PAGCOR orders shutdown of raided POGO in Las Piñas City

In the latest turn of events related to the June 26 raid of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Las Piñas City, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ordered the shutdown of the affected business joint, according to an Inquirer news report. This is the same POGO whose workers include a few foreign fugitives.

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

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has issued a cease and desist order against Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) service provider Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. (formerly known as Hong Tai), effectively shutting down its operations in Las Piñas City.

The Philippine National Police said it could now hasten the implementation of the warrants following Pagcor’s order to shut down Xinchuang, which police raided last week.

Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of the PNP public information office, considered the Pagcor intervention “a welcome development” as this would enable police units to implement the five warrants to search, seize and examine data and two search warrants issued by Las Piñas Regional Trial Court against Xinchuang Network, one of the 111 Pogo service providers accredited by Pagcor.

PNP units led by the National Capital Region Police Office and Anti-Cybercrime Group are on the 10th day of its raid, which started on June 27, at the Xinchuang’s self-contained hub along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno.

“When we implement search warrants, it is imperative that no other activities are being conducted in the area, because we want the operating elements to have complete control of the situation,” Maranan told reporters in Camp Crame on Friday, saying this would prevent tampering of evidence and escape of suspects.

It is the obligation and responsibility, not only of the PNP, but of all government agencies that are involved, so that we can ensure that our Pogo industry is clean from committing illegal activities,” he added.

According to Maranan, 71 out of 138 seized safety deposit boxes have been opened as of Thursday, as part of the inventory managed by the Anti-Cybercrime Group and witnessed by representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Council and barangay officials.

A total of 781 have been processed out of the 1,239 foreign workers rescued at the compound during the raid on June 27. All 1,534 Filipino workers have already been cleared and allowed to leave the premises.

7 fugitives caught – Seven fugitives—four Chinese and three Taiwanese nationals—were found to be working for Xinchuang, and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation.

“Hopefully we can complete the profiling of the foreign nationals and the implementation of the search warrants in the coming days,” Maranan said.

In a statement on Monday, Pagcor said it has already issued a show cause order to Xinchuang “to explain in detail its defenses against the allegations being faced by the company and why the state-run gaming regulatory firm should not cancel its certificate of accreditation and authority to operate.”

Pagcor also ordered Xinchuang to stop all its offshore gaming activities pending the completion of the investigation being conducted by the PNP.

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 satisfied with the PAGCOR’s cease-and-desist order (CDO) on Xinchuang?

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 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Two women apprehended in Muntinlupa City for swindling a businesswoman

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, two women got arrested by police officers at the lobby of a certain hotel in Filinvest City in Alabang for allegedly swindling a local businesswoman, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As of this writing, the money has yet to be recovered while the third suspect remains at large.

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

Two women were arrested by the police for allegedly swindling a businesswoman of P2.52 million in house rental fees in Muntinlupa.

The suspects, Christine Rose Almoete, 35, and Maria Teresa Loria, 40, were arrested by the Muntinlupa police on July 6 at a hotel lobby in Filinvest City, Barangay Alabang. Another suspect, Ricky Morales, remains at large and is being pursued by authorities.

The two were arrested based on a complaint by businesswoman Diane Grace Sy-Alvarado, 40 years, of Ayala Alabang Village.

According to the police, Sy-Alvarado had been in contact with Loria, who acted as her broker to the house she is presently renting on Batulao Street in Ayala Alabang Village.

Sy-Alvarado decided to transfer to another house also in the same village and asked for Loria’s help. Loria introduced Almoete to the complainant who offered a property allegedly owned by a certain Manuel Palaganas.

They agreed on a monthly rent of ₱180,000. To secure the contract, the complainant was instructed to provide a one-year security deposit amounting to P1,360,000 and a one-year advance payment of P1,160,000.

Sy-Alvarado gave cash amounting to P1.36 million and a bank check worth P1.16 million to the suspects’ colleague, Morales, for a total of P2.52 million.

But when she visited the property on Sarangani Street in Ayala Alabang Village, it turned out that the house was not available for rent.

She asked for help from the village security, which swiftly conducted a follow-up operation leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The transaction between the complainant and the suspects was witnessed by the complainant’s personal assistant, Rannie Pagdanganan.

The arresting officers, Emerson Acusar and Ernesto Obusan, from Bulldog Security Agency, carried out the operation with personnel from the Muntinlupa Police Sub-Station 5 (Ayala Alabang).

The P1.36 million cash and the bank check amounting to P1.16 million were not recovered.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could still be a lot of swindlers out there? Has anyone in your local community been swindled over the past twelve months within 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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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 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

New child development center in Las Piñas City inaugurated

Recently in Las Piñas City, a new child development center was formally inaugurated in the presence of the Vice Mayor and a City Councilor, 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…

The Las Piñas city government held the inauguration and blessing of the newly established child development center located at Santos Homes 2 Complex in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno on July 6.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar and City Councilor John Jess Bustmante led the ceremonies for the inauguration.

Aguilar emphasized the significance of the center in nurturing the future generation. She said the center is poised to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children, facilitating their growth and development in various aspects of their lives.

The vice mayor also commended the efforts of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) under Lowefe Romulo and expressed her heartfelt sentiments about the importance of child development centers.

Aguilar stressed that the child development centers play a crucial role in shaping the future of the community by fostering early childhood education, social skills, and emotional well-being.

She said the new child development center is part of the city government’s broader commitment to investing in early childhood development and ensuring the well-being of its young 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? Do you think the new child development center will be beneficial to the city as a whole?

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 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Entertainment joint and other facilities found inside raided site in Las Piñas City

In relation to the raid of June 26 in Las Piñas City, an entertainment joint and other facilities were discovered inside the building of the affected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) which GMA Network covered in their recent news story.

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

A Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm recently raided in Las Piñas City over alleged human trafficking was found to have its own so-called “entertainment complex” within its premises, John Consulta reported on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) showed parts of the raided compound to the media to prove the POGO hub is reportedly involved in other activities apart from online gambling.

“Kaya natin ito ni-raid, kasi meron tayong reason to believe na involved sila sa love scam. Mga investment scam, nag hi-hide sila sa guise ng legitimate POGO,” said PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group spokesperson Police Captain Michelle Sabino.

(We conducted a raid because we have a reason to believe they’re involved in a love scam and investment scam. They are hiding behind the guise of being a legitimate POGO firm.)

Inside the entertainment complex are spacious rooms akin to the VIP rooms of posh nightclubs, where male employees of the offshore firm allegedly take a break.

Also found in the POGO compound are the so-called “romance room” that police believe to be the site of the supposed ”love scam,” the employees’ dormitories, medical and dental clinic, ticketing office, bayad center, grocery shop, seafood market, and food court.

“‘Yung mga Pinoys, they are allowed to go out. ‘Yung mga foreign nationals aren’t allowed to go out, but meron silang incentive, ‘pag maganda performance nila, pwede silang lumabas but may kasama,” said Sabino.

(Filipinos are allowed to go out, the foreign nationals are not. They can go out as an incentive for a good job but they need an escort.)

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 surprised that an entertainment joint was established inside the site that was raided?

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 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Foreign fugitives among those rescued during the June 26 Las Piñas City raid

In the city of Las Piñas, controversy regarding the raid of June 26 continues to grow as it was revealed by the local authorities that there were foreign fugitives among the thousands that supposedly got rescued, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Police found two Taiwanese fugitives among the rescued workers from the raid in a Las Piñas City establishment recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said Monday.

Aside from them, the PNP earlier reported that four Chinese fugitives were also discovered from the thousands of workers rescued from the raid.

“During the June 26, 2023 police operation, where thousands of individuals were rescued, four Chinese and two Taiwanese fugitives were discovered,” the ACG said in a statement.

The ACG said the six fugitives have been identified through the help of concerned foreign embassies in the documentation of their respective citizens and cross-matching of their records.

Authorities implemented a search warrant in a compound in Las Piñas over an alleged human trafficking situation.

The police reported that 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners were rescued from the raid. According to PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, there were 17 foreign nationalities involved.

While over a thousand Filipino workers were safely released and allowed to return to their homes, the foreign nationals have not been released yet as the documentation of the remaining workers is still ongoing, according to Fajardo.

Law enforcement authorities have gathered personal information for the remaining one thousand-plus foreign nationals, who will be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for proper disposition and repatriation process,” the ACG said.

On June 30, five Chinese suspects were subjected to inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice in Manila for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Meanwhile, the company that was raided, Xinchuang Network Technology, has denied that it is involved in human trafficking.

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 police raid of June 26 has been justified?

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 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City raises cash incentives for local athletes who are able to win in local and international sports events

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially raised the cash incentives for its local athletes who are able to win medals in varied local and international competitions, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government increased the cash incentives to athletes winning in international and local competitions including the Olympics, and Asian and SEA Games.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance 2023-091, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, giving incentives and rewards to athletes bagging gold, silver and bronze medals in international, national, regional and local competitions.

The ordinance covers athletes and coaches representing Muntinlupa who win in contests sanctioned by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Association (NSA) and the city government.

It also applies to athletes and coaches who are residents of Muntinlupa and are part of the sports development program of the city, and winning athletes who represent the country who have lived in Muntinlupa for at least a year.

“Our city is definitely proud of Muntinlupeños excelling in sports. It is but fitting that we reward their hard work and support their continuous pursuit of excellence,” said Biazon.

The new local law amended Ordinance 18-299 approved in 2018, which gave cash incentives to winning athletes and their coaches.

Under the new ordinance, Olympians winning gold, silver and bronze medals will get P750,000, P500,000 and P250,000, respectively.

For the full listing of cash incentives under the new ordinance, click https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/1/muntinlupa-lgu-increases-cash-incentives-to-winning-athletes-in-international-local-games

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that the higher cash incentives would inspire more locals to engage in sports events and win?

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 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Senior Citizens of Muntinlupa next to receive bivalent vaccine shots

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that local senior citizens will be administered with bivalent COVID-19 vaccine shots after the local health workers, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government will administer the Covid-19 Vaccine Pfizer Bivalent as a third booster shot to senior citizens after hospital workers.

This was announced by City Health Office chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi on July 3 during the flag-raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City Hall.

The city government rolled out the administration of the Covid-19 Vaccine Pfizer Bivalent or the Tozinameran+Famtozinameran (Comimaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5), to healthcare workers in hospitals on June 23.

“Pag nasaturate na po natin ang lahat ng healthcare workers na nagtatrabaho sa hospital, ibababa na po natin yan sa A2 category. Eto po yung mga senior citizens (If we finish saturating all healthcare workers working in hospitals, we will bring it down to the A2 category. These are the senior citizens),” said Bunyi.

At the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang, a total of 62 healthcare workers have already been given the third booster shot.

Bunyi said the city government has already delivered the vaccine to private hospitals.

The Department of Health’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development initially allocated 726 vials or 4,356 doses for Muntinlupa for A1 or health workers in hospitals.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are there any senior citizens in your local community who have been wanting to avail of the bivalent vaccine shots?

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 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

National Age Group Aquathlon 2023 event at Vermosa set for October 15

Welcome back my readers and sports fans! With the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) aquathlon gold medal won by the Philippines in Cambodia now in the record books, the multisport event of aquathlon has gained importance and recognition among multisport athletes in the nation. That being said, those who want to engage in aquathlon competition can do so by joining the National Age Group Aquathlon 2023 which is set to happen on October 15 at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite. Online registration is ongoing (note: RaceYa.fit account is needed).

The event banner.

Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Vermosa and RaceYa, and is presented by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the National Age Group Aquathlon 2023 has varied age categories and race distances that participants can choose from. For everyone’s reference, posted below are details from the event’s RaceYa page…

RACE DISTANCES S

• STK-Aqua:

6 yrs. old & under – (50m swim/100m run)

7- 8 yrs. old – (100m swim/200m run)

9-10 yrs. old – (200m swim/400m run)

11-12 yrs. old – (300m swim/1.5k run)

• Youth 13-15 yrs. old – (300m swim/2.5k run)

• Age groupers, Elite, Jr. Elite, Para-Tri and Team Relay – (500m swim/2.5k run)

ENTRY FEES:

STK-Aqua (6 -12 yrs) – P1,000

Youth (13-15 yes) – P1,500

Individual Age Groupers – P2,000

Team Relay – P3,000

RACE CATEGORIES and AWARDS

a. Elite Level (Top 3 per category)

Elite Men and Women: 18 years old and over

Jr. Elite Men and Women: 16-19 years old

b.Youth (Top 3 per category)

Youth Men and Women :13-15 years old

c. Age Groupers (Top 3 per AG category)

To learn more about the National Age Group Aquathlon 2023’s details, rules and race schedule, click https://register.raceya.fit/event/naga-2023

Watch out for more Philippine multisport updates right here!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

“Love the Philippines” launched as the nation’s new tourism slogan

As part of its campaign to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the years to the come, the Philippines officially launched their new slogan called “Love the Philippines”, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., approved of the ambitious tourism plan covering 2023-2028 and he reiterated his support for Philippine tourism.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Philippines will become the “tourism powerhouse” of Asia in the next few years.

This, as Marcos witnessed the unveiling of the country’s new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines” during the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) 50th anniversary celebration at The Manila Hotel.

In a keynote speech, Marcos affirmed his commitment to advancing the tourism sector, hoping that the new campaign slogan would help stimulate economic activities and generate job opportunities in the country.

What a better way to express that love than directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This is new branding which we unveiled today. It will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine Tourism Industry moving forward,” Marcos said.

“Allow me then to express my sincere appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and for the DOT team because aside from the tourist destination, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every traveler,” he added.

In May, Marcos approved the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 which will serve as his administration’s blueprint and development framework for the tourism industry.

Marcos said the NTDP 2023-2028 contains the government’s targets, which include the promotion of local products and the implementation of more infrastructure projects to ensure hassle-free travel.

The five-year plan stemmed from this admin’s determination to implement programs that will positively transform our country towards being a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the coming years. Let us therefore strive to translate out golden vision into reality,” he said.

Marcos lauded the DOT for making the tourism industry as “a major driver of economic growth.”

He also welcomed the “improving” figures in tourism revenues, employment, international arrivals and domestic trips, saying these indicate the country’s recovery from the onslaught of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“All of these are encouraging signs that the tourism industry in our country as a whole is headed well towards full recovery. It also conveys a strong message to the world that we are ready and fully equipped to welcome tourists, travelers as well as investors,” Marcos said.

To realize his administration’s goal of transforming the Philippines as Asia’s tourism powerhouse, Marcos urged Filipinos to be the country’s tourism ambassadors.

“I enjoin you all to be our country’s promoters, advocates, and if I may borrow a coined term in this age of social media, be our country’s top influencers,” he said.

Indeed, the Philippines will never run out of places to discover, meals to enjoy, adventures to experience, people to meet, talents to admire. Let us take pride and celebrate the love we have of our country and our people for it is the same love that gave meaning to the establishment of the DOT and the same love that will propel our tourism industry moving forward into the future,” Marcos added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you foresee a bright economic future with a reinvigorated national tourism industry? Does “Love the Philippines” sound attractive to you?

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

PNP insists Las Piñas City raid is legitimate as affected company’s lawyers demanded an investigation into alleged abuses committed by law enforcers

Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the June 26 evening raid that resulted in the so-called rescue of more than 2,700 people got disputed as the affected company’s lawyers demanded an investigation over the alleged abuses committed by police officers, according to a Philippie News Agency (PNA) news article. The Philippine National Police (PNP) insists that the operation is legitimate.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday maintained that its operation against a suspected illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Las Piñas early this week is legitimate as it refuted claims of abuse and manhandling of workers rescued from the establishment.

In a statement, PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the 2,714 workers earlier taken into custody during the operation would be released once they have completed their profiling works.

He also denied that human rights violations were committed by the police when the operation was carried out and assured that the police force would conduct a full and impartial investigation into the said operation.

The PNP’s statement came after the legal representatives of the firm Xinchuang Network Technology, Inc., demanded an investigation into alleged abuses committed by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) during the operation at Hong Tai Compound located at No. 501 Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno on Tuesday morning.

Vargas Law Office representative lawyer Ananias Christian Vargas has requested NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, PNP Directorate for Intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Jon Arnaldo and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco to investigate.

“As you may very well recall, in the late evening of 26 June 2023, 11:30 p.m. to be specific, the NCRPO Joint Police Task Force, led by Deputy Regional Director for Operations Brig. Gen Jack Wanky and Anti-Cybercrime Group Deputy for Operations Col. Villamor Tuliao implemented Search Warrant Nos. SW-LP23-007, SW-23-14 and SW-23-016, all dated 26 June 2023, issued by the Regional Trial Court of Las Piñas City, Office of the Executive Judge, which you conveniently couched as ‘Rescue Operation’ in Hong Tai Compound located at No. 501 Alabang-Zapote Road Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City, during which you and your Task Force control of the entire Hong Tai Compound, and even converted one of the structures as a command post,” Vargas said in the letter dated June 30.

He claimed the firm as well as its foreign and local workers were duly documented.

“The company and the legitimate workers all abide by the legal requirements,” Vargas said adding that all the documents covering the operations of the company had been in the vault seized during the raid.

Reports earlier said the PNP-ACG, backed up by several NCRPO uniformed personnel, conducted the operations. The company also questioned the conduct of the operation the police described as anti-human trafficking-related.

Vargas also claimed that as of this time, the NCRPO has not allowed the persons in the compound to leave despite its inability to file the necessary cases against these Filipino and foreign individuals.

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 June 26 evening raid is legitimate?

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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