news – Page 58 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Did many undocumented Filipinos leave America before Donald Trump’s return as US President?

January 27, 2025January 26, 2025carlocarrasco

By the time you are reading this, it has been days since Donald Trump formally returned as President of the United States. That being said, it has been months since Filipinos staying illegally in America have been advised to not wait to be deported by Trump’s new administration which itself has made clear it new immigration policy. In fact, the search, apprehension and deporting of illegal immigrants in America are already in effect (click here and here). In a recent report by GMA Network, the Philippine embassy in the United States is not certain how many undocumented Filipins left America to avoid the mass deportation.

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

The Philippine Embassy in Washington has yet to determine if many undocumented Filipinos have already left the United States ahead of the anticipated mass deportation under the Trump administration, an envoy said on Monday.

“We are not sure whether many of those that are undocumented na ating mga kababayan have left,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez told Unang Balita in an interview.

Romualdez said the embassy has advised undocumented Filipinos to leave the US as deported individuals will not be allowed to come back.

“Yun nga ang advice namin sa kanila. Kung wala talaga silang legal path, it is better they go na muna para makabalik sila dito at some point in time. Kasi kapag ma-deport ka, talagang hindi ka na makakabalik,” he said.

(That’s our advice to them. If they really don’t have a legal path, it’s better they go already so they can come back here at some point in time. Because once you get deported, you really can’t come back.)

According to Romualdez, the US government said those who have criminal records as well as the 1.3 million immigrants who are already processed will be prioritized for deportation.

In November last year, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it would assist over 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US who could possibly be deported.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that there are an estimated 370,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants in the US.

“The DMW is prepared to assist our OFWs, whether they are documented or undocumented OFWs. Under the directives of our President, a whole-of-government team is here to provide support to possible deportees,” Cacdac said.

During Trump’s first term in the White House from 2017 to 2020, over 3,500 Filipinos were deported with the highest being recorded in 2018 with 503.

In his victory speech, Trump reiterated that he would close borders in the United States and would impose stricter laws against illegal aliens.

“We gonna have to seal up those borders, we are gonna have to let people come into our country. We want people to come back in, but they have to come in legally… We are gonna start by putting America first,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think many illegal Filipinos have left the United States before Trump formally returned as US President? Have members in your local community turned too sympathetic to illegal immigrants and perceived them as refugees? Do you realize that there are violent criminals and terrorists among the many millions of foreigners who illegally entered the United States under the failed Biden-Harris administration?

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

Remolino and Alcoseba successfully defend titles in 2025 National Age Group Triathlon Subic Bay race

January 27, 2025January 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Cebu-based SEA Games medalists Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba successfully defended their respective titles in the elite category of the 2025 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) opening leg at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Freeport Boardwalk in Zambales yesterday.

Remolino finished the 750 Meter swim – 20 Kilometer bike – 5 Km run race in 56 minutes and 46 seconds to beat teammate Matthew Justine Hermosa (56:47) and Joshua Alexander Ramos of Baguio City (57:23) in the men’s division.

“Halos sabay-sabay lang kami nina Matthew, [Iñaki Emil] Lorbes, Joshua at Dayshaun Karl [Ramos] after ng swim until sa bike transition. Nag-breakaway kami ni Matthew pag-start ng run, then nag-sprint na kami sa last 150 meters,” explained the 23-year-old Remolino, a 2nd year marketing student at University of San Carlos.

In the women’s division, Alcoseba clocked 1:05:19 to claim her fourth straight title in the event organized by the Triathlon Philipines headed by Tom Carrasco.

Erika Nicole Burgos of Tanauan, Batangas (1:06:56) and Katrina Salazar of Mandaluyong City (1:08:53) placed second and third, respectively.

“I had a good training. It’s nice to win again,” said Alcoseba, fourth year civil engineering student at De La Salle University. She won one gold (4x200m freestyle relay), two silver (400m Individual Medley and 800m freestyle) and one bronze (400m freestyle relay) medals in the UAAP Season 87 swimming competition.

In the Junior Elite category, the top three finishers in the men’s division were Dayshaun Karl Ramos (57:17), Darell Johnson Bada (59:38) and Euan Arrow Ramos (59:40) while in the women’s division were Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy (1:09:54), Maria Celinda (1:14:50) and Candace Marie (1:15:12).

In the age group sprint, which also covered 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km, the winners in the men’s division were Christopher Adrian Te of TDN Con-Steel Builders (16-19), Daniel Nazarro of Baguio Benguet Triathlon (20-29), Norman Resurrecion of FITPH (30-39), Raffy Dolor of Artemis Victory (40-49), Joey Veloso of Paynet Amigo Tri (50-59), and Michiel Van Der Auwera of Westgrove (60 and over).

Champions in the women’s division were Aira Danara Soguilon Gregorio of DentalWay-HTC-GTT (16-19), Edellaine Mae Digos of Olongapo Junior Trackers Multisports (20-29), Rhia Mae Alexandra Stawicki of Triclark Triathlon Team (30-39), Franchesca Carpo of Polotri Team (40-49), Bic Ferreria of Amigo Tri (50 and over).

In the Para Triathlon, the winners were Jake Lacaba (men’s PTS2), Raul Angoluan (men’s PTS3),

Alex Niño Silverio (men’s PTS4), and Joshua Nelmida and Bernard Matthew Cruz (men’s PTSVI)

The NAGT is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Milo, Standard Insurance, LeGarde, Gatorade, Asia Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc. and Fitbar with support from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, RaceYa, Stat Med and MTiming.

For local triathlon updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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Note: The above content was sourced from a press release issued by TriPhil. Some parts were edited for this website.

Las Piñas City a recipient of multiple awards

January 26, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government revealed during the flag ceremony that it has received multiple awards and one of them is from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the LGU revealed through social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, held its weekly flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning, January 20 at the City Hall grounds, highlighting the city’s recent accomplishments.

During the ceremony, Las Piñas City was presented with multiple awards, including a Plaque of Appreciation from the National Youth Commission for the Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and a Certificate of Recognition from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as the Top 2 Best Performing Local Government Unit in Metro Manila for solid waste management in 2024. These recognitions underscore the city’s dedication to youth empowerment and environmental sustainability.

City officials and employees joined the ceremony to celebrate these achievements, reinforcing the local government’s commitment to providing excellent public service and implementing effective programs for 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 with the latest awards the City Government received?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Lunar Remastered Collection scheduled for release on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 18, 2025

January 24, 2025January 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming enthusiasts, RPG enthusiasts and gamers!

GungHo Online recently announced the release date of the anticipated retro Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) collection Lunar Remastered Collection which is April 18, 2025.

For the newcomers reading this, the said collection contains the two memorable fantasy role-playing games (fantasy RPGs) which are Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete (enhanced version of Lunar: The Silver Star) and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete (enhanced version of Lunar: Eternal Blue). Since the releases of the original versions in the 1990s, the Lunar RPGs have been released on a variety of consoles such as Sega CD, PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

*Lunar Remastered Collection will be the first-time the Lunar RPGs will be released on Xbox consoles. It will launch on April 18, 2025.*

For the JRPG-loving Xbox fans, the said Lunar Remastered Collection is indeed coming to Xbox Series X|S and the aging Xbox One. Strangely enough, as of this writing, the said collection has yet to appear on the Xbox online store.

While GungHo confirmed there will be physical copies of Lunar Remastered Collection coming out, it is uncertain if such copies of the Xbox version will be released. The press release mentioned that physical editions “will be available exclusively through Amazon for $54.99 USD” for the North American market. As for the European market, only the PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Nintendo Switch will have physical copies through Clear River Games.

If you are an Xbox fan who loves Lunar and JRPGs in general, are you discouraged about the potential lack of physical copies of Lunar Remastered Collection? If you really want it badly, better express your opinions and questions directly to Team Xbox and GungHo via Twitter, or by email.

For updates about Lunar Remastered Collection, visit https://www.lunarremastered.com/

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President Marcos congratulates Trump, looks forward closely to working with him

January 24, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Through social media, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., congratulated US President Donald Trump (whose 2^nd term has started officially) and expressed that he is looking forward to working with him in relation to Philippines-America ties, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). It should be remembered that Marcos and Trump previously talked over the phone.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to newly inaugurated United States (US) President Donald Trump following his return to office, emphasizing the strength of the Philippine-American alliance and its role in regional security.

“Congratulations to POTUS @realdonaldtrump and to the American people on another peaceful transfer of power in their Nation’s nearly 250-year history. I look forward to working closely with you and your Administration,” Marcos said in a statement posted on social media Tuesday.

Marcos underscored the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the US, stressing that it would continue to be a cornerstone for regional stability.

“The strong and lasting PH-US alliance will continue to uphold our shared vision of prosperity and security in the region,” he said.

The Philippines and the United States have long been allies, engaging in numerous joint military, economic, and diplomatic initiatives that now face ongoing regional challenges, including tensions in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific security concerns.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be breakthroughs with regards to the Philippines-America ties? Now that Rodrigo Duterte is no longer the President of the Philippines, do you think President Trump will be more motivated to have America collaborate more with Philippines economically and militarily? Do you think China will refrain from bullying Filipinos at sea once the Trump administration starts working closely with 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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Ten foreign nationals arrested in Parañaque City village for alleged scamming activities

January 24, 2025January 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in Parañaque City, ten foreign nations were arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged online scamming, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension took place inside a village.

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

Ten foreigners have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a subdivision in Paranaque City where they were found allegedly conducting online scamming activities.

In a statement, the NBI said the 10 foreigners were arrested by operatives of the NBI National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) at a residence in Multinational Village in Paranaque City.

It said all the 10 foreigners face charges of violating Republic Act (RA) 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

The NBI identified seven of the foreigners as Vietnamese nationals Phan Viet Ngan, Do Anh Tuan, Nguyen Duc Anh, Phan Kim Sang, Vo Hong Sy, Nguyen Van Khanh, and Doan Van Dung.

The other foreigners were identified as Chinese nationals Zhang Ming Yi, Xin Yao Huang and Himen Chen.

The NBI said that during the operation, seized from the suspects were computers and transcripts with Chinese characters.

“Based on the seized translated transcripts, Subjects are indeed engaged in phishing and scamming activities,” it said.

“In addition, Operating System Triage conducted on the seized computer units revealed the illegal activities of the Subjects like romance scam, fictitious messaging accounts, fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and fake investment solicitations,” it added.

The NBI said the operation was conducted after NBI-NCR received “an intelligence report that groups of foreign nationals are engaged in Investment Fraud, Crypto Asset or Crypto Currency Scam, Artificial Intelligence scam and High Yield Investment Program (HYIP), Romance scam and identity theft through the use of social engineering scheme and digital communication systems.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that there could still be a lot more illegal operations secretly happening in residential communities with foreigners doing the work? When was the last time an online scamming operation was discovered in your local community?

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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NBI agents arrest 12 Chinese nationals in Parañaque City for alleged scamming and immigration violations, 5 locals arrested for bribery attempt at NBI office

January 23, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended twelve Chinese nationals and five locals for alleged scamming operations and an attempt of bribery, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Twelve Chinese nationals and five Filipinos were arrested for alleged scamming operations and attempted bribery, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) bared Tuesday.

The foreigners were arrested in an operation on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Rance Corporate Center Aseana City in Tambo, Paranaque City for alleged violation of the Philippine Immigration Act.

During the operation, NBI personnel found “romance or love scam scripts, messaging applications with fictitious accounts, bank accounts, and fraudulent cryptocurrency scams, and fake investment schemes.”

The discovery resulted in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals namely: Xu Chao, Meng Wei Shi, Xing Chao, Qin Hai Feng, Li Xiang Hua, Zhang Wei, Wang Qin Xiang, Wang Jia Fa, Jiang Qi Long, Luo Shang Fen, Qixin Wang, and Chen Jiang Song.

The NBI said while the operatives were preparing to return to headquarters with the arrested subjects, a certain Ezechiel Bernales volunteered to come with them, claiming that he is the suspects’ official interpreter.

Bernales allegedly told the NBI operatives that Wang Qin Xiang and Qixin Wang were offering to pay PHP300,000 for the release of each arrested individual or a total of PHP3,600,000.

An entrapment operation was then conducted at the parking lot of the NBI office in Pasay City on Jan. 10 resulting in the arrest of Bernales and four others, namely: Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Bautil.

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 still be a lot more Chinese nationals secretly conducting scam operations? Who do you think could be the mastermind behind the bribery attempt? Are you thankful that the NBI arrested the suspects?

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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Local authorities raid illegal operation inside Cavite resort, 29 foreigners arrested

January 22, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, a team of law enforcers raided an illegal operation inside a Cavite resort and arrested twenty-nine foreign nationals – most of them from China – according to a GMA Network news report. It has been confirmed that there are still several thousands of foreign POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) workers in the country and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act.

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

Despite the nationwide ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), 29 foreigners, including the alleged Chinese boss, were arrested after authorities raided a guerilla operation inside a resort in Silang, Cavite.

According to John Consulta’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) first discovered the illegal operation of the POGO and shared the information with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

“Mayroong confidential informant na nagpunta sa office, na sinabi niya na may kakaibang nangyayari na doon sa resort, may mga nagda-drop na mga Chinese,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel J Gatdula, CIDG Cavite chief.

(There was a confidential informant who went to the office and said that there’s something sketchy happening at the resort as there were Chinese people dropping by.)

While most of those who were arrested are Chinese, six others are citizens of Myanmar. A Chinese man who was alleged to be the boss denied the accusations.

“No, no boss,” he said.

CIDG Cavite said the POGO workers arrived at the resort last December. They were using laptops instead of desktop computers, with each person using a mobile WiFi instead of an internet router.

Authorities confiscated electronic equipment that were allegedly used for scamming activities.

“Ito yung sinasabi nating nagtatago sa mga resorts, sa mga apartments […] Sa harap pa lang makikita mo na mayroong mga transaction ng cryptocurrency scam,” said PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.

(This is what we have been saying that they could hide in resorts or in apartments […] You can even notice at the facade that they were cryptocurrency scam transactions happening.)

“Dapat wala na sila dito. Kung may mga passports ‘yan, dapat tourist passports lang sila,” he added.

(They should no longer be here. If they have passports, it should be tourist passports.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any suspicious activities happening within your local community? Do you think there could be a lot more POGO-related operations happening inside resorts around the country? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Construction of Maynilad’s P4.84 billion sewage treatment facility in Las Piñas City progressing

January 21, 2025January 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently water concessionaire Maynilad announced that its P4.84 billion water reclamation facility (WRF) in Las Piñas City is progressing with its construction and should start operating in July 2026. The said facility is located in Barangay Almanza Uno.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the press release of Maynilad. Some parts in boldface…

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is making progress on its Php4.84-billion Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Las Piñas City, a vital project aimed at expanding wastewater services and contributing to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Now 33% complete, the Las Piñas WRF is slated to begin operations by July 2026. Once operational, it will treat up to 88 million liters of wastewater per day, serving approximately 360,000 residents across 20 barangays in Las Piñas City. Treated wastewater from this facility will be safely discharged into the Zapote River, which flows into Manila Bay, helping to reduce pollution and improve water quality.

Strategically located in Barangay Pamplona Uno, the Las Piñas WRF will utilize advanced Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic (A2O) technology to effectively remove pollutants. The facility is designed to meet the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08), as mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Our construction timeline was unfortunately delayed by pandemic restrictions in 2020, but we resumed work in 2023 with renewed focus. This project reinforces our commitment to providing reliable wastewater services for our customers and easing the pollution burden on Manila Bay,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

The Las Piñas WRF is part of Maynilad’s larger program to accelerate the rollout of sewerage and sanitation services in Metro Manila. The project is financed through a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

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 water reclamation facility will be completed in time to start operations in July 2026?

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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Men who robbed El Grande Avenue house in Las Piñas City arrested

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested three “Akyat Bahay” gang members who broke into a house along El Grande Avenue and robbed it of valuables, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened within the jurisdiction of Barangay BF International-CAA and the suspects were caught hiding in the house ceiling.

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

Three members of “Akyat Bahay” gang were caught by members of the Las Piñas City Police hiding in the ceiling of the house they robbed of valuable items on Jan. 7.

Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as alias “Anthony,” 24; alias “Andrei,” 21; and alias “Paul,” 19, all residents of Parañaque City.

They were apprehended at around 3:00 p.m. at a house on El Grande Avenue in Barangay BF International/CAA Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the victim, identified as alias “Ernesto,”67, visited his house and discovered that it was ransacked, prompting him to immediately report the incident to the police.

He said the suspects were found hiding in the ceiling of the house of the victim during the investigation by responding policemen, village security personnel and barangay officials.

The victim claimed that his 42-inch Sony flat-screen TV worth P60,000, a 43-inch Devant flat-screen TV worth P50,000, and a Mac computer valued at P100,000 were stolen and not recovered. Tafalla said an air conditioning unit worth P70,000 was recovered at the scene.

He said the suspects also damaged a circuit breaker worth P120,000.00, the ceiling worth P50,000, and floor tiles and sliding door each valued at P50,000.

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? Was there an Akyat Bahay incident that happened in your local community over the past six months? Do you own a home that got robbed?

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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