Tag: journalism

Crackdown on undocumented, overstaying POGO workers by the PNP

Crackdown on undocumented, overstaying POGO workers by the PNP

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With all the media buzz and attention on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) related to crime (read my previous POGO post by clicking here), the Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to do a crackdown on the foreign workers of POGOs which are estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The crackdown is supposedly a part of security measures to combat different types of crime.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed on Monday, Sept. 19, to intensify the crackdown against hundreds of thousands of foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) as part of the security measures against kidnapping and other criminal activities related to offshore gambling in the country.

Based on the initial estimate of the PNP from the data provided by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), there were at least 800,000 Chinese in the country. most of them easily entered the Philippines when POGO operations in the country were approved.

And based on the PNP data through its Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), the number of kidnapping cases steeply went up since 2017, most of them are POGO-related.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. said the sad part of the POGO workers entry in the country in the past years is that they were not properly documented–attributing it to the privilege accorded to them wherein their visa and travel documents are approved after their arrival.

“There were an estimated 800,000 Chinese in the country and we do not know if that 800,000 are still documented. Maybe some of them are already undocumented that is why we are suggesting to the PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to furnish us the copy o the approved POGOs so that our crackdown would be easier,” said Azurin.

PNP officials earlier met with PAGCOR and BI officials to discuss the issues related to POGO operations in the country.

A few days ago, over 40 Chinese POGO workers were rescued from the clutches of their abductors while a number of Chinese were also arrested for involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities.

On Saturday, the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered a closure of POGO in Angeles City in Pampanga.

“The reason why we engaged PAGCOR and BI and even DOJ (Department of Justice) is that we really need to put our acts together. We should share information together to monitor the entry of Chinese in the country,” said Azurin.

System of Monitoring

Azurin earlier disclosed that the PNP maintained a hands-off policy on POGO since they were told before not to meddle on POGO-issues unless there would be a crime that would be committed.

With the PNP being bashed on the social media in the past weeks, Azurin started training his eyes on POGO after learning that almost of kidnapping cases, some of them went viral, involved POGO workers.

He said there is a need to strictly monitor the entry and the status of POGO workers in the country as part of the peace and order.

Aside from BI intervention in the documentation process, Azurin said they also want the PAGCOR to regularly update them of the legal POGO operators in the country.

In this way, he explained that they would be able to locate the overstaying POGO workers in the country.

Azurin also recommended that all POGO workers must secure both police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances before they are allowed to work in the Philippines.

He issued the recommendation after they noticed that the government has no proper system in the documentation of POGIO workers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you support the PNP’s crackdown on the undocumented and overstaying POGO workers all over the nation? Does your local community have lots of foreigners who are currently employed by POGOs? Do you think that some of the foreign employees of POGOs are fugitives from overseas? Whenever you see Chinese nationals physically present in your local community, do you often think about POGOs immediately?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others as well as making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

10th most wanted person of Las Piñas City apprehended in Bataan

10th most wanted person of Las Piñas City apprehended in Bataan

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One of the most wanted persons of the city of Las Piñas with regards to crime was arrested by police officers in the province of Bataan, 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…

A 39-year-old man tagged by the Las Piñas police as the No. 10 most wanted person was arrested in Bataan during a follow-up operation conducted by members of the Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) on Thursday, Sept. 15.

The city police chief, Col. Jaime Santos, said the suspect, identified as Anthony Guiquin, was arrested around 1:00 p.m. in Pilihan Market, Barangay Pilihan, Hermosa Bataan.

Santos said a warrant of arrest was served by members of the WSS against Guiquin for violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2022 issued by Judge Harold Cesar Huliganga of Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 253 on June 22, 2022 with no bail recommended.

The city police chief said the suspect is now detained at the police custodial facility.

The above report ended stating that Southern Police District Director, Col. Kirby John Brion Kraft commended the Las Piñas City police department for their operation which resulted in the arrest of the wanted suspect.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, how do you feel about this recent development? Does the arrest of the city’s 10th most wanted person make you feel safer about living in the city? Does the arrested suspect look or sound familiar to members of your local community?  

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government rewards top scholars with cash incentives

Muntinlupa City Government rewards top scholars with cash incentives

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In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, top scholars were recently rewarded with cash incentives by the City Government in return for making tremendous achievements, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Ruffy Biazon lauded the scholars who graduated with top honors.

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

The Muntinlupa City government awarded cash incentives to its scholars who graduated with honors from colleges and universities.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon lauded the 30 city government scholars who graduated summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude.

Of the 30, two graduated summa cum laude, 15 magna cum laude, and 13 cum laude.

Those who graduated summa cum laude received P30,000 each; magna cum laude got P20,000 each; and cum laude received P10,000 each. They were also given medals and certificates of recognition.

The summa cum laude recipients are Trubby Evasco Jr. of University of the East and Blaizah Mae Salvatierra of Adamson University.

The magna cum laude awardees are Vincent Julius Buenavidez, Lyceum of Alabang; Allen May Eduarte, San Beda College; Krishna Nicole Fagara, Adamson University; Tricia Lois Guevarra, Far Eastern University-Manila; Rodellyn Viara Llyod Marquez, Lyceum of Alabang; Elisha Natividad, San Pedro College of Business Administration; James Alec Ocampo, Far Eastern University-Manila; Shaira Mae Omega, San Beda College-Alabang; Jewel Ian Padilla, San Bed College; Shiela Mae Pamesa, Marianum College; Nicole Ramirez, Adamson University; Jaycee Mae Rufino, Far Eastern University; Paulynne Marie Santos, University of Sto. Tomas; Ralph Reindell Sicat, Emilio Aguinaldo College; and Trixie Maeve Simon, University of Sto. Tomas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you believe that the City Government should keep on honoring local scholars who made big achievements in academics? Should cash incentives for the local scholars be raised?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Police Force opens communication lines for crime reporting

Las Piñas City Police Force opens communication lines for crime reporting

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In the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced the official contact numbers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that local residents need in order to report local crime incidents and get help, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The city government of Las Piñas announced the police contact numbers for immediate reporting of crimes.

The city police force opened its communication lines and urged residents to be vigilant and immediately report crimes to the police, according to the Facebook page of Las Piñas Public Information Office (PIO).

The city police chief, Col. Jaime Santos, said they opened the communication line amidst the growing crime incidents.

Santos said residents can easily reach the police through landline numbers 8832-6422, 8808-7395, and 8525-8403 or through their cellphone numbers 0998-598-7928 and 0947-462-2859.

A reference from the City Government for the people of Las Piñas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? How long has it been since you called the PNP in your city to report a crime or ask for police assistance? Has there been an increase of crime incidents in your local community over that past three months?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City releases P2.26 million zero-interest loans to local entrepreneurs

Muntinlupa City releases P2.26 million zero-interest loans to local entrepreneurs

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In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, more than P2 million worth of zero-interest loans were released by the City Government to more than a hundred local entrepreneurs who collectively handle MSMEs (micro-small-medium sized enterprises), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A total of 103 owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Muntinlupa received P2.26 million zero-interest loans from the city government on Friday, Sept. 9.

The office of the Joint Resources Financing Program held the orientation and release of loans to batches 140 and 142 of the beneficiaries of the Tulong Negosyo at the Ayala Malls South Park.

One of them is Maria Dolores Noble, a “sari-sari” store owner and “adobong mani” manufacturer from Barangay Buli who got a P150,000 loan under the program.

Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro-finance assistance ranging from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries.

The program aims to provide additional capital for business expansion for aspiring and established business owners in Muntinlupa, the first LGU to introduce a micro-financing program.

The Joint Resources Financing Program thanked Mayor Ruffy Biazon for his continued support in helping the growth of small businesses in Muntinlupa.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you are running a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise, do you intend to avail of a zero-interest loan from the City Government?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Motorists who use friendship route stickers of Las Piñas City are not exempted from the number coding scheme in the city

Motorists who use friendship route stickers of Las Piñas City are not exempted from the number coding scheme in the city

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In the city of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar went on the record stating that motorists who use vehicles that have the city government-issued friendship route stickers are not exempted at all from the number coding scheme that is implemented locally, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

The city government of Las Piñas has clarified that vehicles with friendship route stickers are not exempted from the expanded number coding scheme being implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said vehicles with friendship route stickers are only for use inside subdivisions during the number coding scheme and not along the Alabang-Zapote Road.

Aguilar advised all motorists that the city prohibits vehicles with license plates ending in numbers in 1 and 2 on Mondays, 3 and 4 on Tuesdays, 5 and 6 on Wednesdays, 7 and 8 on Thursdays, and 9 and 0 on Fridays from 7-10 a.m. and 5-8 p.m.

She also said vehicles exempted from the ban are public utility vehicles (including tricycles), transport network vehicle services, motorcycles, garbage trucks, fuel trucks, marked government vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, marked media vehicles, and motor vehicles carrying essential and/or perishable goods.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, how do you feel about this recent development? Do you think that it is only fair that the city’s friendship route stickers do not really provide motorists exemption from the number coding traffic scheme?  

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Drug suspects arrested in Parañaque City

Drug suspects arrested in Parañaque City

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Another successful drug buy-bust operation done in front of a school in Parañaque City resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the confiscation of illegal substances worth in the hundreds of thousands of Pesos, 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…

Two drug suspects, known as street value individuals (SVI), were arrested by members of the Southern Police District-Drug Enforcement Unit (SPD-DEU) during a buy-bust operation in front of a school in Parañaque City on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

SPD Director Col. Kirby John Brion Kraft identified the suspects as Jovelyn Yuson, 35, alias “Kim”, an alleged pusher, and Robert Johyn Lalisan Valle, 34, an alleged user.

Kraft said the suspects were arrested around 5:00 a.m. in front of Tambo National High School along MIA Road, Parañaque City.

He said the operating unit was able to confiscate from the suspects 13 plastic sachets containing shabu weighing about 35 grams and worth P238,000.

The SPD chief added that the P500 buy-bust money, black plastic bag, and black pouch were also recovered from the suspects.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Parañaque City resident, what can you say about this latest crime-related news? Do you think that Parañaque will continue be a hot spot for illegal drug trading and smuggling?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Two suspects arrested in Parañaque City for alleged carnapping

Two suspects arrested in Parañaque City for alleged carnapping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(I went out with him to buy medicine.)

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

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

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Verbally approved’ by Marcos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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