national security – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Uninterrupted power supply on Election Day promised

May 9, 2025May 6, 2025carlocarrasco

With the 2025 National and Local Elections all set for May 12, the Energy Task Force on Election (ETFE) gave its assurance to the public that uninterrupted power will be done, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Energy Task Force on Election (ETFE), led by the Department of Energy (DOE), has assured the public of uninterrupted power supply nationwide during the May 12 midterm polls.

In a virtual briefing Monday, DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the energy sector is “fully prepared” to provide stable electricity and fuel throughout the voting, transmission, and canvassing periods.

“We assure the public that the energy sector is fully prepared to ensure an unimpeded power supply before, during, and after the elections,” Fuentebella said.

“Contingency plans are in place, and we are in constant coordination with security agencies to help ensure a smooth and secure election process,” he added.

The ETFE, a multi-agency body led by the DOE, works closely with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and security forces, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure a smooth and credible elections.

Since January, the task force has held regular coordination meetings and inspections to assess readiness and implement contingency plans, while field personnel have conducted maintenance on transmission lines, polling stations, and backup systems, especially in remote and off-grid areas.

The DOE official said the energy sector has mapped out priority areas and is monitoring potential vulnerabilities, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao.

“We have taken all necessary steps to support the smooth and credible conduct of the 2025 elections. The Department of Energy, through the ETFE, stands ready to respond and coordinate with our partners to maintain uninterrupted energy access across the country,” Fuentebella added.

He said the task force will closely monitor potential worst-case scenarios, including the simultaneous occurrence of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and low-pressure weather systems that could trigger power disruptions.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think stable and sufficient electricity will be provided during and after the elections? Do you think power outages could still happen during the canvassing 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.

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

Chinese national caught with high-tech eavesdropping equipment charged by NBI

May 6, 2025May 1, 2025carlocarrasco

The Chinese national who was arrested near the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) building in Manila with high-tech equipment with him has been formally charged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), according to a news story by the Philippine New Agency (PNA). GMA Network had its own reporter on location when the arrest happened.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday filed criminal charges against a Chinese national arrested for possession of electronic eavesdropping equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday.

Tak Hail Lao, 47, was charged by the NBI before the Department of Justice (DOJ) with misuse of device and illegal interception and system interference under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and espionage under Commonwealth Act No. 616 or the Espionage Act of 1941.

Speaking to reporters, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said while the charges are bailable, “it will be up to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to decide whether temporary liberty should be granted while the case is pending since the suspect is a foreign national.”

Records from the BI showed that Tak Hail Lao, who uses a passport issued by the Chinese special administrative region of Macau, arrived last April 2 and had no derogatory record.

He was caught in possession of an international mobile subscriber identity device, or IMSI catcher, which can be used to intercept mobile communications, including text messages.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be a lot more Chinese nationals using high-tech equipment in the Philippines doing secret acts of espionage? Do you consider Chinese spies a threat to national security?

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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Wanted Vietnamese national apprehended at NAIA Terminal 3

April 7, 2025April 1, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently a Vietnamese national who turned out to be a wanted person over kidnap and rape was arrested by immigration officers at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), 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 boldface…

Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City have arrested a Vietnamese national wanted in the country for abducting and raping a Chinese woman in 2023.

In a news release Monday, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Nguyen Hu Mai, 48, was intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 3 while attempting to flee aboard a Cebu Pacific flight to Saigon last March 21.

The foreigner was immediately referred to supervisors for secondary inspection after his name prompted a positive hit in the centralized derogatory database of the bureau.

“Our supervisors were able to establish that the passenger and person appearing in our watchlist are one and the same. He was thus stopped and arrested by our airport personnel,” he added.

Nguyen was immediately turned over to the BI’s border control and intelligence unit (BCIU) and later transferred to the bureau’s detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

According to BI-BCIU chief Ferdinand Tendenilla, Nguyen has been on the wanted list of the BI since March 10 when he and two Chinese nationals were charged with deportation for being undesirable aliens for being prime suspects in the kidnapping and rape case.

Police investigators alleged that on March 2, 2023, the three foreigners kidnapped a Chinese woman inside her condominium unit in Makati City.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more personnel of the Bureau of Immigration who are engaged in illegal activities that the national authorities have yet to find? Do you think that the syndicates behind human trafficking are a threat to national security?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) relieves seven personnel for suspected illegal activities

April 3, 2025March 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Over suspicion of engaging in illegal activities, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently relieved seven of its personnel from their posts, 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 boldface…

Seven personnel of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) suspected to be involved in illegal activities have been relieved from their posts.

In a statement Wednesday, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate corruption and strengthen border security.

He said the relieved personnel, assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 3, are under investigation following reports linking them to the illegal departure of trafficking victims repatriated on March 25.

If found to have assisted the victims, these employees would face charges before the Department of Justice.

Based on BI records, the victims arrived in Manila on board a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand after being rescued by the Philippine government from online scamming syndicates in Myanmar.

While tighter measures are in place, Viado acknowledged the growing challenge of intercepting trafficking victims at airports, as many now come from well-off backgrounds and pose as legitimate tourists.

The BI chief also reported that a total of 1,093 victims of human trafficking were intercepted in 2024. These victims were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for investigation and filing of cases against their recruiters.

Apart from pretending to be regular tourists, he warned that trafficking syndicates continue to exploit backdoor routes in an attempt to bypass stricter immigration controls.

Earlier this month, the BI reported the repatriation of three trafficking victims from Cambodia after being forced to work in a scam hub.

Investigations revealed they had no official record of departure, having been reportedly smuggled out via small boats from Jolo, Sulu, to Sabah, Malaysia.

The victims admitted that their passports were later stamped with fake Philippine departure marks before they traveled to Cambodia through Malaysia and Thailand.

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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Six foreigners and local bodyguard arrested in Subic for alleged spying operations

March 30, 2025March 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended six foreigners and their local bodyguard in Subic, Zambales, for allegedly conducting surveillance and reconnaissance activities, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The foreign suspects were all from China and several pieces of evidence were collected by the law enforcers.

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

Authorities have arrested six foreign nationals and their Filipino bodyguard suspected of engaging in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in Grande Island in Subic, Zambales.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, NBI officials led by spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin presented to the media the six Chinese suspects as well as the equipment recovered from them.

They were identified as He Peng, alias Nan Ke; Xu Xining; Ye Tianwu, alias Qui Feng/Quing Fe; Ye XIaocan; Dick Ang; and Su Anlong.

The NBI said its Cybercrime Division received a letter on March 17 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Military Intelligence Unit regarding foreign nationals suspected of carrying out covert ISR operations on critical infrastructures within Central Luzon.

“Notably, Grande Island, located within Subic Bay approximately 56 kilometers north of Manila Bay, has attracted attention as foreign nationals have reportedly been conducting surveillance activities there. Intelligence report from the AFP revealed that six individuals on the island were closely monitored for engaging in deemed suspicious activities, involving a collection of sensitive data related to ‘Critical Infrastructure’ or data affecting national defense within the area,” the NBI said in a statement.

The NBI said the individuals were occupying the island under the guise of recreational fishers, frequently lingering at the wharves.

Witnesses reported that the group was using hi-tech drones in the guise of transporting fishing bait to conduct surveillance on naval assets, including those from local forces and allied nations, passing through Grande Island.

“Due to its contiguity and strategic location, the island allows the group to monitor naval assets entering and exiting Subic Bay during maritime patrols or joint naval exercises in the West Philippine Sea,” the NBI said.

On March 19, NBI agents led by Director Jaime Santiago, together with the AFP Intelligence Units and SBMA law enforcers, arrived at the target location to implement the warrant of arrest and carry out a hot pursuit operation which also yielded photographs and documents of Philippine and US naval assets.

Electronic gadgets containing surveillance photos and videos were also seized together with fake documents and identification cards.

Their Filipino bodyguard, Melvin Aguillon, was also arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm.

On March 21, the arrested suspects were presented for inquest proceeding before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Bataan for violations of Commonwealth Act No. 616 (Espionage Law); Articles 172 (Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents) and 178 (Using Fictitious Name and Concealing True Name) of the Revised Penal Code; Republic Act (RA) No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act); and the election gun ban.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the foreign suspects were Chinese nationals?

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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Ban on POGOs all over the Philippines declared

July 24, 2024July 23, 2024carlocarrasco

During his 3^rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., declared a nationwide ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Marcos pointed out the negative effects POGOs had on the country such as money laundering, scamming, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and murder to name some.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has heeded snowballing calls to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country, an industry marred by controversies and illegal activities.

During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Marcos acknowledged that POGOs have already “ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder.”

“The grave abuse and disrespect of our system must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa (It is now imperative to stop this chaos that is wreaking havoc to our society and desecrating our country). Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos exclaimed prompting the crowd at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City to break into cheers.

The President also ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to cease operations of POGOs by the end of the year, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment to help workers who will be displaced.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, key figures of the administration’s economic team, have supported the calls to ban POGOs, which mostly cater to clients from mainland China and employ a large number of Chinese-speaking foreign workers.

Several lawmakers and business groups have also urged the President to impose a total ban on POGOs.

Aside from money laundering activities, crimes attributed to the POGOs have expanded over the past years and now include human trafficking, abduction, homicide, illegal detention, kidnap-for-ransom, theft, robbery-extortion, serious physical injuries, swindling, grave coercion, investment scam, cryptocurrency scam, and love scam.

For added insight, watch this GMA Network news video of President Marcos making the declaration.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newly declared nationwide ban on POGOs will reduce the connected criminal acts? Are there many POGO-connected foreigners living in your local community? Do you think the ban on POGOs will result in lesser Chinese nationals coming into the country? Do you think the closures of POGOs will affect a lot of small businesses that sold products or services to them?

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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Immigration officials intercept two foreign tourists suspected of attempting to work illegally in the Philippines

July 9, 2024June 29, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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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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 Indians and one Malaysian arrested for illegally entering the Philippines

July 4, 2024June 28, 2024carlocarrasco

As many nations around the world are struggling with the continued large presence of foreigners trying to cross their borders seeking asylum and access to taxpayer-funded resources, four Indian nationals and one Malaysian national were recently apprehended by local authorities for their illegal entry into the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Government forces on Thursday arrested five foreigners who illegally entered the country in Zamboanga City.

In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said four Indian nationals and a Malaysian were apprehended in an operation carried out by the PCG District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), PNP (Philippine National Police) – Maritime Group (MG), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The arrested individuals, it said, entered the country from Malaysia to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi using a speed boat.

“Afterwards, they transferred to a commercial passenger-cargo vessel, M/V TRISHA KERSTIN 2, en route to Zamboanga City,” it said.

According to the BI’s Intelligence Unit, the four Indian nationals were included in the “watchlist of blacklisted nationals” in 2004, 2016, and 2024.

The arrested individuals will be charged with violation of Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act, specifically Section 37 E.

“The CGDSWM remains steadfast in upholding the law, as well as maintaining safety and security in service to the Filipino nation,” it said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more foreigners who entered the Philippines illegally? Do you think the day will come when foreigners from the Middle East and African region will flock to the Philippines seeking asylum and taxpayer-funded resources?

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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Immigration officials prevent two Chinese nationals from leaving the country

June 18, 2024June 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted and arrested two Chinese fugitives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) preventing them from leaving the country, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The apprehensions happened in two separate occasions.

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

Immigration authorities have prevented two Chinese fugitives from fleeing the country at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

In a news release Thursday, Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Jun Zhang, 36; and Tianyi Zhang, 28, were intercepted and arrested on separate occasions on June 1 after they tried to depart the country for Bangkok, Thailand and Xiamen, China, respectively.

Jun, who was arrested while attempting to board a flight to Bangkok, presented himself as a Myanmar national with the name Lu Kyin Yang at the immigration counter.

“We received advanced information from the Chinese government that he is a fugitive in China and that he would be using that Myanmar passport to evade detection,” Tansingco said.

Jun reportedly arrived in the country in April, before Chinese authorities filed the information on his crimes with the BI.

Meanwhile, Tianyi was found to have a deportation order by the BI for being an undocumented and undesirable alien, after she was caught working for an establishment involved in prostitution and labor exploitation.

Tianyi and two other Chinese suspects also face a case before the Makati City regional trial court for the crime.

A hold departure order has been issued against them by the court to prevent them from leaving while their cases are still under trial.

“They are now detained at our detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City where they will remain until they are deported,” Tansingco said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese fugitives hiding in your local community 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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Chinese fugitive denied entry into Philippines, gets deported to China

June 18, 2024June 9, 2024carlocarrasco

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it prevented a Chinese fugitive from entering the country and proceeded to deport him to China, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A Chinese fugitive was barred entry to the Philippines and deported to China where he is wanted for illegal gambling activities, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday, June 9.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the fugitive as Wang Yilin, 37, who was intercepted by immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last May 29 following his arrival from Bangkok, Thailand.

“We granted the request of the Chinese embassy that he be sent back to China and stand trial for his alleged crimes,” Tansingco said.

Wang was deported last May 31 and was accompanied by Chinese police escorts, the BI said. He was also included in the BI’s blacklist and perpetually barred from entering the Philippines, it said.

The bureau said “a warrant for Wang’s arrest was issued by the Bengbu municipal public security bureau in Anhui province, China on Sept. 28 last year.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese fugitives who will try to enter 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.

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