Recently in the city of ParaƱaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended four individuals for the illegal sale of firearms, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Four persons have been arrested in Paranaque City for illegal sale of firearms, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Friday, Dec. 6.
They were identified by the NBI as Jerome V. Nuyque, Maximo G. Ayawon, Michael Douglas E. Loleng, and Nilo M. Barnacha who were arrested by operatives of the bureau’s National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) during an entrapment operation last Nov. 28.
āConfiscated from the Subjects are one (1) Daniel Defense M4 Carbine Cal. 5.56mm with SN 527520; one (1) Bushmaster Cal. 5.56mm model xm15-E2S with SN L548760; four (4) 5.56mm magazines; twenty (20) live ammunitions cal. 5.56mm; one (1) black rifle tactical bag; two (2) dusted 1,000 peso bills with serial numbers TQ903190 and AU209221 with boodle money; one (1) Shooters Cal. 45 pistol with SN M04184865; twelve (12) Cal. 45 live ammunitions; one (1) CZ pistol Cal. 6.35 browning; and six (6) 6.35mm live ammunitions,ā the NBI said.
It said its operatives conducted the operation in response to āa report about a certain group that operates illegal sale of high-powered firearms in NCR and nearby areas, in violation of RA No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.ā
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, are you concerned that the illegal sale of firearms could be rampant? Do you think ParaƱaque is becoming more unsafe to live in?
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
On the afternoon of December 8, 2024 along Concha Cruz Drive in BF Homes subdivision, the Concha Cruz Drive Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) had its Christmas fellowship that brought its legitimate members, guests and the heroes of the community together.
The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship was more than just a social gathering as it symbolized the truth that the homeownersā association (HOA) and its residents need each other so that cooperation, unity and progress could be achieved. At the same time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and security guards of Praise Security and Investigation Agency, Inc. were called the community heroes for their essential contributions to the peace and security of the local community.
There were also several officials from the City Government of ParaƱaque who attended and interacted with the community members.
Indeed, under the current board of directors (BOD) of the CCDHAI led by its president Luis Isidro Bersamin, the Concha Cruz Drive community progressed over the past two years as it has turned more peaceful, more stable and the value of properties have soared along the way.
āYou have seen our community has turned active and we are connecting with each other. Hopefully, we could do more next year,ā CCDHAI president Bersamin said. āYou may have noticed that our community has turned peaceful. I am happy to see the positive changes in our local community as we worked hard for these to happen.ā
CCDHAI president Luis Isidro Bersamin delivering his remarks to the members and guests.
Bersamin also noted the increase in the number of legitimate members who responded to the invitations to be more involved in the associationās activities. His remarks drew cheers from the directors, the members and the guests (including Barangay BF Homes chairman Jeremy Marquez, ParaƱaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante, ParaƱaque City Councilor Bong Benzon with wife Sheila Benzon, and ParaƱaque City Mayor Eric Olivarezās legal counsel Atty. Rommel Frias).
Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez speaking during the fellowship.
āI admire your communityās activeness. I saw how your association is involved not only with the federation but also with our barangay. Iād like to take this opportunity to thank your president for helping the barangay when we have programs from the national government to take part in,ā Barangay BF Chairman Jeremy Marquez stated in his short speech.
ParaƱaque City Councilor Bong Benzon addressed the CCDHAI community as his wife Sheila looked on. (photo source ā CCDHAI)
The ParaƱaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante. (photo source ā CCDHAI)
Other important figures who made it to the Christmas fellowship include ParaƱaque City Mayor Olivarezās HOA consultant Marilu Glorioso, City Councilors Rico Golez, Beng Amurao, Jet Frias, Raffy Apiong Dela PeƱa and former City Councilors Wahoo Sotto and Jean Yllana. They each admired the CCDHAI for the progress and reforms achieved over the past two years.
The group of CCDHAI people and guests. Seated (Left to Right) were director Grace Morales, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, ParaƱaque City Councilor Rico Golez, this writer, City Councilor Beng Amurao and homeowner/member Nisa Moletti. Standing (L to R) were director Seth Bersamin, Seanma Bersamin, Sidong Bersamin, director Carlos Jamora and director Ryan Samia. (photo source ā CCDHAI)
An indoor group selfie shot taken by director Carlos Jamora (foreground). Standing (L to R) were HOA consultant to ParaƱaque Mayor Olivarez Marilu Glorioso, director Grace Morales, this writer/blogger, Merle de Asis, Atty. Rommel Frias with his wife, Nikki Bersamin, Samito Bersamin, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, City Councilor Jet Frias, Atty. Jon Jamora and Ann Lopez. (photo source ā CCDHAI)
The CCDHAI and the guests ā including elements of the Philippine National Police and local security guards who are the community heroes ā went to enjoy delicious meals, and socialize with one another. Adding zest to the fellowship was the release of Christmas prizes and all of the guests were able to pick something they desired before heading home.
āThe CCDHAI Christmas fellowship proves that community participation in the HOAās events benefits the homeowners, especially when the local government unit (LGU) steps in to help them with their needs. The best benefit of all, homeowners and the LGU officers get to know each other in a spirit of camaraderie,ā director Grace Morales stated.
CCDHAI director and host Grace Morales gave the attendees an update about their associationās activities.
About CCDHAI
The Concha Cruz Drive community and the guests together. (photo credit ā CCDHAI)
The Concha Cruz Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) was founded in 2014. Its local community (composed of 67 households) includes specific parts of both ParaƱaque City and Las PiƱas City.
The current BOD of CCDHAI include Luis Isidro Bersamin as President, and Alexis Sanchez as Vice President. Other members of the board include directors Seth Bersamin, Jaime Calaqui, Carlos Miguel Jamora, Grace Morales and Ryan Samia.
To contact the CCDHAI, call 85425277 or send email to ccdhainc@gmail.com
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, the City Government of Las PiƱas officially received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the prestigious 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award during the awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel, according to the social media video post of the local government. In the news report of the Manila Bulletin, it was stated that this marks the first-time ever that Las PiƱas City won an SGLG award.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar received the award on-stage during the ceremony. With her was her daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar. To watch the Facebook video post, click https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14uVkywyRA/
Previously the DILG announced the official list of city governments nationwide which qualified for the 2024 SGLG award and Las PiƱas City was one of them. It should be noted that the DILG set the criteria that local government units (LGUs) should meet in order to qualify for the prestigious award.
For insight, the SGLG award is “a recognition given to local government units that meet the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) stringent criteria for excellent governance in 10 key governance areas: financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, health, education, business-friendliness, safety and order, environmental management, tourism and culture, and youth development.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted to see your local government receive the 2025 SGLG award from the DILG? Do you think this newest achievement makes the future of the city look bright? Does the SGLG award make you trust your city government officials some more?
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
In light of the May 2025 local elections and the recent local controversy that happened, Las PiƱas City Councilor Mark Santos asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to consider the city an election hotspot, according to a Remate On-Line news report.
For the newcomers reading this, Councilor Santos is running for the lone congressional seat of Las PiƱas. This puts him against outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar who happens to be running for the same post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report of the Remate On-Line. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
AFTER being ābulliedā by his opponent, veteran Las PiƱas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, a congressional candidate, has asked the Commission on Elections to include the city in the list of potential areas of concern in the May 2025 midterm elections.
He also requested the city police to investigate the death threats he received after he filed his certificate of candidacy last October 7, 2024 against graduating lawmaker Sen. Cynthia Villar.
āComelec should now consider Las PiƱas as among the election hotspots in Metro Manila due to the recent ālife-threateningā developments,ā he told Good Riddance.
Santos reiterated that the poll body must consider Las PiƱas under election hotspot after Villar allegedly acted repeatedly in an unparliamentary manner and used offensive, derogatory and improper language against her political leaders, neighbors as well as homeownerās association officers and security personnel.
āThe Villars are being considered as the most powerful politicians not only in Las PiƱas but in the entire country aside from being the richest family in the Philippines.ā
Santos said heād rather die fighting than withdraw from the congressional race.
A former chief of staff of late mayor Vergel Aguilar, heās an advocate of socialized housing and in-city relocation, supporting the Marcos administration housing projects nationwide.
During a council privilege speech, he exposed the P213 million in accumulated taxes and penalties the Villar Group of Companies has only paid P151-million in real property taxes.
He believed that the death threats against his life were also connected to his exposes involving irregularities allegedly committed by a politician.
In recent viral video clips uploaded in Tiktok, Villar āattackedā her congressional opponent, Santos, while sitting in an opposite pew minutes before the start of the mass at the cityās Our Lady of Fatima Church.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? In light of the controversy, would you consider voting for Mark Santos to represent Las PiƱas in the House of Representatives?
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 ParaƱaque, local police officers arrested three Chinese nationals who caused trouble by threatening to kill a driver and having a gun pointed at him, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Ā
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Three Chinese nationals were arrested by members of the ParaƱaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation at a condominium in (Barangay) Don Galo, ParaƱaque City on Sunday night, Dec. 1.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspects, identified as alias āMao,ā 41, alias āWee,ā 37, and alias āHao,ā 32, were arrested at around 7:10 p.m. for pointing a gun and threatening to kill a driver identified as alias āDave,ā 33.
Members of the ParaƱaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation responded after receiving a call from the security personnel of the condominium seeking police assistance.
The victim told the police that he was threatened at gun point by Mao who was being assisted by two other suspects during a heated argument.
The police recovered from Mao a 9mm pistol and one magazine with eight live ammunition.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, what makes you think that Chinese nationals are able to illegally possess guns with ammunition? Are there many Chinese nationals living within your local community right now? Did you encounter a dangerous or troublesome Chinese national recently?
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 Las PiƱas, the City Government participated in the nationwide gift-giving program of āBalik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3ā which resulted in the release of Christmas gifts to one thousand five hundred children at a local venue, according to the local governmentās social media announcement. The local gift-giving was facilitated by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
A total of 1,500 children in Las PiƱas took part in the nationwide āBalik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3ā gift-giving initiative on Sunday, December 8, at the Verdant Covered Court. The event, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was held simultaneously across various local government units in the Philippines to spread holiday cheer to children.
In Las PiƱas, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar facilitated the distribution of kiddie gift sets that included a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, watch, hygiene kit, coloring book, crayons, and a small toy. The event also featured interactive games, activities, and entertainment, making it a memorable celebration for children and their families.
Vice Mayor Aguilar thanked the President and First Lady for their efforts in spreading joy to children in Las PiƱas. āPresident Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos, maraming maraming salamat. Marami tayong pinasayang bata ngayong umagang ito. Maraming maraming salamat sa tulong mo sa Las PiƱas. Mahal na mahal ka ng mga Las PiƱero,ā she said.
The āBalik Sigla, Bigay Sayaā program is an annual initiative led by the Office of the President and the First Lady, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? Were there any children from your local community who received gifts from the gift-giving?
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 ParaƱaque, local police officers arrested a pair of brothers for the illegal possession of firearms and an explosive device, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened in Barangay Tambo.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Members of the ParaƱaque City Police arrested two brothers and seized from them illegal firearms and explosives on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the suspects, identified as alias āJerry,ā 34, and alias āRicardo,ā 36, were arrested at around 4:30 a.m. on Riverside I, Pugad Baboy, Barangay Tambo, ParaƱaque City.
Yang said joint operatives of the ParaƱaque City Police Station Intelligence Section (SIS), Tambo Substation 2 and Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the Barangay Peace and Order Council implemented the search warrant issued by Judge Marie Grace Javier Ibay, of ParaƱaque City Regional Trial Court, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
Confiscated from the suspect were two .38 caliber revolvers with five ammunitions each, 10 pieces of .45 caliber pistol ammunitions, and a hand grenade.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, did you notice any smuggling of guns and explosives within your local community? Do you think loose firearms within ParaƱaque are causing serious problems?
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 Las PiƱas, the City Government engaged with children and local stakeholders in relation with child participation in governance and the local celebration of National Childrenās Month, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The Las PiƱas City government recently brought together children, stakeholders, and local leaders to promote the principles of child participation in governance.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar said the State of the Childrenās Address (SOCA) and a Childrenās Congress were conducted at the Excelsior Hotel.
Aguilar said the city government held the activities in celebration of National Childrenās Month every November.
She said the children representatives actively participated in discussions and activities aimed at amplifying their voices.
The Vice Mayor also said stakeholders also signed a Declaration of Commitment against online and offline abuse and exploitation of children.
The event also served as a platform for young participants to share their views, ensuring their inclusion in local policies and programs concerning their welfare and rights.
Members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children emphasized the cityās commitment to child rights.
Aguilar, during her interaction with the youth participants, underscored the importance of empowering children as active agents of societal change.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? How many people in your local community are aware of the celebration of National Childrenās Month.
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 Philippine National Police (PNP) recently announced that crime all over the nation dropped by over 9% for the period of January to November 2024, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Crimes in the country dropped by more than 9 percent in the past 11 months, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, said a total of 34,684 crime incidents were logged from Jan. 1 to Nov. 29 this year, a 9.43 percent decline from 38,294 incidents in the same period last year.
She said this data breaks the trend of soaring crime incidents during the “Ber” months, where there is an increase in mobility and economic activities.
Fajardo said the PNP aims to sustain these gains with intensified anti-criminality efforts, particularly the implementation of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, with the aid of force multipliers and the public.
She said police visibility would be intensified in public places and churches, especially when the nine-day Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses) starts on Dec. 16.
Aside from the holiday season, Fajardo said the police force is also beefing up security preparations for next year’s midterm elections.
Potential election areas of concern will undergo validation by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council which includes the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and election officers.
Under the Comelec’s classification of election hotspots, areas under the red category are considered in a critical situation while those under orange have confirmed āpresence of armed groups and organized movements outside the law.ā
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel safer in relation to what the PNP announced? Have there been lesser crime incidents that happened in your local community this year?
Recently in the City of Las PiƱas, residents who own properties were advised to take advantage of discounts offered to them when paying their respective real property taxes (RPT) early enough starting this month, according to a Manila Times news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Times. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Real property owners in Las PiƱas City are reminded to settle their real property taxes early and take advantage of discounts offered for prompt payment in 2025.
Las PiƱas Councilor Mark Anthony Santos announced that the advance tax payment period runs until Dec. 15, 2024. Taxpayers who settle their dues by this date will receive a 20 percent discount. Payments made from December 16 to 31 will qualify for a 16 percent discount, while payments completed between Jan. 1 and 31, 2025, will be granted a 10 percent discount.
To be eligible for these discounts, taxpayers must pay their taxes for the entire year and ensure there are no outstanding delinquencies, Santos emphasized.
He said failure to pay on time would result in penalties. A 10 percent surcharge will be applied to delinquent payments, along with a one-time administrative fee for late second installment payments. As stipulated in Sections 260 and 263 of Republic Act 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, unpaid taxes could lead to further actions, including the auctioning of delinquent properties.
“If the real property tax is not paid, the city government will avail of remedies through administrative action or judicial proceedings,” Santos warned.
The city treasurer’s office also reminded new property owners to update their records at the city assessor’s office to ensure they receive official notices and avoid tax issues.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? If you are a local property owner, are you ready to settle your real property tax with the City Government this month? Are the discounts for early payments enticing enough to you? How many property owners in your local community are aware of the discounts offered?
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 