different persons. We were able to arrest personalities involved in the forging, falsification at paggawa nitong items na ito, lalo na ang passport, identification card, and birth certificate,” said Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, NCRPO Regional Director.

(It’s a little hard to find. They move around. The transaction involves three different persons.)

Since the POGOs in the country are only valid until December, the NCRPO suspects that the Chinese are now busy making Philippine passports for them to stay in the Philippines.

“Ang kailangan nila during their travel, para undetected na maka-travel is to produce these kind of documents, lalo na ang passport,” said Nartatez.

(What they need during their travel, to be able to travel undetected is to produce these kinds of documents, especially the passport.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the pieces of evidence that the law enforcers found will help them put a stop to further falsification of documents by Chinese nationals and POGO workers? Are you concerned that there may have been many Chinese nationals in the Philippine who already secured fake passports and fake ID cards to be able to stay longer in the country?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Rehabilitation of airport begins as government formally turns over NAIA operations to San Miguel-led group

September 19, 2024September 18, 2024carlocarrasco

The rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has officially started as a result of the government’s recent turnover of airport operations to the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) which is a San Miguel-led group, according to a news report by GMA Network. To be clear, the government still owns NAIA and the operations will be handed back by the private group many years from now. Over P140 billion will be invested on managing and improving the NAIA.

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

The government turned over Saturday the operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corp., setting in motion the rehabilitation of the Philippines’ main gateway.

In a news release, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said key officials of the agency and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) handed over the airport to its new private operator during a ceremony at NAIA’s Terminal 3.

“The baton has been passed and now it is our turn in NNIC to carry it forward to the finish line,” said NNIC general manager Lito Alvarez.

Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation Roberto Lim expressed support to NNIC, saying the takeover would be a precursor to a world-class and modernized NAIA.

“Today, we celebrate the competitive spirit of the winning consortium, which brings financial muscle, management expertise, and the technical operations strength and experience of Incheon Airport,” said Lim.

The turnover of NAIA’s rehabilitation, operations, and further development to NNIC, formerly SMC SAP & Co. Consortium, is seen to boost the airport capacity to meet growing demand by handling more flights and passengers, while improving service quality and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

San Miguel-led NNIC is investing approximately P144 billion to manage and improve NAIA under a 15-year concession, extendable by 10 years, which would be contingent on meeting key performance targets.

The DOTr clarified that ownership of the airport will remain with the government. The agency said that at the end of the concession period, NNIC will return to the government the operations of NAIA.

The government signed the landmark concession agreement for the NAIA Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project on March 18.

Among the expected improvements in NAIA that the traveling public and other stakeholders can expect include expansion of the Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs), additional aircraft parking bays, increase in vehicular parking slots, installation of world-class systems and technology, more food and beverage (F&B) and retail options, more convenient land transport connectivity, among others.

Furthermore, flight delays and cancellations due issues with airport facilities are expected to be significantly reduced.

NNIC Chairman Ramon Ang said, “A world-class airport means more jobs, more tourists and a much more stronger and prosperous Philippines.“

The consortium is committing to modernize NAIA, increasing its capacity from 35 million passengers to 62 million passengers. Air traffic movement is also expected to be increased from 40 movements per hour to 48.

The rehabilitation is expected to generate at least 58,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the NAIA operations will improve under the San Miguel-led group? Do you think this will lead to improved travel efficiency, convenience and comfort for millions of air travelers in the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Las Piñas City Government releases cash aid to over 2,000 “Tara, Basa” beneficiaries

September 19, 2024September 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than two thousand beneficiaries of the “Tara, Basa” program received cash aid from the City Government (in tandem with the Department of Social Welfare and Development), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The distribution was led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas city government, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), distributed cash aid to 2,119 beneficiaries of its “Tara,Basa” tutoring program on Thursday, September 12.

Las Piñas city Vice-Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution held at the Verdant covered court in Barangay Pamplona Tres.

Aguilar said the beneficiaries who finished the 20-day tutorial session received P4,700 cash for their service as tutors or youth development workers.

The tutoring program is a new initiative by the DSWD aimed at employing college students from low-income families as tutors for elementary school children struggling with reading.

Through the 20-day tutorial sessions, the tutors not only help improve literacy among young learners but also provide training for parents or guardians, enabling them to continue the tutorial support at home.

Meanwhile, parents who attended the 20-day “Nanay-Tatay” sessions covering topics such as communication and child behavior, were also given cash aid for their active participation.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that the “Tara, Basa” program is improving education as well as supporting low-income families?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

NEDA sees faster Philippines GDP growth in the 2nd half of 2024

September 17, 2024September 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Citing some factors, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) sees faster gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippine economy in the 2^nd half of this year which should result in a full 2024 growth rate of 6% to 7%, according to a BusinessWorld new report.

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

PHILIPPINE gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second semester could be faster than the 6% average in the first half amid easing inflation and lower policy rates, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

“Now, with inflation lower, with policy rates lower, with the labor market continuing to be robust, I think we would see an even better second half than in the first half,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

In the second quarter, GDP expanded by 6.3%, bringing the first-half growth to 6%.

“We are expecting 6-7% (GDP growth) for the full year, and I think that the likelihood that we’ll achieve that is now very high,” Mr. Balisacan said.

However, even as inflation eased to a seven-month low of 3.3% in August, Mr. Balisacan noted that the economy remains sensitive to inflationary pressures.

Year to date, inflation averaged 3.6%, settling within the 2-4% target range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The inflation downtrend has allowed the BSP to begin its easing cycle with its first rate cut in nearly four years last August. The Monetary Board lowered the policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25% from the over 17-year high of 6.25% previously.

Mr. Balisacan noted the impact of lower policy rates “is not almost instantaneous.”

Despite this, the Philippine and US central banks’ expected easing path should help boost investment activity and support growth, he said.

“Especially now that the expectations everywhere with the Fed expected to decrease (interest rates)… then, there is now greater stimulus for us to continue lowering the policy rates,” he said. “With the business community hearing that, they are likely to rethink their investment plans.”

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier signaled another 25-bp cut in the fourth quarter. The last two Monetary Board meetings for the year are scheduled on Oct. 17 and Dec. 19.

Meanwhile, GDP growth is expected to settle within the government’s target range this year, but may fall short of the growth goals in the next two years, according to the latest forecasts from the BSP’s Policy Analysis Model for the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough momentum to achieve GDP growth of 7% for 2024?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Chinese national who was caught illegally practicing medicine in Parañaque City formally charged

September 13, 2024September 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a certain Chinese national who was arrested in Parañque City for illegally practicing medicine was formally charged for violating Republic Act 2382 and estafa, according to a Philippine Star news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine Star news story. Some parts in boldface…

Criminal cases were filed against a Chinese national who was arrested in Parañaque for medical malpractice, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported on Friday.

Xu Yisheng, also known as Xu Xingzhe, underwent inquest proceedings before the office of the city prosecutor of Parañaque for violation of Republic Act 2382, or the Medical Act and estafa, NBI director Jaime Santiago said.

Santiago said they received information that Xu was maintaining a clinic in Parañaque and offering medical services to his compatriots for a fee.

The NBI, together with the Professional Regulation Commission, found out that the suspect is neither a licensed physician, nurse nor medical technologist and is not authorized to practice medicine in the country.

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 more Chinese nationals illegally practicing medicine in the city? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot of crime involving Chinese nationals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Improving foreign investment outlook for Philippines seen

September 12, 2024September 4, 2024carlocarrasco

As far as analysts are concerned, the foreign investment outlook for the Philippines is improving and should result in more investments, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

LOWER INTEREST RATES will help drive the entry of more foreign direct and portfolio investments into the Philippines, analysts said.

“The outlook for foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in the Philippines appears promising, with current trends suggesting the country could meet or potentially exceed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) targets,” Security Bank Corp. Chief Economist Robert Dan J. Roces said in a Viber message.

The BSP expects to record FDI net inflows of $9.5 billion this year. For foreign portfolio investments, it forecasts $3.1 billion in net inflows by yearend.

“The BSP’s forecast for the year sounds reasonable, as it wouldn’t be too far a stretch, with that sort of level of annual FDI coming into the Philippines almost consistently over this period, barring the coronavirus-hit year in 2020,” Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco said in an e-mail.

In the January-to-May period, FDI net inflows jumped by 15.8% year on year to $4.024 billion, data from the BSP showed.

Meanwhile, short-term foreign investments yielded a net inflow of $1.46 billion in the January-July period, surging from the $157.3-million net inflows in the same period a year ago.

FDIs are considered long-term investments, while portfolio investments or “hot money” are seen as more fickle due to the ease by which these funds enter and leave the economy.

Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc., said the BSP’s investment targets are doable amid easing interest rates.

“Offering attractive rates will be the key. All around will be declining key rates, thus, offering sensible investments now will lock in gains for prospective investors. I would like to believe that there is time,” he added.

Mr. Roces said the further reduction in policy rates this year and next year “should stimulate investment activity, particularly for FDI, by making borrowing more attractive.”

At its August meeting, the Monetary Board cut rates for the first time in nearly four years or since November 2020. It reduced borrowing costs by 25 basis points (bps), bringing the benchmark rate to 6.25% from the previous over 17-year high of 6.5%.

The central bank could also deliver another 25-bp rate hike in the fourth quarter, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said earlier.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the findings of the economic analysts pointing to improving foreign investment outlook for the nation?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

POGO operations inside Parañaque village continuing despite nationwide ban

September 12, 2024September 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, it was revealed that there still some Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs inside a certain village operating even though the nationwide ban came into effect, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

A homeowners association (HOA) in Parañaque City on Wednesday said operations of some Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs in the gated community allegedly continued despite the ban.

Julio Templonuevo, president of the Multinational Village HOA, said POGO operations in their village were reduced following the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We think partially may effect pero hindi pa 100% kasi may existence pa,” Templonuevo told Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

(We think it may have a partial effect, but not 100% yet, because some POGOs are still there.)

“Generally, malaki ang improvement ng pronouncement…Since may government directive, medyo okay na. Malakas na ang loob ng homeowners na magsumbong,” he said.

(Generally, there’s been a significant improvement after the pronouncement…Since the government issued a directive, it’s gotten better. Homeowners are now more confident to complain.)

According to Templonuevo, some Chinese previously rented residential units at the Multinational Village to use as POGO structures. Lease payments reached P500,000 per month before but dipped to P200,000 to P300,000 monthly.

“Ito educated guess, una ‘yung location napakalapit dito. Napaka-convenient. 5 minutes nasa airport ka na,” said Templonuevo.

(This is an educated guess but they might have chosen our village because of our location. It’s very convenient, you can be in the airport in five minutes.)

“Napili ‘yung sa’min na malaki ang area dahil they can accommodate more people kasi ‘yung surrounding namin basically low-cost housing ‘yan eh,” he added.

(Our area can also accommodate more people because the surrounding areas have low-cost housing.)

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 POGO hubs secretly operating within your local community? Are there lots of Chinese nationals living and working in your local community? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot of crime involving Chinese nationals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Las Piñas City’s mobile kitchen provides meals to typhoon victims in four evacuation centers

September 11, 2024September 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government’s mobile kitchen was sent to four different evacuation centers and provided meals to the victims of Typhoon Enteng, 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 “Kusina ng Las Piñas” or mobile kitchen visited the four evacuation centers in the city housing victims of Tropical Storm Enteng to provide them with nutritious food.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered the deployment of the “Kusina ng Las Piñas” to provide hot meals to evacuees at the Verdant court, Carmencita covered court, Pulanglupa 2 Evacuation Center, and at the Pagtakhan covered court.

Aguilar said the city government recorded a total of 761 individuals who sought temporary shelter at evacuation sites at the peak of Enteng.

She said the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that 150 individuals or 43 families in Barangay Talon Tres were evacuated to the Carmencita Covered Court, 131 individuals or 29 families from Talon Kuatro were staying at the Pagtakhan covered court, 435 individuals or 110 families from Pamplona Tres were staying at the Verdant Covered Court, and 45 individuals or 17 families from Manuyo Dos.

The mayor said Vice-Mayor April Aguilar immediately responded to personally monitor the evacuees to ensure their safety and medical needs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Were many members of your local community displaced by Typhoon Enteng? How many people of your local community are staying at an evacuation center?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

	J.A. Pipes ✅ on US Treasury Department Prevent…
	Catherine is not com… on US Treasury Department Prevent…
	Instapundit »… on Trump Administration Trashes B…
	RICK YARNELL on Japan To Raise Foreigners’ Res…
	Instapundit »… on Japan To Raise Foreigners’ Res…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: