news – Author Carlo Carrasco

Man Wanted For Attempted Murder Arrested In Muntinlupa City

June 12, 2026June 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Muntinlupa, a man who has been wanted for attempted murder was apprehended by local police officers at a footbridge in Alabang, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune report. Some parts in boldface…

A 25-year-old man listed as one of the city’s highest-ranking fugitives was arrested during a targeted warrant operation on Wednesday afternoon at the Alabang footbridge in Muntinlupa City.

The accused, identified only by the alias Andong, 25, is classified as the station’s top 3 most wanted person for the month of June 2026. He faces criminal charges for the crime of attempted murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.

The operation was carried out at approximately 4:49 p.m. at the Alabang footbridge in Barangay Alabang. The service of the warrant was executed by tactical operatives from the Cupang Police Sub-station of the Muntinlupa City Police Station.

The accused was apprehended by virtue of an outstanding warrant issued by Judge Lovella Fernandez Demetria-Valdez of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 276, with a recommended bail amounting to P120,000.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you thankful to the PNP for the successful arrest of the suspect?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

America’s Ban On Importing Crab Meat From The Philippines Takes Effect

June 12, 2026June 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Due to the Philippines’ failure to comply with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the United States’ ban on importing Philippine crab meat officially took effect, according to a business news report by the Philippine Star. This latest development is another embarrassment for the Philippines as it is the only Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member nation that failed the US comparability assessment. It should be noted that the Philippines took pride in hosting the ASEAN Summit this year.

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

As the US import ban on Philippine crab meat takes effect today, the blue swimming crab industry is bracing for massive economic losses – estimated at P6 billion to P7 billion annually – and job displacements, an industry stakeholder said.

Former E.B. Magalona mayor and crab meat exporter Alfonso Gamboa said the country’s failure to comply with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) led to the loss of its largest export market.

About 90 percent of Philippine crab meat production is exported to the United States, Gamboa said.

The United States National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced on May 12 that imports of Philippine blue swimming crab products would be restricted due to inadequate documentation on mandatory marine mammal protection and bycatch monitoring programs.

Gamboa, president of Saravia Blue Crab Inc., a major blue crab processing company, said the Philippines is the only ASEAN country that failed the US comparability assessment, noting that Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam and even China were able to comply.

“We failed because of insufficient documentation and monitoring measures concerning marine mammal protection,” he said.

Gamboa said the industry had already been experiencing difficulties since September 2025 when Philippine exporters were initially denied access to the US market. An appeal filed in January 2026 was likewise unsuccessful.

“In other words, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) did not do its job,” he said.

Gamboa estimated that around 10,000 fishermen and an additional 4,000 to 5,000 crab meat pickers in Negros, Panay, Bicol, Samar, Leyte and parts of Mindanao could be affected by the loss of the US market.

Major production areas include the Visayan Sea, Guimaras Strait, San Miguel Bay, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

The Philippines exports approximately 500,000 pounds of crab meat monthly to the US, with products sourced from processing facilities in Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, and other coastal communities.

Although alternative markets such as China, the European Union, Canada and Australia remain available, Gamboa said they are too small to absorb the volume previously purchased by US buyers.

“These markets cannot absorb the displaced workers or the volume we used to ship to the United States,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government of the Philippines will be able to act quickly to gain access to the United States for its crab meat exports? Who in Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) should be held responsible for the failure to comply with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)?

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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Hydroponics Farming Promoted In Las Piñas City

June 11, 2026June 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Urban agriculture in Las Piñas City got boosted recently as hydroponics farming has been promoted locally the City Government’s agriculture office, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City Agriculture Office continues to strengthen its urban agriculture program by conducting free hydroponics training sessions for residents across different communities in the city.

Mayor April Aguilar said the activity introduced participants—including urban gardeners and aspiring home growers—to modern and sustainable farming techniques that can be practiced even in limited spaces.

During the training, agriculture personnel demonstrated the fundamentals of hydroponics, a soil-free farming method that uses nutrient-rich water solutions to grow plants.

Aguilar noted that participants learned about the benefits of the technology, including increased crop productivity, efficient water use, and the ability to cultivate vegetables and other crops in urban communities where land is scarce.

As part of the program, the City Agriculture Office also distributed free seedlings and seeds to attendees to help them start or expand their own home gardens.

The initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to promote food security, environmental sustainability, and community self-sufficiency.

By equipping residents with practical knowledge and planting materials, the local government aims to encourage more families to produce fresh, nutritious food while fostering a culture of urban farming.

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? Is anyone in your local community interested in hydroponics?

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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I Love Israel: Israel Unveils New Learning Center In The Philippines

June 11, 2026June 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Israel’s newest contribution to education in the Philippines has been realized as it unveiled its newest learning center in the City of Manila with the presence of Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE Embassy of Israel in the Philippines on Wednesday unveiled its first learning resource center in Manila addressing digital literacy in public schools.

In a briefing after the inauguration of the Learning Resource Center in Jacinto Zamora Elementary School in Pandacan, Manila, Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh said Tel Aviv is looking forward to lending its technological advantages on education and cybersecurity in the Philippines.

“We have the best cutting-edge technologies when it comes to education and to cybersecurity. So I think that this is a partnership that we are doing together and we are touching the younger generation,” Ms. Kursh told reporters.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara told reporters that the government and Israel have yet to discuss further education cooperation but expressed openness to more partnerships.

“In the field of technology, innovation, digital technology, we have a lot to learn from Israel,” Mr. Angara said, also noting that the country now has agricultural scholars in Israel. “We might discuss the [proposed partnerships] with Israel because most of them are usually between the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education.”

The embassy on June 3 unveiled the Israel-funded digital literacy center, which provided computer desktops, educational materials, and coding software, in celebration of Israel’s 78th Independence Day.

To all my readers, I encourage you to pray to the Lord for further collaboration between Israel and the Philippines so that the quality of education and cybersecurity in the country will improve. Within Southeast Asia, the Philippines is having difficulty competing with its neighbors on economics, tourism, education, cybersecurity and other important matters. Filipinos today might not realize it yet but it is clear that having Israel as a partner is essential.

At the same time, I encourage you all to realize the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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Patient Transport Vehicle From PAGCOR Received By SBMA

June 9, 2026June 3, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it recently received from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) a patient transport vehicle which will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) received a patient transport vehicle from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) during a turnover ceremony held at its head office in Pasay City on May 26, 2026.

PAGCOR President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Atty. Wilma T. Eisma turned over the patient transport vehicle to SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) Medical Services Division OIC, Dr. Arlene Gravina-Cesa.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to PAGCOR for the patient transport vehicle which will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in Subic Bay Freeport.

“My heartfelt thanks to PAGCOR, especially to Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco, for providing the Freeport with a patient transport vehicle. This unit will certainly enhance the services of our Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) during the scheduled, non-emergency transfer of clinically stable patients,” he said.

“Kay Mam Amy (Eisma), marami pong salamat at hindi pa rin kayo nakakalimot sa iyong dating tahanan, ang SBMA,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to Tengco, the donation is part of the agency’s broader efforts to make basic healthcare more accessible, ensuring that communities and sectors in need, are able to receive urgent medical attention through these new patient transport vehicles.

“More than simply meeting targets, it reflects a clear commitment: to support healthier, more resilient communities by investing in essential services people rely on when it matters most,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the SBMA has enough patient transport vehicles to ensure efficient medical service deliveries within the Freeport?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Food Cart Program In Las Piñas City Expanded To Include More Families

June 8, 2026June 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, the new food cart program was expanded to include more families so they could improve their livelihoods and be able to start small-sized businesses of their own, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Fifteen families in Las Piñas City have been given a fresh opportunity to improve their livelihoods after the city government distributed additional food carts under its ongoing assistance program.

Mayor April Aguilar announced that the food carts were awarded to selected beneficiaries to help them start small businesses and generate extra income for their households. This latest batch of recipients adds to the six families who received food carts on May 2.

Some of those earlier beneficiaries have already launched ventures this summer, selling refreshing “samalamig” drinks and popular street food favorites known as “tusok-tusok.”

These affordable snacks not only bring joy to local communities but also provide steady earnings for the families involved.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the food carts would help them meet their daily needs and give them a chance to build a more stable source of livelihood for their families.

The mayor said the local government remains committed to implementing programs that create jobs and livelihood opportunities for Las Piñeros as part of the city’s continuing efforts to improve the quality of life of its residents.

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 delighted to see more families getting included in the local food cart program under the City Government?

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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Tourism’s Contribution To Philippines GDP The Lowest In 3 Years

June 7, 2026June 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Given the fact that the Philippines has been having trouble attracting foreign tourists and their money, it has been confirmed that the tourism industry’s contribution to the national economy in 2025 fell down to a 3-year low, according to a news report by BusinessWorld. For insight, the Philippines attracted 5.94 million foreign tourists in 2025 while Indonesia attracted 15.39 million, Vietnam attracted a record-high 21.2 million and Thailand attracted almost 33 million.

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

THE TOURISM industry’s contribution to the Philippine economy fell to its lowest level in three years in 2025, weighed down by weaker tourism spending by foreign visitors, according to data from the statistics agency.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed tourism’s direct gross value added (TDGVA) accounted for 8.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, down from 8.7% of GDP in 2024.

This was tourism’s lowest contribution to the national output in at least three years or since 2022 when it contributed 6.3% to the country’s GDP.

The country’s TDGVA was estimated at P2.27 trillion last year, down by 1.4% from the revised P2.3 trillion in 2024.

The TDGVA measures the value generated from various tourism-related activities and is based on the results of the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts report, which the PSA compiles from the Department of Tourism.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines President James M. Montenegro said the drop reflected external pressures, structural constraints and a weaker recovery in international tourism relative to the rest of the Philippine economy.

“While domestic tourism remained resilient, inbound tourism weakened significantly in 2025, which pulled down overall tourism value creation,” Mr. Montenegro said in a Viber message.

He said a major factor was the slower-than-expected recovery of inbound tourism from key Asian markets such as China and India even after the Philippine government eased visa requirement for Chinese and Indian nationals.

Mr. Montenegro said another challenge is the Philippine tourism industry’s ability to remain competitive in attracting foreign tourists. He said the Philippines should prioritize making key destinations more accessible to major regional markets.

“Many neighboring countries accelerated aggressive tourism recovery programs, including visa-free access, expanded airline incentives, stronger destination marketing, and airport infrastructure improvements. The Philippines continued to face challenges in air connectivity, airport capacity, inter-island transport efficiency, and tourist friction points,” Mr. Montenegro said.

He said that while the Philippines’ tourism sector has one of the highest contributions to GDP in Southeast Asia, it continues to lag behind regional peers in attracting tourists.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the Philippines remained weak on attracting foreign tourists even though some reforms were implemented? Do you think the local tourism authorities should focus more on domestic tourism which itself remains strong and growing? What are the biggest hassles that tourists experience here in the Philippines when it comes to traveling by air, sea and land today?

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 National Arrested In Laguna For Posing As A Filipino

June 7, 2026June 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, illegal immigration in the form of foreigners pretending to be Filipino citizens is a growing problem. Recently in Laguna province, a Chinese national who pretended to be a Filipino was arrested by the authorities, according to a news report by GMA News.

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

A Chinese national allegedly posing as a Filipino was arrested in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, with authorities now investigating how he obtained a driver’s license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that was reportedly used in the deception.

According to a report on “24 Oras Weekend” by John Consulta, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) implemented a deportation order and served a warrant at a residence in a subdivision in Sta. Rosa.

However, the target was not immediately found, and only a woman was initially encountered at the house.

Authorities later tracked down the suspect within the subdivision, where he was reportedly cornered while jogging. He allegedly tried to evade arrest but was eventually subdued by operatives.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the Chinese national was arrested for allegedly using falsified documents identifying himself as Filipino, including a Philippine-issued driver’s license.

Authorities also recovered his Chinese passport, which remains valid until 2027, along with the LTO-issued driver’s license.

While the surname on both documents matched, the driver’s license reportedly carried a Filipino-sounding first and middle name and listed the holder’s nationality as Filipino.

LTO chief Asst. Sec. Markus Lacanilao said a review of records showed the foreign national applied for a driver’s license that was later used in assuming a false Filipino identity.

The agency clarified that the document was not a conversion of a foreign driver’s license.

“This is not a conversion of a license. A foreign-issued license converted into a Philippine license—that is not the case,” he said.

Records also showed that the suspect first applied for a driver’s license in 2010 and renewed it in 2018 in Bulacan, where his nationality was listed as Filipino.

“They use Filipino names. They try to hide by pretending to be Filipino-Chinese, but they are actually Chinese nationals posing as Filipinos,” Lacanilao said.

The arrested foreign national is currently detained at the Bureau of Immigration detention facility. He has yet to issue a statement and is reportedly filing an appeal before the Department of Justice.

Authorities said a deeper investigation is ongoing, including a review of other documents that may have been issued to the suspect, and the possible cancellation of his driver’s license.

“(Revocation) is automatic. We will cancel his driver’s license, and the places where it was issued must also be investigated,” he said.

Lacanilao also warned that such documents may be used for acquiring properties, vehicles, and other fraudulent activities. Matibag said this scheme also poses national security concerns.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be several thousands more Chinese nationals who are living in the Philippines with false identities as Filipinos? Do you think all government agencies should be prepared to spot false documents from foreigners who intend to gain false Filipino identities? What do you think is the main reason why some Chinese nationals exerted efforts to gain Filipino identities?

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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Philippines And Vietnam Agree To Strengthen Tourism Cooperation And Improve Air Connectivity

June 7, 2026June 1, 2026carlocarrasco

Let’s be clear here. The Philippines has been a poor competitor on international tourism and it has been left behind by several of its Southeast Asian neighbors (for reference click here and here). When it comes to Vietnam, there are more Filipinos who visited that country while the Philippines could not attract an equal number of Vietnamese visitors. Filipino interest on visiting Vietnam is also very strong.

For the year 2025, the Philippines attracted only 5.94 million foreign tourists while Vietnam attracted a record-high 21.2 million foreign tourists.

During the recent state visit of Vietnam President To Lamb here in the Philippines hosted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., a key agreement was made between them to enhance tourism cooperation and improving air connectivity for the next three years, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation and improve air connectivity following the signing of a Tourism Cooperation Program covering 2026 to 2029.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said both countries would work to increase flight frequencies and facilitate greater tourism exchanges.

The move comes as Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Filipino travelers, while arrivals from Vietnam to the Philippines have also continued to rise.

“Building upon a strong performance in 2025, which saw nearly half a million Filipino travelers going to Vietnam and a rising number of Vietnamese tourists coming to our shores, we have agreed to work closely to enhance air connectivity and increase commercial flight frequencies,” Marcos said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new agreement made between the Philippines and Vietnam will lead to more foreign travelers benefitting both countries? Do you think that European travelers who transit through Vietnam’s international airports will eventually make their way to the Philippines in greater numbers? Do you believe that the Vietnamese have any great interest in visiting 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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Dredging Of 870-Meter Stretch Of Las Piñas City River Completed

June 6, 2026June 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, the City Government and its City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) successfully completed the dredging and desilting of the 870-meter stretch of Las Piñas which is crucial as the rainy season has officially started, according to a news report by Manila Bulletin. This was done to prevent potential flooding while also improving the flow of water.

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

As part of its preparations for the rainy season, the Las Piñas City government has completed dredging and desilting operations along an 870-meter stretch of the Las Piñas River, reinforcing its commitment to flood mitigation and environmental protection.

The cleanup, led by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), covered portions of Barangays Pulanglupa Uno, Pulanglupa Dos, and Manuyo Dos.

The initiative aims to improve water flow, remove accumulated silt and debris, and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities.

Mayor April Aguilar personally inspected the ongoing dredging activities to ensure the effective implementation of measures designed to keep waterways clear and functional, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

According to Aguilar, maintaining unobstructed waterways is a key component of its disaster preparedness program. By removing sediment buildup from rivers and drainage channels, the city hopes to minimize flooding and protect residents and properties from the effects of severe weather.

She emphasized that similar environmental and flood-control initiatives will continue through CENRO as part of the city government’s long-term strategy to safeguard communities and preserve the environment.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the City Government and the CENRO are doing good enough to prevent flooding this new rainy season?

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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