National Capital Region (NCR) – Page 71

Chinese national and local companion arrested in Parañaque City for human trafficking

September 20, 2023September 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, a Chinese national and his local companion got arrested by police officers for the alleged operation of a prostitution ring within the city, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that this is not the first time that Chinese nationals were involved with prostitution and human trafficking within Parañaque City (click here, here and here).

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

A Chinese national and his female cohort were arrested by Southern Police District (SPD) agents for allegedly operating a prostitution ring in Parañaque City, according to a news release on Sunday.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez identified the Chinese national as Xiao Ji, and his 48-year-old Filipino companion, Arlene Lapurga Geron.

Police arrested the two while serving a search warrant at SoleMare Parksuites in Barangay Tambo on Saturday.

Police rescued seven Chinese nationals and one Filipino woman during the operation, Nartatez said.

They were victims of human trafficking and sexually exploited before they were distributed to high-end hotels, casinos and clubs in Parañaque, he added.

Another suspect, a Chinese national identified as Lin Wei, managed to escape and is now the subject of manhunt. Operatives also seized several firearms, laptops and money.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be Chinese nationals moving around Parañaque secretly committing human trafficking violations? Do you think that Parañaque’s prostitution industry is under the heavy influence of Chinese nationals right now?

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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Muntinlupa City rice retailers receive cash assistance

September 19, 2023September 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, more than forty local rice retailers received cash assistance from the national government, 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 total of 44 rice retailers received cash assistance or “ayuda” from the national government in Muntinlupa following the imposition by President Marcos of a rice price cap on regular milled and well-milled rice.

The Muntinlupa City government headed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon assisted in the distribution of the cash assistance of P15,000 for each of the 44 rice retailers, or a total of P660,000.

The cash assistance is part of the President’s program to help rice retailers affected by his Executive Order No. 39, which imposed a price ceiling of P41 for regular milled rice and P45 for well-milled rice starting on Sept. 5.

“Ang ginawa ng Pangulo ay nagpadala ng assistance sa mga retailers para makabawi sila sa losses nila dulot ng Executive Order 39. Patuloy ang coordination natin sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng DTI, DA at DSWD. Hopefully matapos na ang problema natin sa nalalapit na panahon (What the President did was to send assistance to the retailers so they can offset the losses caused by Executive Order 39. Our coordination with government agencies like DTI, DA and DSWD continues. Hopefully we can end the problem soon),” said Biazon.

The cash assistance was distributed by the Department of Social Work and Development, together with the verification teams from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Local Economic Investment and Promotion Office (LEIPO), and Business Processing and Licensing Office (BPLO), which submitted the list of micro rice retailers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you know anyone who sells rice for a living struggling right now? Do you think the current problem of rice grain pricing will continue to last over the next six to twelve months? How much did your household spend on rice grain over the last two 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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Las Piñas City government releases cash aid to local rice retailers

September 18, 2023September 14, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, the City Government released cash aid to the local rice retailers to support them in coping with the rising costs in their line of business, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The distribution was led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar.

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 led the distribution of cash assistance to 139 rice retailers at Las Piñas City Café in the City Hall grounds on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The mayor said the City Agriculture Office (CAO), in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), distributed P15,000 cash assistance to each of the beneficiaries.

Aguilar took a decisive stance in response to the rising prices of rice to safeguard the city’s small-scale rice retailers, traders, and vendors.

The cash assistance is just the beginning of the city government’s initiatives to help its small rice business owners, said Aguilar, showing her commitment to aiding local businesses and prioritizing community welfare.

The mayor also revealed that the city government is in the process of developing a more comprehensive plan to support local rice traders and vendors.

The cash assistance aims to provide immediate relief to small businesses in the city, empower them to continue their operations and contribute to stabilizing rice supplies in the community since the livelihoods of rice retailers are under severe strain due to the surging price of rice.

It should be noted that government-related action towards rice grain has been making waves elsewhere. In fact, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units to pass ordinances to help rice retailers.

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? Do you think this newest action by the City Government will benefit consumers as well? Are the local rice retailers in your community been struggling a lot lately?

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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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

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Muntinlupa City Councilor wants solution related to ongoing Skyway project in Alabang

September 15, 2023September 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a member of the City Council wants a solution to the potential traffic problem that could happen in connection to the Skyway’s off-ramp project in Alabang, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Previously a local committee wanted to halt the said project.

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

A Muntinlupa councilor wants to open a village road in Alabang as a solution to the impending traffic problem that will be created by the Skyway off-ramp widening project on the West Service Road.

Councilor Francis Ian Bagatsing, chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Engineering, Public Works and Infrastructure, had earlier recommended to stop the Skyway off-ram widening project due to lack of permits.

Skyway complied with the requirements and was given a permit by the Office of the City Building Official.

Bagatsing, in the committee report, said the Skyway project will narrow a portion of the West Service Road and will cause heavy traffic.

The committee said the “narrowing of the West Service Road south bound towards Filinvest Northgate is due to the additional exit tollbooth being constructed by the Skyway management.”

It said the portion of the West Service Road affected by the project will lose about 1.2 to 2 meters of “carriage way because of the said expansion.”

“Residents, establishments, and some stakeholders along West service road are not amenable to the said Skyway exit tollbooth expansion since this will result to a ‘funneling’ and traffic jam,” according to the report.

The City Council’s Committee on Land Use and Zoning held a hearing on Sept. 11 with Filinvest and recommended to having a portion reclaimed at the easement of the company’s fire station and water treatment facility.

Bagatsing said he is proposing to open Rizal Village in Alabang from the West Service Road leading to the main road in the Northgate portion of Filinvest as an alternate route for motorists.

He said the opening of the village road will be done through an ordinance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Muntinlupa resident, do you think the Skyway off-ramp project will cause more traffic problems than improvements on the flow of traffic?

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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Show cause orders against several BSKE candidates surpass 300 nationwide

September 15, 2023September 13, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) revealed that show cause orders for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) candidates over election offenses have surpassed three hundred nationwide, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The BSKE will have an official campaign period before the voting happens on October 30, 2023.

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

A total of 304 candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) have been issued show cause orders for various violations as of Tuesday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia said.

Aside from the 102 issued last week and 122 on Monday, another 80 were sent to candidates on Tuesday, Garcia said in a Viber message.

Garcia said the complaints were about the distribution of breads and noodles with imprinted faces of the candidates on the packaging; door-to-door distribution of maintenance medicine kits for senior citizens; cakes for birthday celebrators; and smart televisions, fans and sacks of rice as raffle prizes.

Comelec data show that Cebu, Quezon City, Pampanga, Bukidnon, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Manila, Batangas, Bataan, Cotabato and Rizal have a high number of premature campaigning violation reports.

Violations were also recorded in some areas in Caloocan, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Taguig, Sorsogon, Tarlac, Camarines Sur, Leyte, Albay and Negros Oriental, among others.

“Expect the number to increase as complaints come in and the show cause orders roll out,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in another Viber message Monday night.

Comelec gives BSKE candidates three days upon receipt of the show cause order to respond.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the rising number of show cause orders will somehow soften the rising number of alleged election rules offenses? Were there lots of instances of premature campaigning in your local barangay? How can you tell if the local candidates are committing premature campaigning? Do you think local community bingo events involving the presence of BSKE candidates should be counted as premature campaigning?

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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Watch out for Belize Oasis Alabang

September 14, 2023September 12, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) had a ceremonial topping-off at one of the key buildings of the Belize Oasis Alabang community, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Belize Oasis Alabang is the company’s resort-inspired, mid-rise residential community accessible by the East Service Road within Muntinlupa.

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

LISTED property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) recently topped off the first building in its Belize Oasis community in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

FLI said in a statement that the Building Azul is a low-density tower with only 25 units per floor. It is part of Belize Oasis, the company’s first mid-rise development in Muntinlupa City under the Aspire by Filinvest brand.

FLI said Building Azul has a “Venti-lite” design that incorporates sky gardens, allowing natural light and ventilation to the hallways.

“Soon, the future residents of Belize Oasis will have the privilege of enjoying the attractive features that this project has to offer. Nestled in a highly accessible area, Belize Oasis can be easily reached through major thoroughfares such as C5, South Luzon Expressway, and the Skyway,” FLI First Vice-President for Brand/Product and Regional Project Head for Medium-Rise Buildings Aven D. Valderrama said.

Belize Oasis is only a few minutes away from Filinvest City, FLI’s 244-hectare township in Alabang.

“Belize Oasis presents a golden opportunity to invest in a prime location with a ready rental market. Alabang has long been coveted due to its strategic positioning, excellent connectivity, and thriving commercial and business districts,” the company said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Muntinlupa resident, do you think Belize Oasis Alabang will attract a lot of new residents and add significantly to the economic dynamism of Alabang?

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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Consultancy firm in Parañaque City shut down by DMW for illegal recruitment

September 12, 2023September 9, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, agents of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shut down a consultancy firm for illegal recruitment, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). There were also local police officers and barangay officials present during the closure.

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

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down another consultancy firm found to be offering fake jobs overseas.

On Thursday, DMW Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, together with Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, head of the DMW’s Licensing and Adjudication Services cluster, Assistant Secretary Francis de Guzman, and lawyer Geraldine Mendez, Chief of the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), raided the office of RTM Maritime Consultancy Services Corp. at the 2nd floor of the J & P Building along Ninoy Aquino Avenue in Santo Niño, Paranaque City.

They were assisted by the Parañaque City police and the officials from Barangay Sto. Niño.

Cacdac said the DMW received several emails early this year complaining about the RTM Maritime Consultancy agency.

He cited victims “Ernesto” and “Dindo” who sent separate emails to the department narrating their experience.

Cacdac said “Ernesto” was promised by RTM a job as Chief Cook onboard a container vessel in Dubai with a monthly salary of USD900 (PHP51,300).

“Ernesto” was asked to pay by the consultancy firm a total of PHP105,000 as consultancy fees for finding him an overseas job.

Meanwhile, “Dindo” applied for the position of Engine Cadet with a promised monthly salary of USD350, or approximately PHP20,000, and was asked by RTM to pay a consultancy fee of PHP140,000 for the job placement.

Both “Ernesto” and “Dindo” applied for their alleged jobs in the first quarter of 2023.

However, several months have passed but they have not been deployed yet despite having paid the consultancy fee, and so they decided to file their complaints with the DMW.

The DMW conducted initial surveillance operations of RTM’s activities in March while a follow-up surveillance operation was undertaken in June to bolster the case against the agency.

Cacdac said RTM does not have a valid license or accreditation from the department.

He said RTM received and processed applications and referred these to its partner manning agency, and collected consultation fees ranging from PHP105,000 to as much as PHP140,000 from their applicants who were promised fake jobs as seafarers in Dubai, despite a no placement fee policy for seafarers.

RTM officers and personnel will be charged with illegal recruitment, the DMW said.

The DMW is also urging other victims of RTM Maritime Consultancy Corp. to visit the MWPB so they may be assisted in filing their complaints and cases against the illegal recruitment agency.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you anyone who got victimized by the Parañaque consultancy firm that got shut down? Do you believe there could be more scammers operating in Parañaque?

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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Over 400 candidates from 9 barangays filed for BSKE COCs in Muntinlupa City

September 11, 2023September 7, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, more than four hundred people filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to run in this October’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), according to a Manila Bulletin news report which also revealed the city has more than three hundred thousand voters for the barangay contests.

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

A total of 405 candidates in nine barangays in Muntinlupa filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“We welcome the participation of qualified Muntinlupeños who wish to lead the local communities through the exercise of our right to vote and through the democratic process. Likewise, we enjoin everyone to cooperate and work together to ensure this year’s polls are reliable, trustworthy, and peaceful,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Based on Comelec-Muntinlupa’s unofficial list, of the 405 candidates, 24 filed COCs for barangay chairman and 193 for barangay kagawad in Barangays Buli, Putatan, Bayanan, Poblacion, Tunasan, Alabang, Ayala Alabang, Cupang and Sucat.

In addition, 23 candidates filed for the position of SK chairperson and 165 for SK kagawad.

Of the nine barangays, the position of barangay chairman of Ayala Alabang is the only one that is uncontested.

There are 319,654 registered voters for the barangay election and 93,723 registered voters for the SK election in Muntinlupa, based on Comelec-Muntinlupa data.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Muntinlupa resident, do you approve of the City Government’s distribution of school-related supplies to the local public school students?

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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Several Chinese nationals and a few Filipinos arrested in Parañaque City for illegal gambling

September 8, 2023September 7, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, several Chinese nationals and a few Filipinos were apprehended for illegal gambling as a result of a raid that took place in Barangay Tambo, 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…

Ten Chinese nationals and three Filipinos were arrested by personnel of the Southern Police District (SPD) –Special Operation Unit (SOU) for illegal gambling in Parañaque City on Monday, Sept. 4.

Reports showed that the SPD-SOU raided a recreational hub located at Bayview Drive, Tambo, Parañaque at around 9:30 p.m., leading to the arrest of the suspects who were allegedly engaged in illegal gambling activities.

The suspects were identified as Gong, Zhao Wei, 34; Long, Junfei, 33; Tang, Xiaoxang, 29; Dong, Jian Hua, 27; Zhao, Zheng, 26; Li, Xin, 35; Tan, Yucheng, 31; Chen, Guo Dong, 28; Yu, Shuai, 37; Han, Xu, 33 and Yue, Xiao Lu, 27; all Chinese nationals.

The three arrested Filipinos were identified as Salman Ali, 28; Jonathan Tañedo, 43; and Anna Silverio, 22.

The SPD said members of the SPD-SOU, in coordination with the Tambo police substation 2, recovered three table gaming machines, 170 token pieces, a counting machine, three bundles of money amounting to ₱27,000 in different denominations, a 9mm caliber Rock Island M1911 A1-FS, a 9mm magazine, and four pieces of 9mm live ammunition.

The arrested suspects are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 or illegal gambling. Additional penalties for violation of Batas Pambansa 881 or the Omnibus Election Code was filed against Ali.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals secretly operating illegal activities in 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.

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