Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) fugitive search unit apprehended a China national over drug trafficking charges, 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…
A Chinese national wanted in his country for drug trafficking charges has been arrested in Parañaque City, Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday.
In a news release, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Ouyang Shixing, 40, who was arrested inside his condominium unit by elements from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU).
“Ouyang is the subject of a red notice from the Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) which was issued last year after he was indicted for drug trafficking in violation of China’s criminal laws,” Viado said.
He said the suspect is also the subject of an arrest warrant issued in November 2023 by the public security bureau in Fuzhou City, Jiangxi, China.
Based on the information received by the BI, Ouyang conspired with another suspect on May 12, 2023 in purchasing methamphetamine from a drug supplier, and later sold the substance to a buyer who paid them 70,000 yuan or nearly USD10,000.
Ouyang then took a train to Hong Kong on Aug. 2 of the same year and absconded with the money by fleeing to the Philippines.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned there could be more foreign fugitives hiding in your local community right now? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive city for fugitives to hide 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
Recently in Parañaque City, an armed man (native of Leyte) got arrested for taking a 2-year-old girl hostage, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Very notably, GMA Network’s own news coverage of the incident includes the local mob reaction.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A man was arrested after he held a two-year-old girl hostage for one hour at Bulungan Market in Barangay La Huerta, Parañaque City on Sunday afternoon, April 13.
Lt. Madison Perie of the Parañaque City police said the suspect was identified as alias “Andy,” a native of Samar, Leyte.
Perie said the suspect, who was armed with a bladed weapon, was seen roaming around the area a few minutes before he took the girl who was playing near the street at Bulungan Market. Bystanders immediately called for police assistance.
Responding policeman, Pat. Samuel Melad, suffered a laceration on his right hand when he snatched the knife from the suspect. The girl was rescued unharmed.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned there could be some individuals out there who could target minors and take them hostage?
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
Along the stretch of Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City is the 1950s-inspired diner Hackensack. To be clear, it is the BF Homes branch of the business whose other branch is located in Quezon City.
I had my first-ever visit there this past February for a lunch reunion and meeting with a dear friend of mine. We both had rice meals and drinks, and we had a nice chat while seating comfortably.
Daytime shot of a portion of the interior at Hackensack’s BF Homes branch. Comfortable seats and sufficient space for customers.
Through the window, customers can watch their food getting cooked.
I carefully examined Hackensack as it was my first time back then. I noticed they have sufficient parking spaces – spacious enough to allow double-parking – for motorists outside. Upon entering, the 1950s vibe was clearly present through the interior design and the carefully placed decorations. With the nice interiors, cool aircon system and sufficient walking space between the chairs and tables, Hackensack’s BF Homes branch is nice and comfortable to be in.
Recently, I had a 2nd visit at Hackensack in BF Homes and this time it was dinner with my family.
Food
This is the Deluxe “Smashed” Cheeseburger and Fries Combo. The cheeseburger had two Angus beef patties.
During my 2nd visit, I had the Deluxe “Smashed” Cheeseburger (double-patty) and Fries Combo and a Chocolate Milkshake. The cheeseburger itself came with two Angus beef patties, two wide tomato slices, lettuce and cheese, and it tasted really good. I’m glad I had the cheeseburger as I was getting tired of the cheeseburgers from the more popular burger-and-fries fast food restaurants. Meanwhile, the fries were well cooked and satisfying to eat.
As mentioned above, I had the Chocolate Milkshake although I ordered at least 30 minutes after I finished my cheeseburger and fries combo meal. Hackensack’s milkshake tasted mildly sweet (given the chocolate flavor) but more importantly, it also tasted freshly made.
The chocolate milkshake was tasty and satisfying.
Other food that my family enjoyed include the 1950s Onion-steamed Cheeseburger and Fries Combo, the Fried Onion Strings, Fries, the Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Wings, and the Classic BLT (Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato). I can clearly say that my family enjoyed the food and what was served exceeded expectations.
The Fried Onion Strings was a delicious appetizer and also ideal when eating with a group of companions.
A standalone service of Fries.
The 1950s Onion-steamed Cheeseburger and Fries Combo.
Hackensack’s menu offers lots of food and drink options that customers can choose from such as the Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chips combo meal, Clubhouse Sandwich with Chips combo meal, Waffle Fries, New York Frank and Fries combo meal, Mom’s Baked Spaghetti, Monty Brewster and Fries combo meal, Homemade Apple Pie, Steak and Eggs rice meal, Rootbeer Float and more.
Arcade games plus notable comic book artworks
While Hackensack has a strong 1950s vibe with its food, interiors and atmosphere, the place with the two arcade cabinets (where players can stand in front of and play games) is something else. If you know your entertainment history, you should be aware already that arcade games in America (electronic games played on machines) did not exist during the 1950s.
That being said, the two arcade cabinets allow users to pick games from a wide selection of titles from the 1970s to the 1990s. The beauty about have these arcade cabinets is that you can play games absolutely free! No need to insert coins or tokens at all!
The two arcade cabinets inside Hackensack. Each machine contains lots of classic arcade games and the great thing is that customers can play those games for free. Simply select the game, press the button and start enjoying retro gaming fun.
A few of the many retro games to choose from.
During my two visits at Hackensack in BF Homes, I had retro gaming fun with Galaga, Elevator Action, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Pac-Man, the X-Men arcade game from Konami, and Donkey Kong to name some. Other arcade classic available for gamers to choose from include Street Fighter II, Battle City, 1942, Contra, Rambo III and RoboCop to name a few.
In addition to the existing retro gaming vibe the arcade cabinets provided, there were these very notable comic book covers and artworks displayed on the walls near them. Having read and collected superhero comic books in the 1990s, I recognized a lot of notable artworks there such as WetWorks by Whilce Portacio, X-Men by Jim Lee, Youngblood by Rob Liefeld, Spider-Man by Todd McFarlane, and Superman by Dan Jurgens.
Are you a 1990s comic book enthusiast? Check out the selected comic book materials displayed as decorations.
With good food, a comfortable retro place and retro gaming fun, Hackensack really stands out nicely among the many food joints inside BF Homes. As of now, it is the one place in the entire South Metro Manila where you can enjoy meals and arcade games together.
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 Piñas, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided a house resulting in the arrests of three foreigners, two local cohorts and the seizure of equipment and chemicals that could have been used to make illegal drugs, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA. Some parts in boldface…
Five suspects, including 2 Chinese and a Taiwanese, were nabbed in a raid on a shabu lab in Las Piñas.
According to a 24 Oras Weekend report by John Consulta on Saturday, members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were able to seize large flasks, weighing scales, and drums of chemicals used to create illegal drugs in an exclusive subdivision in Las Piñas.
“Doon sa nakuha natin kanina, yung isang drum can manufacture around 50 to 100 kilos of shabu. Napakarami hong nakuha. Isipin niyo nalang po, kung sakaling natuloy po ang pagmanufacture niyan, ilang buhay yung masisira po niyan,” said PDEA spokesperson Atty. Joseph Calulut.
(From what we seized earlier, a drum could manufacture around 50 to 100 kilos of shabu. We got a lot. Just imagine if the manufacturing pushed through, how many lives could have been ruined.)
Some of the nabbed suspects denied accusations of illegal drugs. However, one of the foreigners and a Filipino runner tested positive in a drug test.
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 that there could be more secret or hidden drug labs established inside houses within the city? Do you think your barangay or your village is really drug-free?
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 Piñas, eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) got charged over a rogue police operation in which P85 million was stolen from a Chinese businessman, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
State prosecutors found probable cause to charge eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) who allegedly stole PHP85 million from a Chinese trader in an unauthorized police operation in Las Piñas City.
In a statement on Friday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said the Office of the City Prosecutor filed before the court on Thursday a complaint of kidnapping and two counts of robbery against the eight suspects, who are members of the EPD’s District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).
These cases stemmed from an operation where the eight officers served a bogus arrest warrant against the victim on April 2.
The victim and the relatives claimed that the cops shut down their closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, forcibly opened their vaults, and took away the money in pesos, US dollars, and Malaysian ringgit; jewelry; gadgets, and other personal belongings worth PHP85 million.
“Let me be clear – the NCRPO does not shield any wrongdoing. I will not condone any misdeed perpetrated by any member of NCRPO and I will ensure the filing of airtight cases against police scalawags,” Aberin said.
“We will closely monitor the progress of these criminal cases and we shall ensure that the administrative investigation will result in their dismissal from the service, based on evidence and due process of law.”
Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo earlier said the sacked DSOU commander, Maj. Emerson Coballes, was tagged as AWOL (absent without official leave) after he did not comply with a return to work order from the NCRPO.
Coballes did not report for duty after the NCRPO found out that the raid on the house of the Chinese businessman was intended to rob him, as the foreigner did not fit the description of the man in the arrest warrant.
Aberin said the complaint against Coballes is set for preliminary investigation on April 22 and 29.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could be other crooked cops out there who might organize a rogue operation against your household soon?
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 Parañaque City, a buy-bust operation organized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) resulted in the seizure of illegal substances worth more than P28 million, three suspects apprehended and one suspect killed, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The operation turned out violent as a few PDEA agents got harmed.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP28.5 million during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of one suspect and the arrest of three others.
In a statement Thursday, the anti-narcotics body said the suspects, with aliases Lala, Allan, and Binny, were nabbed during the operation in Barangay San Antonio at about 5 p.m.
Another suspect, alias Sady, was killed while four PDEA agents were wounded in the ensuing gunfight.
Seized from the operation were 4.2 kg. of suspected shabu, a vehicle, mobile phones, buy-bust money, identification cards, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, ammunition, and several documents.
The arrested suspects will face charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that criminals involved with illegal drugs are infiltrating your local community?
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 Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed into law an ordinance mandating the use of licensed software specifically in government offices and contracted private entities, 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…
The Muntinlupa City government has enacted an ordinance mandating the use of legal and ethical software in its offices and private entities where it has contracts and agreements.
Ordinance No. 2025-328, or the “Legal and Ethical Software Use Ordinance of Muntinlupa,” passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
The local law cited Republic Act No. 10175, or the Anti Cybercrime Law, which “explicitly recognizes in Section 4 the act of copyright infringement as a punishable offense when committed using electronic or digital means, thereby underscoring the importance of adhering to software licensing agreements in all technological applications.”
The ordinance emphasized that “the unauthorized use of unlicensed software applications poses significant risks, including compromised cybersecurity, exposure to malware, operational inefficiencies, and violations of intellectual property laws, which collectively endanger individuals, businesses, and government institutions, undermining public trust and efficiency in digital operations.”
It added that “the proliferation of unlicensed software deprives software developers, both local and international, of fair compensation for their intellectual property, stifling innovation, discouraging investment in technological advancement, and weakening the overall digital economy by promoting unethical business practices.”
The ordinance covers all departments, offices, agencies, and personnel of the Muntinlupa City government; all hardware and electronic devices, whether owned, leased, or under the custody of the city government, that use software applications for official functions; and private entities engaged in contracts, projects, or partnerships with the city government, insofar as their transactions involve the use of software.
A licensed software is defined in the ordinance as “any software application that is legally acquired and used in accordance with its licensing agreement, including commercial, freeware, and open-source software.”
The city government will “strictly enforce the use of legally acquired and licensed software in all its offices, transactions, and operations.”
“This mandate aims to safeguard government systems from cybersecurity threats, enhance operational efficiency, and uphold transparency in technology use,” it added.
The ordinance states that “all software applications used by the City Government of Muntinlupa, including operating systems, office productivity suites, specialized applications, cybersecurity tools, and other digital solutions, shall be duly licensed or legally acquired in accordance with applicable copyright laws and licensing agreements. City departments and offices shall ensure that all software installed on government-owned devices and systems has a valid license and complies with legal agreements.”
It mandates that “the acquisition, installation, or use of unlicensed, counterfeit, or pirated software within the City Government of Muntinlupa is strictly prohibited.”
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 think the mandated use of licensed software by the government and contracted private entities make a lot of sense?
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 Parañaque City, local law enforcers successfully pulled of a buy-bust operation that resulted in the apprehension of five suspects for illegal drugs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The value of the illegal drugs seized was estimated to be over P476 thousand.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Five people, including two seafood vendors and a construction worker, were arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) allegedly for selling illegal drugs on Sunday, April 6.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as alias “Ramil,” 54; alias “Judy,” 28; alias “Jayson,” 43, a construction worker; and alias “Ginalyn,” 51, and alias “Raquel”51, both seafood vendors.
They were arrested in a buy-bust operation at around 9:50 p.m. on M. Rodriguez St., Barangay La Huerta, Paranaque City.
Police confiscated from the suspects 70 grams of shabu worth P476,320, one cellular phone with recorded drug transactions, and drug paraphernalia. The confiscated shabu was brought to the SPD Forensic Unit for analysis.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more people engaged in illegal drugs in the city right now?
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 Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally signed into law an ordinance that restricts the playing of audio materials in residential areas and other quiet zones within city jurisdiction, 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…
Amid the election campaign, the Muntinlupa City government has passed an ordinance restricting the playing of audio materials through loudspeakers in residential areas and other quiet zones in the city.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2025-330 (Quiet Zones Ordinance) passed by the Muntinlupa City Council which regulates “the use or playing of marketing or information campaign audio materials through loudspeakers, mixers, amplifiers, microphones, and other similar sound-producing systems and audio devices mounted on any roving manual, motor, or electric vehicle within designated quiet zones in the City of Muntinlupa, prescribing allowable hours for use, imposing penalties for violations, and for other purposes.“
One of the bases for the ordinance is a memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued in January, with the subject “Highly Encouraging Local Government Units (LGUS) to Address Public Nuisance and Noise Pollution.”
“The City Government of Muntinlupa recognizes the need to regulate excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud sound from mobile sound systems and audio devices that exceed acceptable levels and extend beyond the allowable time period, particularly within residential areas and designated quiet zones,” according to the ordinance.
It added that “there has been a clamor from the public against excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud sound from mobile sound systems and audio devices that exceed acceptable levels, contribute to noise pollution and disrupt the peace in communities.”
The ordinance covers “all individuals, groups, and organizations within Muntinlupa City who use or play marketing or information campaign audio materials through loudspeakers, amplifiers, microphones, or similar audio devices mounted on roving manual, motor, or electric vehicles (EV).”
“Violators include, but are not limited to, vehicle operators, information campaign promoters, and initiators. If marketing or information campaign audio materials are played through sponsorship, the sponsor, benefactor, donor, vehicle operator, and driver shall also be liable for the penalties herein,” according to the local law.
Under the ordinance, the quiet zones in Muntinlupa are residential areas, places of worship, schools, hospitals and health centers, secondary roads, and inner roads.
The playing of marketing or information campaign audio materials with roving or mobile vehicles in residential areas is allowed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Friday to Saturday.
The use of campaign audio materials is prohibited within 100 meters of places of worship, schools, hospitals and health centers at all times.
In Muntinlupa’s secondary and inner roads, the playing of the marketing or information campaign materials is allowed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Friday to Saturday.
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 approve of the newest ordinance related to noise in quiet zones?
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 Muntinlupa, the City Government passed a new ordinance against the use of fake person with disabilities (PWD) identification cards, according to a GMA Network news report. The move was done in response to the rise of fraud related to the proliferation of fake PWD IDs.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The city government of Muntinlupa has approved an ordinance penalizing the use of fake person with disabilities (PWD) identification cards.
City Ordinance No. 2025-325 imposes a fine ranging from P2,000 to P5,000 to persons who use or owns fake PWD IDs; tamper, alter, or produce fake IDs; declare false information in the application, renewal, and update of PWD ID; and issue fake certificate of disability and other medical documents.
The local law also imposes penalties to those who give or receive money or any exchange for a PWD ID; phishing and scamming through text, email, or other online methods; and the use of PWD ID by other persons.
Business establishments that do not post the ordinance in their establishments, as well as those that do not verify the PWD IDs of the customers will likewise face penalties under the local law.
Individuals who violate the ordinance would be fined P2,000 for the first offense, P4,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for third offense.
If applicable, violators will face one-year ineligibility on all the benefits, services, and programs of the city government of Muntinlupa.
Stiffer penalties will be imposed to those who sell, produce, and proliferate fake PWD ID. They will face P5,000 fine, imprisonment of up to six months, and one-year ineligibility on all the benefits, services, and programs of the Muntinlupa City government.
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 approve of the newest ordinance against fake PWD IDs? Did you notice a local surge of fraud related to the use of fake PWD IDs?
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 