Two bodyguards who worked for a Chinese national – reportedly involved with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) – were arrested by law enforcer for the alleged acts of stealing guns as well as the firearms licenses of their fellow guards, 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…
Two bodyguards of a Chinese national involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were nabbed for allegedly stealing the guns and the guns’ licenses from their fellow bodyguards.
According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Southern District Field Unit, the two bodyguards claimed that their Chinese boss had told them to retrieve the weapons so these could be passed on to other people.
However, the two bodyguards’ compatriots resisted as the guns were registered in their names, and they were worried about how the guns would be used.
“Pinapangalan sa kanila nitong mga Chinese national ‘yung mga binibiling baril. Pero ‘pag kinuha kasi sa kanila, hindi alam kung saan ito gagamitin kaya ‘yun pinangangambahan ito ngayon,” said the CIDG-SPD’s Police Major Leopoldo Cajipe in Jonathan Andal’s Sunday “24 Oras Weekend” report.
According to the CIDG, the suspects said their Chinese boss had ordered them to take the firearms from their fellow security men.
One of the security men resisted, and he was then allegedly beaten and detained in the barracks. But he was later able to escape and alert the police.
The CIDG investigation found that the Chinese nationals may be getting help from someone in the government who could easily change the names on the licenses for the guns, as one of the suspects was found to have a license to carry.
However, the license indicated that the suspect was a government employee, which he was not.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that Chinese nationals linked with POGOs are going to the extreme when it comes to acquiring firearms locally? Do you think POGO Chinese nationals are conspiring with certain employees of the government?
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
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.
Recently in Quezon City, seven individuals were arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly offering government positions for money, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspects were arrested as a result of a successful entrapment operation and already the local authorities are reaching out to people who were victimized by the suspects.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven persons for allegedly recruiting applicants for government positions in exchange for a hefty amount of money.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago, who presented the suspects in a press briefing at the NBI main office in Quezon City on Monday, said the June 28 entrapment operation stemmed from information obtained by the agency’s Ilocos Regional Office (IRO) on a person introducing himself as “Atty. JV Cruz” who claimed to be a ranking official in Malacañang.
“Nagpapakilala siya na Asec (Assistant Secretary) ng Presidential Management Staff (PMS) at may specific instruction daw siya mula kay Unang Ginang (Liza Araneta-) Marcos na linisin ang bureaucracy. Ang pakilala niya, siya ang janitor ng bureaucracy. Aalisin yung mga remnants ng previous administration at papalitan (He introduced himself as Asec of the Presidential Management Staff, saying he had specific instructions from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to clean up the bureaucracy. He introduced himself as the janitor of the bureaucracy, tasked to remove the remnants of the previous administration),” Santiago said.
He said the suspect allegedly charged applicants PHP500,000 to PHP1 million.
Santiago said upon verification with the PMS, the NBI learned that there is no Assistant Secretary named “Atty. JV Cruz” and that he is neither connected with the Office of the President (OP) Proper nor authorized to conduct any activity for the office.
During the entrapment operation at a hotel in Quezon City, NBI-IRO and National Capital Region agents disguised as applicants were approached by suspects Paulo Cruz and Jayson Marquina, who were wearing jackets bearing the logo of the OP.
The poseur applicants were then ushered to a room where another suspect identified as JV Cruz was waiting. The operatives apprehended JV after he received PHP100,000 in boodle money.
Aside from Marquina, Paulo Cruz, and JV Cruz, whose real name was John Vicente Cruz, NBI agents also apprehended four others identified as Kim Joseph Hernand, Dante Rabano Jr., Darwin Dave Caigan, and Noriel Reynoso.
The arrested suspects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, Executive Order 141 series of 1999, Commonwealth Act No.142, and Articles 177,178,179 of the Revised Penal Code.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more people out there who are secretly engaging in illegal activities such as the one reported above? Do you think new laws should be introduced to make the offering of government positions in exchange for money come with a greater penalty?
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
With the 2025 National and Local Elections less than a year away, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the number of people who filed applications to get registered as voters has surpassed 4,000,000, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The voter registration process will last until the end of September.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Over 4 million Filipinos have filed their applications to become registered voters in next year’s midterm polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Friday.
Data from the poll body showed that as of June 26, a total 4,057,001 applications have been processed since the voter registration activities resumed on Feb. 12. Of the number, 2,093,011 are females and 1,963,990 are males.
In May, the Comelec met its target of 3 million new voter registrants for the ongoing registration period.
The region with the most number of applicants is Region 4-A (Calabarzon) with with 696,555 (361,671 females and 334,884 males).
This was followed by National Capital Region with 561,714 (304,534 females and 257,180 males), and Region 3 (Central Luzon) with 477,016 (246,218 females and 230,798 males).
The region with the lowest number of registrants is the Cordillera Administrative Region with 53,778 (28,224 females and 25,554 males).
Voter registration activities are held Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all Offices of the Election Officer (OEO) nationwide.
The voter registration is until Sept. 30, 2024.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there lots of people in your local community who intend to get registered to vote in next year’s national and local elections?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 