justice – Page 5 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Woman arrested for theft in Las Piñas City

April 16, 2024April 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a woman who has been wanted for theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect, who has since been detained, was one of the Top 10 most wanted persons.

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

A 21-year-old woman wanted for theft was arrested by operatives of Las Piñas Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Station Intelligence Section (SIS) on Friday, April 5.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said Las Piñas police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported the arrest of alias Chin-Chin tagged as Top 10 most wanted person.

Tafalla said the police apprehended the suspect at around 3:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulunglua Unot, Las Piñas City by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Teodoro S. Carbonera of Las Piñas City Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 121 on January 31, 2024 for the service of sentence.

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 concerned that some members of your local community could be wanted by the police for crimes previously committed?

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 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

It’s not right for the ICC to intervene in the judicial process in the Philippines

March 25, 2024March 14, 2024carlocarrasco

We all live in a chaotic and divisive world. In this case, I’m talking about the concept of the International Criminal Court (ICC) based in the Netherlands getting involved in the internal affairs of the Philippines, particularly with the judicial process. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stood up to the ICC pointing out that the nation has a functioning judiciary, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Be aware that the Philippines severed its ties with the ICC five years ago.

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

It is a “mistake” for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene in the Philippines’ judicial process, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said, as he maintained that the country has a functioning judiciary.

Marcos made the remarks during his bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday in Berlin, Germany, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement on Thursday.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood firm before German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines as it remains to have a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanisms,” Garafil said.

During the meeting, Marcos told Scholz that ICC cannot investigate the Philippines’ drug campaign under the Duterte administration because the country is capable of conducting its own probe.

Marcos said there is no need for the international court to meddle, considering that “there are too many lawyers in the Philippines already.”

“And so, it’s really a question of jurisdiction and we have our own investigations and we’re capable of conducting our own investigations and, so we are, we are continuing to do so,” Marcos was quoted as saying by the PCO.

Marcos said the ICC’s apparent intrusion into the Philippine judicial system is something that his administration has to deal with.

He said it is “unacceptable” for an international court to take control over the Philippines where there is a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanisms.

“Well, there is now a conflict between – in terms of jurisdiction because, in our opinion, the ICC was created when a country has no judiciary, no functioning judiciary, no police force to enforce peace and order; enforce law,” Marcos said.

“As a matter of principle, it is very difficult for the Philippines to accept that an outside court will, shall I say, dictate to our policemen, ‘who they will investigate, who they will arrest and who will say, that hey, because we don’t need that advice’,” he added, stressing that the country has a “functioning military and police force that uphold the rule of law.”

In February this year, Marcos said the ICC prosecutors could “produce as much evidence as they want but they could not act upon it in the Philippines.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the ICC and its henchmen here in the Philippines are secretly conspiring to weaken the nation’s justice system and the local authorities’ fight against crime? Do you think the latest move by President Marcos will send a clear signal to the internationalist organizations that it is pointless for them to violate the sovereignty of 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.

+++++

Justice for APA achieved as son Nelson Antonio found guilty

March 22, 2024September 26, 2024carlocarrasco

On the morning of March 21, 2024 at Branch 274 of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court (RTC), suspect Nelson Antonio was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the September 11, 2013 killing of his father Antonio P. Antonio (also referred to as Tonton and APA) and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua.

As expected, the verdict rendered by the honorable Judge Regina Paz Ramos Chavez drew reactions of happiness and relief from the surviving members of the Antonio family who worked hard to achieve justice for the late APA. In a statement to the journalists who were present, the prosecutor Atty. Carlo Ybañez said that the verdict of guilty beyond reasonable doubt on Nelson Antonio was inevitable as it was clear that their side had many witnesses of the murder that happened in the Antono residence along Concha Cruz Drive, and there was also the fact that the suspect fled and hid overseas to elude justice (note: the charge of parricide was filed in late 2013) for years.

*The promulgation happened in Branch 274 of the Parañaque RTC.*

*Xialen Antonio (daughter of the late Antonio P. Antonio) spoke to the media after the judgment was rendered. With her are the lawyers and her brother Vladimir (2nd from right).*

Atty. Ybañez said they are anticipating the next move of the defense which could possibly be an appeal.

“We thank the entire community, the police and the lawyers who helped us for more than ten years in our pursuit for justice. We also thank the public officials who assisted us,” Xialen Antonio stated.

Xialen also reminded the journalists that a certain TV program aired the case of APA which caused an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the Middle East to recognize Nelson (already in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and contacted the Philippine police attache to the UAE which led to the suspect’s arrest and return to the Philippines. For a detailed look at what happened, click here.

*A group picture of the Antonio family with the lawyers and others supporters who helped with the pursuit of justice for the late APA that last many years.*

For the newcomers reading this, Antonio P. Antonio was a prominent business tycoon and he was one of the most distinguished residents of BF Homes subdivision. APA served as director and president of the old federation United BF Homeowners Association, Inc. (UBFHAI). His sudden departure at age 63 resulted in chaos and uncertainty for the Antonio family. To know more about APA through the 10^th death anniversary remembrance I attended, click here. I also have a 2020 feature article of the late Antonio P. Antonio which you can read by clicking here.

*The late Antonio P. Antonio (1950-2013).*

As of this writing, the news of the verdict is spreading. Justice for APA posted an official update and public statement that viewers can read by clicking here. Already the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) published an online report, so click here.

For more updates, follow Justice for APA at https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforAPA

+++++

Supreme Court tells Metro Manila LGUs to follow MMDA’s ticketing system

March 14, 2024March 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Motorists who travel around the Metro Manila regularly should be aware that the Supreme Court recently officially invalidated local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region (NCR) from issuing traffic violation tickets and seizing drivers’ licenses and ordered them to follow the ticketing system of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has invalidated provisions of ordinances by local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila allowing their respective traffic enforcers to issue violation receipts and confiscate driver’s licenses.

“A permanent injunction is hereby issued to enjoin respondent local government units from further issuing ordinance violation receipts; and confiscating licenses through their own traffic enforcers, unless they are deputized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA),” the court said in its 42-page decision uploaded March 4 and penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

This stemmed from a suit filed by 11 transport groups before the Court of Appeals in 2006, claiming that different citations from the MMDA and the LGUs are confusing as some bodies do not recognize tickets by other LGUs or the MMDA.

While the case was pending in 2012, a resolution by the MMDA Metro Manila Council (MMC) then adopted a uniform ticketing system and established a system of interconnectivity among the LGUs involved in transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.

In December of that year, the appellate court dismissed the suit, prompting the petitioners to elevate the case to the high tribunal.

The tribunal, in its ruling, said traffic management in the LGUs is covered by the MMDA Law.

“(T)he Court thus declares as invalid the common provision in the said traffic codes or ordinances of the LGUs in Metro Manila empowering each of them to issue OVR (ordinance violation receipts) to erring drivers and motorists,” the SC said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think this new order by the Supreme Court will turn out helpful in the years to come?

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

+++++

Police officers raid home of tricycle driver in Muntinlupa City and find unlicensed firearms and ammo

February 6, 2024January 30, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, police officers armed with a search warrant issued by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) raided the home of a tricycle driver and found unlicensed firearms and ammunition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The raid happened in Barangay Putatan.

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

The Muntinlupa Police raided the house of a tricycle driver who yielded unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The raid was carried out on Jan. 29 on Everlasting Circle in Barangay Putatan by members of the Muntinlupa Police’s Station Intelligence Section, Putatan Substation, Station Investigation and Detection Management Section, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT).

The target of the raid was the house of alias Casio, 55, a tricycle driver, who is allegedly a former soldier.

Executive Judge Myra Quiambao of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court issued the search warrant on Jan. 25.

During the raid, the police seized a Sentry special CTG, .38 caliber revolver with six pieces of live ammunition, one Replica (Beretta 9mm) with magazine, one Armino .22 caliber revolver, one improvised shotgun with five pieces of live ammunition, one .23 caliber rifle with one magazine and five pieces of live ammunition, and a brown belt bag.

Casio was arrested by the police.

Southern Police District Director Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes said they are strengthening their efforts to reclaim unlicensed firearms through police operations and implementation of search warrants against owners of the illegal guns.

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, does this police operation make you feel safer when traveling around the city?

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 (alleged POGO operator) convicted by Las Piñas City court, sentenced to 20 years prison and P1 million fine for human trafficking

December 4, 2023November 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Human trafficking is a very serious crime here in the Philippines and this was strongly reflected in the decision of a regional trial court (RTC) in Las Piñas City when it convicted a Chinese national and sentenced him to twenty years imprisonment along with a fine of P1 million, according to a Philippine Star news report. The said suspect was reportedly the operator of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) located in Las Piñas City which got raided.

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

A Las Piñas court has convicted a Chinese man, reported to be a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO), for human trafficking.

In a decision dated Oct. 27, Judge Phoeve Meer of Regional Trial Court Branch 275 found Andy Chen guilty of violating Republic Act 9208 as amended by RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Meer sentenced Chen to 20 years imprisonment and slapped him with a fine of P1 million.

The court also ordered Chen to pay his victim, a Chinese woman, P400,000 in moral and exemplary damages.

The victim, a POGO worker, was rescued by operatives of the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) during a raid on XinChuang Network Technology on Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno on Dec. 1, 2021.

WCPC director Brig. Gen. Portia Manalad assured the public that perpetrators of human trafficking will face the full force of the police.

In June, 2,724 people, many of them foreigners, were rescued from XinChuang’s compound during a police raid.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you satisfied with the RTC’s decision on the suspected POGO operator? Are you concerned that other POGOs in the city could be hot spots for criminal activity? Is the POGO in your local community causing more crime?

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

+++++

COMELEC and DOJ sign agreement versus vote-buying related to the BSKE

September 28, 2023September 25, 2023carlocarrasco

With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) all set to happen on October 30, 2023, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) formally signed an agreement versus vote-buying, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) signed an agreement on Monday to go after and prosecute persons involved in vote-buying in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said prosecutors nationwide will be on duty to accept complaints on Oct. 30, election day.

“The fiscals will be available for the cases that may be filed,” he told the media during the “Kontra Bigay” memorandum of agreement signing at the DOJ office in Manila. “We can handle the volume. Mahalaga dyan may testigo (What is important is there are witnesses).”

He said the need for witnesses is crucial since most-vote buying may be conducted using electronic wallets, instead of actual cash changing hands.

Remulla also sees no conflict with a recent DOJ directive to closely scrutinize all charge sheets filed before prosecutors to ensure that complaints with a reasonable probability of conviction will be filed by the courts.

All charges may be considered “open-and-shut” cases if sworn statements from witnesses are complete and sufficient.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia expressed confidence that measures such as warrantless arrest of persons involved in vote buying and red flags like the transport of large volumes of cash and giveaways are sufficient measures.

So far, Comelec has already received 23 complaints related to vote-buying.

The practice of “flying voters” or voters ferried to different voting areas are no longer prevalent due to the adoption of modern voter identification systems, Garcia added.

The campaign period for the BSKE will be on Oct. 19 to 28.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that this agreement by the COMELEC and the DOJ will make an impact against vote-buying related to the BSKE?

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

+++++

Police arrest wanted man for lasciviousness in Las Piñas City

September 26, 2023September 21, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, a man who has been wanted for lasciviousness was arrested by local police officers as a result of manhunt operation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A man tagged as the tenth most wanted person for acts of lasciviousness under the district level in Las Piñas City was arrested in a manhunt operation on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 20.

According to the Las Piñas City police, the suspect identified as Jonathan Hacutan was arrested along Riverside Basa Subdivision, Barangay Zapote, Las Piñas City at around 3:00 p.m.

Hacutan was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez, of Las Piñas City Family court Branch 2 on Sept. 11.

Marquez recommended bail of P400,000 for two counts of acts of lasciviousness.

Joint forces of the Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Intelligence Section (IS) conducted the operation against wanted persons.

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 struggling to buy rice grain for your family now? Have there been acts of lasciviousness in your local community over the past twelve months? Are you concerned that there could be more sexual predators within the city?

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

+++++

Antonio P. Antonio remembered by many on 10th death anniversary

September 15, 2023September 14, 2023carlocarrasco

Over a decade has passed since the life of Antonio P. Antonio (also referred to as Tonton and APA) came to an end which impacted the lives of the surviving members of his family as well as the BF Homes community where he once served as the federation president.

For the newcomers reading this, Antonio died tragically on September 11, 2013 after he got shot several times by a family member at their home (Villa Antonio). Specifically, he passed away at Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City. He was 63-years-old and he left behind a thriving family business, a very notable record as an entrepreneur and a legacy of serving the BF Homes residents diligently.

Recently, the surviving members of the family as well as several guests converged together at the Antonio Mausoleum in Everest Hills Memorial Park in Susana Heights, Muntinlupa City for the 10^th death anniversary of APA.

*Xialen, a daughter of the late APA, delivered a touching speech to the many people who attended.*

*Pastor Jonas Bernales led the prayer and reminded the attendees of the goodness of God as they remember the legacy of APA.*

I personally attended the gathering which was truly commemorative and unifying. There were several old friends of Antonio P. Antonio who shared their respective memories of him which gave viewers a clear view of what he was like, how he supported those who badly needed help and how insightful he was when it comes to achieving goals with his partners. There were also family members who shared their memories of APA as a very dedicated family man.

Xialen, a daughter of the late APA, shared how drastically their lives changed after his departure. She revealed that even before the tragedy of September 11, 2013, an incident occurred at their family home that involved armed invaders who tried but failed to eliminate Antonio. Still, she recalled the love, the care and passion that they received from him.

“I cannot help but relive the last days we spent with our father. The laughter, the wisdom, the love he showed upon us…they were etched in our hearts and minds,” Xialen recalled.

She stressed that the family still remembers the pain of APA’s demise from 2013 as their lives fell into chaos subsequently. Gradually they recovered as adjusted to life and managed the businesses Antonio left behind.

“In the midst of our sorrow, we found strength and resilience. We learned from the lessons he taught us and we carried the love and values he gave us that kept our family together,” Xialen stated to the many guests watching. “We hope that justice, elusive as it may be, will soon happen.”

*Vladimir Antonio delivered the closing remarks and thanked those who came to pay respect to the late Antonio P. Antonio.*

For about five years now, the Antonio family has been pursuing justice for APA and you can find the details in my 2020 article about Antonio P. Antonio. That same article contains details about how the suspect was found and brought back to the country.

At this stage, it remains to be seen how the pursuit for justice for the late Antonio will turn out in the regional trial court (RTC) in Parañaque City.

For more updates, follow Justice for APA at https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforAPA

+++++

COMELEC planning to allow warrantless arrests in response to acts of buying and selling of votes during the campaign period

August 18, 2023August 15, 2023carlocarrasco

In what seems to be an intention to ensure election integrity, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed that it is planning to allow warrantless arrest of persons who are caught buying or selling votes specifically during the campaign period, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that this is related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

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

The Commision on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it is planning to allow warrantless arrest for those who will be caught in the act of buying or selling votes during the campaign period.

In a press conference, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the commission will issue new guidelines for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), which is set on October 30.

“Sa ilalabas naming guidelines bilang pahapyaw lang po, papayagan natin silang mag-aresto especially kung yung tao ay caught in flagrante or caught in the act. Dati wala po yun. Ngayon, i-authorize po namin siya with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed,” said Garcia.

(In the guidelines that we will issue, we will allow the PNP to arrest if the person is caught in the act. We will authorize that now with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed.)

Garcia said that the basis of the previous prohibition of arrest during the campaign period was the 1985 omnibus election code.

But under the 1987 Constitution, Garcia said warrantless arrest is allowed in cases of flagrante delicto or being caught in the act.

He pointed out that if there is a contradiction between existing law and the Constitution, the Constitution will be followed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by the COMELEC makes sense as far as election integrity is concerned? Do you think warrantless arrests will make a major dent against the buying and selling of votes during the campaign period?

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

+++++

	Instapundit »… on Trump Announces $1,776 Christm…
	Shaman Tiers on A Look Back at Fatale #1 …
	Luke on Trump Administration Weighs Hi…
	Instapundit »… on Trump Administration Weighs Hi…
	Roaming Rhonda on Christian Music Appreciation:…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: