Recently, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced that the stolen painting of national artist Fernando Amorsolo was recovered and arrested two suspects, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report. The painting was previously stolen from a museum in Silay City, Negros Oriental province. It has since been returned to the National Museum of the Philippine for assessment.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Inquirer news report. Some parts in boldface…
The stolen Fernando Amorsolo painting has been recovered, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented the recovered 1936 masterpiece of the national artist titled “Mango Harvesters,” which was snatched from the Hofileña Museum in Silay, City, Negros Occidental last week.
Santiago said an entrapment operation was hatched to catch people allegedly involved in the sale of the prized painting for P3.5 million, after receiving a tip from a certain “Atty. Ching.”
The entrapment operation was carried out on Thursday, July 11, at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, which resulted in the arrest of Ritz Chona Ching and Donecio Somaylo, who supposedly brought the stolen art for delivery.
Ching and Somaylo were brought for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice. They are facing a complaint for violating Presidential Decree 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think more should be done by museums to prevent thieves from stealing valuable artworks?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the City Government and the Emapalico Homes Inc. homeowners association (HOA) was formally signed which will pave the way for commercial development of a key property, 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…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the officers of the Emapalico Homes Inc. homeowners’ association signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the commercial development of their property.
Aguilar said that during the signing of the MOA held last June 19 at the City Hall, the homeowner’s association agreed in converting part of their property into a commercial area while maintaining a portion for use as a tricycle terminal to ensure that essential local transportation remains available.
She said the MOA also highlighted the city government’s commitment to promoting balanced urban development and stimulating economic growth by creating new business opportunities which are expected to enhance the livelihood of residents in Barangay Talon Uno.
Aguilar explained that the plan reflects the city’s broader strategy of promoting sustainable development and in addressing the needs of the community.
She said the project also aligns with the city’s vision of improving infrastructure and living standards through collaborative efforts between the local government and community stakeholders.
The mayor added that the project is anticipated to be a significant step forward in enhancing both the economic and social aspects of Barangay Talon Uno, showcasing a model of sustainable urban development in Las Piñas City.
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? Do you think the MOA signing will open up a lot of new economic opportunities for Barangay Talon Uno residents within the first twelve 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
With all the controversies about Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and their connections with criminal activities going on, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that POGOs are no longer allowed to operate within large spaces and compounds, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday said that it will no longer allow the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) within large spaces and compounds.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco made the announcement at a Senate hearing after he was asked by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to make an assurance that there will be no POGO-linked crimes in the country.
“We’re coming out with certain guidelines. We’re already banning hubs. In the meantime that wala pa namang (there is no) order ng closure, this early I can inform everybody that we will not allow any hub existing or going to be applied for, we will not approve it anymore,” Tengco said.
According to the PAGCOR chief, POGO operations will now be “site specific” and “building specific” unlike in the POGO compounds in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga that were raided by authorities for alleged illegal activities within these establishments.
Tengco said he cannot assure that POGO will no longer commit crimes, but they will ensure that the 43 remaining licensed POGO firms will follow PAGCOR’s new guidelines and “enhancements.”
Further, Tengco said they will create teams that will monitor the POGO firms 24/7 in a bid to “deter” these criminal activities.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the PAGCOR still has a lot of explaining to do about the POGOs that remain operating in the country? Do you think PAGCOR should have prohibited POGOs from operating inside large places before? Are there several POGO operations – both big and small – present in your locality right now?
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news…
Recently, Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Flus confirmed that startups from the Jewish state view the Philippines as a viable gateway to Southeast Asian markets, according to a BusinessWorld news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news article. Some parts in boldface…
ISRAEL companies, particularly startups, view the Philippines as a viable gateway to Southeast Asian markets, according to the Israeli Ambassador and the head of Israel’s economic mission in Manila.
“Asia is a growing market, and Israeli companies are becoming more and more interested in the markets here,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of an Israeli tech startup pitch event at his residence in Makati City.
“The Philippines is also an entry point to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,” he added.
He said the embassy is working closely with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to find ways to make it easier to do business in the Philippines.
“I think the important thing for an Israeli company is to have a good Filipino partner that will be able to guide them (in navigating) the economy,” Mr. Fluss said, noting the difficulties posed by bureaucracy.
Tomer Heyvi, head of the Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines, said more Israeli startups are showing interest in seeking investors from the Philippines.
“The Philippines is a rising star and there is a lot of interest from the Israeli companies in trade, commerce, but also, of course, in investment,” he told BusinessWorld.
Mr. Heyvi said there are more than 9,000 startups in Israel that are seeking partnerships to help them break through in various global markets, including the Philippines.
“Every year, we see an increase in the interest of Israeli companies. So, for me, it’s already an indication that they find this market interesting.”
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics of Israel, trade between the Philippines and Israel amounted to $532 million last year.
Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry said on its website that business services between both countries last year were mostly provided by Israeli startups and tech companies engaged in artificial intelligence-based platforms, cybersecurity, and financial technology solutions.
Very clearly, the ties between Israel and the Philippines remain intact and are in fact gradually gaining strength. The future of economic cooperation between the two nations looks bright even though there are lots of uncertainties happening overseas (armed conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, anti-Israel rallies in America and Europe, and so on).
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas, which has long been supported by terrorist state Iran, is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Iran even has Hezbollah in Lebanon doing their evil works for them. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.
With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to give up. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth. Pray to the Lord to support Israel, its government officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and other stakeholders.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two more men who were captured on CCTV attacking referees during a Muntinlupa inter-barangay basketball championship game met and apologized to Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
The violence happened during the championship game between Barangays Bayanan and Cupang under the La Liga de Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 held on July 5 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan when a player and a referee had a confrontation. The crowd and players joined the melee and attacked the referees. Several people hurled monoblock chairs while others threw water bottles.
De La Salle Green Archers’ Kean Baclaan, a player for the Barangay Bayanan team, was banned from the 2024 tournament “for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials.”
Three other players and a coach from Barangay Bayanan were also banned from the tournament for the same offense.
After the game, an investigation was launched to pinpoint those who attacked the referees. Videos from spectators and CCTV footage at the sports complex showed those who were responsible.
Two additional men who were involved in the violence heeded the call of Biazon and went to his office on July 9.
“Maging responsableng mga indibidwal. Kung hindi sa ibang tao, sa ating mga pamilya. Dapat makatulong sa katahimikan at hindi dumagdag sa kaguluhan (Be responsible individuals. If not for other people, for our family. You should help for peace and not add to the chaos),” Biazon told the two men.
He added, “Humarap sila sa akin matapos ang panawagan ko sa social media. Nag-sorry sila sa mga akto nila noong araw na yun (They went to see me after my call on social media. They said sorry for their actions on that day).”
The mayor previously called on the two men who hurled a chair and punched a referee in the back of the head to see him.
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 satisfied that the four men who caused trouble during the chaos of the July 5 local basketball game came to the mayor and apologized in his presence?
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 Parañaque, nine Chinese nationals were arrested by immigration agents (supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines) at the Parañaque City Fishport for illegally working onboard vessels, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Nine Chinese nationals suspected to be working illegally onboard vessels along Manila Bay were arrested last June 29 at the Paranaque City Fishport, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday, July 1.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said only five of those arrested have pre-arranged working visas petitioned by an engineering company in Pasay City.
Tansingco identifed them as Li Weilin, Liu Peng, Wang Yong, Huang Haibing, Gong Yuan Ju, Zhang Tao, Dai Guang Yuan, Li Jiang Yu, and Kang Tian De. Those with working visas were not identified.
He said they were arrested by BI operatives in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) while disembarking from three motorboats at the Paranaque City Fishport at around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29.
“This operation is a clear message that we will not tolerate foreign nationals abusing their stay in the country,” Tansingco said.
“We remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our borders and maintain order,” he assured.
Tansingco said: “We have reason to suspect that these individuals are engaging in illegal work in vessels along Manila Bay.”
He said the visas of five of them “limit their work to a company in Pasay City and nowhere else.”
He stressed that “foreign nationals with valid working visas, if found to be working in a different company, are violating the conditions of their stay.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, what do you think makes your city a favorite destination for Chinese criminals? Did you notice that Parañaque has long been a hot spot of criminal activities that involved Chinese nationals? Did you notice any Chinese fugitives living and hiding in Parañaque?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Two foreign tourists – one from China and the other from Vietnam – were intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for trying to work illegally in the country, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Bureau of Immigration intercepted two foreign nationals suspected of attempting to enter the country to work illegally.
According to a statement by the BI on Friday, 20-year-old Chinese national Ding Junda claimed he was visiting a relative in the country for eight days when he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday.
On Monday, 22-year-old Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Tuyet Trang arrived and said she was going to Tagaytay City for a holiday.
However, the two individuals confessed to working in the country during a secondary inspection, with Ding working as a parcel delivery rider and Nguyen as a nail technician.
Ding was also found to have been sponsored by another Chinese national outside the country.
“They were denied entry after our officers determined that they were likely to become a public charge, as stipulated by the provisions, resulting in their classification as excludable aliens under our immigration laws,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be more foreigners who will try to enter the Philippines as tourists only to engage in illegal work locally?
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 ban on four players and a coach regarding the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 is actually limited to the remaining championship games, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. This means that the banned individuals are eligible to return in the next season of the tournament. It should be recalled that the championship game on July 5 (the first championship game actually) turned chaotic and acts of violence happened.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Muntinlupa said the ban on Kean Baclaan and three other players and a coach is effective only for the remaining championship games of the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024.
In a decision issued on July 6, the committee of the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 banned players Baclaan (also a player for the De La Salle Green Archers), Ram Panganiban, Alfie Silva and Jayson Tugonon, and coach Hansel Baclaan Malate, all from the Barangay Bayanan team, for attacking and disrespecting game officials during Game 1 of the championship game between the teams of Barangays Bayanan and Cupang on July 5.
“The following sanctions and penalties have been imposed on the players and coaches involved in the incident: Banned from the tournament for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials,” according to the decision by the league committee.
In an announcement on July 8, Barangay Poblacion Chairman Allen Ampaya, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, said, “We would like to clarify that players Kean Baclaan, Ram Panganiban, Alfie Silva, Jayson Tugonon, and Coach Hansel Malate are only banned from participating in the current season of La Liga de Muntinlupa 2024.”
“However, this ban is limited to the remaining game/s of the finals this season, and they will be eligible to participate in the tournament next season,” he said.
Ampaya added, “We strongly condemn any form of negativity and encourage everyone to maintain a respectful and positive environment. Together, let’s uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and unity that our tournament stands for.”
The chaos started when a player and a referee had a confrontation. At the time, the scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan. This led to people and players charging the referee.
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 looking forward to the 2025 season of the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament?
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
Four basketball players – including someone who plays for the De La Salle Green Archers – and a coach were officially banned by the committee of the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 for attacking and disrespecting game officials during a championship game on July 5 which turned chaotic, 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…
Kean Baclaan, who now plays for the De La Salle Green Archers, and four others were banned from a Muntinlupa inter-barangay basketball tournament “for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials.”
In a decision issued on July 6, the committee of the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 banned players Baclaan, Ram Panganiban, Alfie Silva and Jayson Tugonon, and coach Hansel Baclaan Malate, all from the Barangay Bayanan team.
“The following sanctions and penalties have been imposed on the players and coaches involved in the incident: Banned from the tournament for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials,” according to the decision by the league committee.
“After thorough deliberation by the League Committee, the officials have reached the following decision based on the existing rules of La Liga De Muntinlupa, as approved by all the Barangay Team Managements,” the decision, released by Liga ng mga Barangay Muntinlupa president Allen Ampaya, the barangay captain of Poblacion.
The decision stemmed from the chaos during the first of three games of the La Liga De Muntinlupa basketball championship between Barangays Bayanan and Cupang on July 5 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The mess started when a player and a referee had a confrontation. At the time, the scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan. This led to people and players charging the referee.
People threw monoblock chairs and water bottles. A parallel investigation is being conducted to identify those who threw the chairs.
In the decision, the League Committee announced that “Brgy Cupang won the game for forfeit due to Brgy Bayanan players and coaches physically attacking the game officials.”
Under the Muntinlupa league rules, “Verbal and direct threat to referees, table officials, coaches and players will not be tolerated. If proven, will be automatically ban from the tournament (threat by families of players are also included). Also tournament committee can ban spectators from the tournament and venues. Instigating player/s involve on a brawling incident and even fighting stance will automatically ban from the game.”
In a Facebook post, Baclaan apologized for his wrong conduct during the championship game between Bayanan and Cupang.
“Bilang isang manlalaro, marami na po akong pinagdaan at mga pagkakamaling nagawa (As a player, I have gone through a lot and have done many mistakes). One of those is the recent incident na nangyari sa La Lagi Muntinlupa Championship game. Unang-una sa lahat gusto ko po humingi ng tawad sa mga taong naniniwala at sumusuporta sa akin (First of all, I want to ask forgiveness from the people who believe and support me). I want to say sorry for my actions which may have disappointed all of you,” he said.
He added, “Inaaamin ko po na nagkamali ako dahil dapat ako ang naging ehemplo ng mga umiidolo sa akin pero hinayaan ko na pangunahan ako ng emotions ko (I admit that I committed a mistake because I should have been an example for those who idolize me but I let my emotions to get the best of me). I also want to apologize sa mga taong nadamay sa gulo. To my teammates and coach, I’m sorry for not keeping my cool when we need it most. I deeply regret the inconvenience caused by my actions. Moving forward, I will let this experience be a new opportunity to change for the better and grow not only as a player but also as a person.”
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 agree with the La Liga De Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 committee’s decision?
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 the City of Muntinlupa, the championship game of the La Liga de Muntinlupa Tournament 2024 held at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex turned chaotic which resulted in the launch of an investigation, 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…
Mayor Ruffy Biazon said an investigation was launched after a championship game between Barangays Cupang and Bayanan teams under the La Liga de Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 on July 5 turned into a chaos with a player and a referee having a confrontation and monoblock chairs being thrown by the crowd.
The first game of the Best of 3 Finals between Cupang and Bayanan was held at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The game became disorderly after a player and a referee had a confrontation in the court. At the time, the scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan.
“Security! Security! Security!” the announcer called as the chaos erupted inside the court.
People in the crowd went inside the court and charged the referee. People threw monoblock chairs and water bottles.
In a statement, Biazon said, “Kinalulungkot ko ang nangyari sa maganda sanang championship game ng La Liga de Muntinlupa na nauwi sa kaguluhan (I am saddened that what was supposed to be nice championship game in La Liga de Muntinlupa ended up into chaos).”
He said instead of sportsmanship and unity fostered by the basketball tournament, the game became a bad example for the youth because of the attitude shown by some of the players and the crowd.
“Ayon sa Liga ng mga Barangay na organizer ng event, ongoing ang imbestigasyon at maghahain sila ng reklamo laban sa mga mapapatunayang sangkot sa gulo (According to the Liga na mga Barangay, which is the organier of the event, the investigation is ongoing and they will file a complaint against those who will be found involved in the mess),” the mayor added.
Biazon said he will order barangay captains to submit a report about what happened during the game.
“Hindi ito basta simpleng init ng ulo sa basketball, nalagay sa alanganin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa ating lungsod. Merong nambato ng silya, may sumugod, may nagtangkang manakit. Hindi natin palalampasin ito at may kalalagyan din sila sa batas (This is not a simple temper. Peace and order in our city was put in jeopardy. Someone threw a chair, someone advanced, there are those who attempted to hurt. We will not let these pass and they will have a place in law),” he said.
Barangay Poblacion Chairman Allen Ampaya, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Muntinlupa, said they will make sure to identify those who were involved in the mess.
“Ongoing na ang imbestigasyon at maghahain tayo ng reklamo laban sa mga gumambala sa ating liga. Kakaharapin po nila ang parusang naaayon sa batas (The investigation is ongoing and we will file a complaint against those who disturbed our league. They will face punishment according to the law),” he said.
About the players, he said, “Para sa mga manlalaro namang mapapatunayang sangkot sa gulo, kakaharapin nila ang kaukulang penalty ayon sa rules ng liga (To the players who will be found involved in the mess, they will face the corresponding penalty based on the league rules).
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 think the basketball chaos will be resolved soon?
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 