To the people of Parañaque City, did you notice something highly unusual in your community? Did you somehow purchase items that turned out to be fake? Have you been often using the products you bought recently?
Well, you might want to practice caution because a few days ago it was reported through the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that billions of pesos worth of fake products were seized by Customs agents in the City of Parañaque, specifically in Barangay Baclaran (or simply Baclaran as written in the report).
You want details? Check out this excerpt from the PNA’s report. Some parts in boldface…
Bureau of Customs (BOC) officers have seized some PHP2 billion worth of various counterfeit items in Parañaque City.
In a statement on Friday, the bureau said the goods were seized during an inspection of storage facilities by the Intelligence Group’s Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) – Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in Baclaran on Thursday.
The items are composed of earphones, shoes, and bags bearing known registered trademarks such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Onitsuka Tiger, Vans, Adidas, Nike, JBL, Sony, and Jordan.
The team also discovered counterfeit personal care products such as Cetaphil, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Vaseline, Jergens, Dove, Nivea, Glutamax, Kojic, Joe Malone, Bulgari, D&G, Channel, Victoria’s Secret, Hugo Boss, and Clinique.
The haul is one of the bureau’s biggest seizure of counterfeit goods this year.
The inspection was conducted through a letter of authority (LOA) and mission order (MO) signed by Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.
The imported items were seized for the possible violation of Section 118 (f) of the Republic Act (RA) 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and RA 8293 also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (IPCP).
The BOC also stated that beauty products and perfume found to be fake may contain chemicals that are toxic and harmful to users. Now check out this related news video.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s report and the above news video? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City? Do you believe that fake goods are being moved around your community? Who do you think is responsible for all those fake goods that the BOC seized in Baclaran?
Now that you read about the fake goods raided by Customs, do you feel discouraged about online shopping?
Have you heard about the Parañaque Renaissance? If you did, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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
As I was browsing for South Metro Manila news on the website of the Manila Bulletin, I found the latest crime news related to Parañaque. It is about local police officers succeeding in their buy-bust operation that resulted the seizure of over a million pesos worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of three suspects. The local police officers and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) deserve to admiration and thanks in the fight against what seems to be a wave of crime plaguing Parañaque a lot lately (read about the cyber sex den raid, the kidnapped Chinese national, the arrest of suspects related to illegal sale of COVID-19 test kits, illegal drugs in the city, the shooting incident and smuggled face shields in the city, and the arrest of a very wanted Japanese national).
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from Manila Bulletin’s report. Some parts in boldface…
Southern Police District (SPD) Director, Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, identified the suspects as Mary Ann Villa, 31, of 75 Peras St., General Malvar Exit, Bagong Bario, Caloocan City; Christina Bungay, 33, of Block 13d Lot 20, Karimas Village, Barangay Panghulo, Malabon City; and Sohaily Batao, 30, of Phase 12 Barangay 188, Tala, Caloocan Cty.
Macaraeg said the suspects were arrested at about 2:50 p.m. on May 31 in front of a restaurant located along service road, Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Baclaran, Paranaque City.
He said that prior to the arrest of the suspects, members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) coordinated with the Paranaque Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) on the conduct of the buy-bust operation.
The SPD chief said that PDEA and SDEU operatives were able to confiscate a plastic sachets and bags containing a total of 200 grams of shabu worth P1,360,000.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe that Parañaque will continue to be an attractive city for criminals? Who could be behind the smuggling of illegal drugs around the city? Does this latest Parañaque crime news make you feel safe or uneasy living in the city?
Have you heard about the Parañaque Renaissance? If you did, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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
The week of May 17 to 23, 2021 has not been good for the city of Parañaque as far as news coverage is concerned. First of all, the launch of the Pfizer vaccine in Parañaque was marred by very long lines, frustration and confusion (complete with information that witnesses shared with the Manila Bulletin).
On May 19, it was reported by GMA Network that a shooting incident happened in the city, along Airport Road in Barangay Baclaran to be precise. For transparency, posted below is the excerpt from the report…
A delivery personnel of a water station was shot by unidentified armed men in Paranaque City Wednesday morning.
According to Super Radyo dzBB’s Mao dela Cruz, the yet to be identified victim has been brought to the hospital for treatment.
The incident happened along Airport Road in Baclaran where the pedicab of the victim and empty water gallons were left.
Next is a more intriguing report (by Manila Bulletin) as it involved the presence and efforts of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). They entered a warehouse in Barangay BF Homes and found smuggled products related to this COVID-19 pandemic. Posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin’s report. Some parts in bold…
Authorities discovered P70 million worth of alleged fake and smuggled face shields from China in a raid in Parañaque City on Thursday, May 20, as the government tightens its monitoring of counterfeit coronavirus disease (COVID-19) safety equipment that are flooding the market.
Joint personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Bureau of Customs (BOC) found boxes of inauthentic “Heng De” face shields that were illegally sneaked in the country and stored in a warehouse in Barangay BF Homes.
The PCG said the smuggled face shields “did not pass the appropriate inspection” by the BOC.
“[It] may not be declared safe for use by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA),” it added.
The above report ended stating that the BOC will destroy the seized materials once accounting has been done. A follow-up investigation will eventually start to find out who is responsible with the smuggling.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction towards the shooting incident along Airport Road? Who do you think is responsible for the smuggling and storage of the seized face shields that were seized in the Barangay BF Homes?
Do you believe it is time for City Government, the local barangays and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Parañaque to renew their efforts to fight crime and secure the safety of the people?
With regards to COVID-19 vaccination, were you able to get vaccinated in Parañaque City in a smooth and orderly manner? Did you notice the local vaccination organizers allow walk-ins recently? Did the local vaccination organizers respond promptly to those who registered online?
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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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
To all the readers based in Parañaque City…were you able to avail of the free COVID-19 vaccine in your city lately? If you were vaccinated successfully, what type of vaccine was used on you? How long did you wait in line?
The reason why I’m asking this is because GMA Network published news videos that showed some people who waited long in line only to end up not getting vaccinated at a mall in the city the same day Sputnik V debuted there.
To be clear, here are two excerpts from the PIA-published press release…
Excerpt 1
This city demonstrated its capability to efficiently receive and handle the administration of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccines during a trial run held here on Tuesday, May 4, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez cited the unique characteristics of the Sputnik V vaccines, as he assured the national government and his people that the city is capable of handling the vaccines.
“Ito pong Sputnik V, special po ang logistics nito, kasi kailangan po natin dito at least negative 18 degrees centigrade ang storage. Ang City of Parañaque, through our City Health Office ay prepared na prepared sa paghandle nitong Sputnik V,” Olivarez said.
Excerpt 2
For his part, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 and vaccine czar thanked the City of Parañaque for agreeing to be one of the host cities for the pilot rollout of the Sputnik V vaccines.
“Through this pilot test we are conducting today, we will be able to see and address possible challenges that may arise before we begin to roll out the 485,000 Sputnik V doses that are expected to arrive this week,” Galvez said.
By reading the entire press release at PIA’s website, you would end up believing that things went well in Parañaque City and the launch of Sputnik V. What was completely missing in the press release were long linesand frustration (for those who waited so long and ended up empty handed) at the same venue on the same day as the Sputnik V rollout in Parañaque. Watch GMA Network’s news video below titled “Tempers flare at Parañaque COVID-19 vaccination site as not everyone receives jabs”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about GMA Network’s news video on Parañaque and its Sputnik V launch? Are the organizers in Parañaque taking proper care of its citizens who are trying to get vaccinated for COVID-19? Is the City Government of Parañaque relying on media gimmicks (examples: fancy speeches, lots of show-off photography, etc.) while trying to serve as many citizens to the best of its abilities? Whether you got vaccinated or not, how many hours did you spend waiting in line in your city? How many vaccination sites are available in Parañaque right now that you know? Do you believe that Parañaque can achieve its goal of vaccinating 5,000 people per day?
Are you one of the frustrated people who appeared in GMA’s news video who waited so long in line only to end up without getting vaccinated?
Were the vaccine program organizers of Parañaque City transparent and took good care of you when you lined up?
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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the Manila Bulletin’s May 8, 2021 report…
A Chinese man was rescued by members of the Parañaque City Police after he was allegedly kidnapped by two fellow citizens and four Filipinos, police said on Saturday.
Police identified the suspects as Chen Shiduan, 47; Chen Lianxing, 37; Joseph Cardona, 52; Benidecto Manicad, 48; Raphael Milanag, 37; and Nida Bagtas , 49.
Police rescued Li Le Le, 20, working as a customer service at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) company.
Prior to the rescue, the Paranaque Sub Station 3 received a complaint from the victim’s friends who claimed that Le was being illegally detained, but they were unable to determine how many suspects were involved.
The operation was launched at 9 p.m. on Friday under the supervision of Parañaque City Police chief Col. Maximo Sebastian Jr. at the 19th floor of Washington Tower, Marina Bay in Barangay Don Galo, Parañaque City, which led to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the victim.
Police are still investigating the motive behind the abduction.
As per the Manila Bulletin’s report, the police are trying to determine how, where and when exactly was the victim kidnapped. What is the motive for the kidnapping? We don’t know yet.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Manila Bulletin’s crime news report? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City? Are the local police and barangay tanods doing enough to secure your local community from criminals? Do you feel disturbed about the presence of Chinese nationals in Parañaque City? Is there a POGO operation within your local community?
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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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
Something big happened in two operations by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in two cities of South Metro Manila. The result is the seizure of illegal drugs worth over P130 million and the arrest of suspects. The cities where the operations took place at were Las Piñas City and Parañaque City.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the May 8, 2021 news article published by Philippines News Agency (PNA)…
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested four persons, including an 18-year-old, who yielded suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP136 million in separate buy-bust operations in the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas on Friday night.
PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon identified the lone arrested suspect in Parañaque City as Ralel Barauntong, 29, who was busted along Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Barangay Sto. Niño at 7 p.m.
Seized from Barauntong were more or less 10 kg of suspected shabu valued at PHP68 million, a mobile phone, 10 bundles of boodle money with one genuine PHP1,000 bill, and a gray Chevrolet Optra.
Apprehended in Las Piñas City were Mohaimen Andang, 28; Marilou Leviste, 45; and an 18-year-old.
The 8:30 p.m. drug bust along Diamond Street, Camella Homes 3C Pamplona Tres, conducted by personnel of the PDEA and the Philippine National Police, resulted in the confiscation of 10 kg of suspected shabu valued at PHP68 million, three mobile phones, the buy-bust money, and a black Toyota Vios.
The report ended stating that charges related violating Republic Act Number 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) will be filed against the suspects.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s report? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City or in Las Piñas City? Are the local police and barangay tanods doing enough to secure your local community from criminals?
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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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 Capital Region Police (NCRPO) Chief, Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao, Jr., said the checkpoints are implemented at Susana Heights Tollgate; Alabang Tollgate; Filinvest Tollgate; Sucat Tollgate; Bicutan Tollgate; Skyway Entry; Nichols Tollgate; and Balon Bato, Balintawak, Quezon City.
Danao said apart from these control points, about 929 other checkpoints are manned by some 7,876 personnel in highly visible areas but these are “less restrictive”, which means it is mainly for anti-criminality, anti-terrorism, and dragnet operations.
He said under ECQ, police manning checkpoints restrict the movement of persons not allowed outside their homes and facilitate the movement of authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) and essential goods and services.
For those living in the South Metro Manila cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Parañaque, the tollgates of Susana Heights, Alabang, Filinvest, Sucat and Bicutan should be familiar because all of them are accessed through the Skyway and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). I find it weird that the PNA report did not even mention the said highways.
Knowing this, I encourage you all to check the ECQ requirements for travel (note: if you still have your quarantine pass or QP, bring it with you) and study using S-PaSS (note: City Government of Las Piñas encouraged motorists to use it).
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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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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
Are you fond of delicious lasagna and dining along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes Subdivision, Parañaque City with your friends or family members? Well, you will be happy to learn that popular lasagna maker and restaurant chain House of Lasagana announced recently via social media that it will open a brand new branch in BF Homes this coming March!
The big announcement from the Facebook page of House of Lasagna.
Their Facebook announcement goes as follows: To our House of Lasagna family in the south, we heard you!!! We are finally opening a branch near you all to serve you better! We are beyond excited to bring fresher and hotter lasagnas into every home in the south! Delivery is way faster too! We can’t wait for opening day when we can all welcome you into our HOUSE in the SOUTH. We are located along Aguirre Ave. BF Homes Paranaque. See you all very soon!
For the newcomers reading this, House of Lasagna is an Italian inspired restaurant chain that first started in 2009 in the City of San Juan, established by Chef Erick Congmon. Since then, House of Lasagana expanded around Metro Manila and I personally enjoyed a delicious meal at their SM MOA branch back in 2018.
Back to the south, opening a restaurant in BF Homes brings House of Lasagna closer to the residents and food enthusiasts of South Metro Manila given the fact that the subdivision itself is connected with not only Parañaque but also with the cities of Muntinlupa and Las Piñas. Imagine how many people living in the varied villages of Alabang, BF Resort, Barangay BF Homes and other nearby populated zones would come into BF Homes for House of Lasagna which has already established its credibility of serving very delicious food that are well cooked.
In line with its business name, House of Lasagna has a fine selection of lasagnas that customers can choose from based on their taste such as beef lasagna, chicken lasagna, three-cheese lasagna, vegetable lasagna, pesto lasagna and others.
I personally recommend their beef lasagna which is of top-notch quality! Last Christmas, a friend of mine gifted me and my family with one whole beef lasagna of House of Lasagna delivered by motorcycle. I can share to you all reading this that each bite I had of the beef lasagna really tasted good and the pasta used is smooth yet firm to chew on. It was so tasty, condiments were not necessary anymore.
This is the beef lasagna of House of Lasagna that was delivered to our home last Christmas thanks to a very generous friend of mine.
A close look at my first serving of House of Lasagna’s beef lasagna.
Other than lasagna, they also sell southern-style fried chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, creamy pesto and chicken wings to name some. As if that was not enough, House of Lasagna also offers cakes and pastries!
Now that you know the news about House of Lasagna BF Homes branch, I encourage you to share this article and details to other food enthusiasts you know. On my end, once House of Lasagna announces the exact date as to when their BF Homes branch will open, I will update you all.
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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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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
It has been seven years since prominent BF Homes resident and business tycoon Antonio P. Antonio died as a result of a tragedy that happened at his family’s home. It all happened on September 11, 2013 when Antonio (referred to as Tonton by his friends and associates) was shot several times by his son Nelson after their private meeting at Villa Antonio and, after a desperate attempt to get him treated at Asian Hospital in Alabang, passed away at age 63. Antonio has been buried at Everest Hills Memorial Park in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, where friends and family members pay their respect to him each whenever his death anniversary passes.
His son, the suspect Nelson, is still being tried in court in Parañaque City for the charge of parricide. The trial has yet to conclude.
His other children – Xialen, Vladimir and Lenin to name a few – have taken over the family business left behind.
Prominent in BF Homes and overseas
The late Antonio P. Antonio.
The late Antonio P. Antonio was well established with many community leaders and personalities in BF Homes subdivision (which itself is part of Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas). Apart from being highly successful in the world of business, Antonio served as a director as well as president of the old federation United BF Homeowners Association, Inc. (UBFHAI).
Over in Japan, Antonio P. Antonio has his own OHAKA tombstone in a cemetery in Odawara. This is in relation to his being honored by his Japanese business associates who trusted and believe in him very much. He is the only GAIJIN or foreigner to have a tombstone in the mentioned cemetery and it is a high honor for the Japan to do to a friend.
Remembering the father
On behalf of the family, Xialen Antonio shared some insights about their father and how the family turned out over the past seven years.
“I can only say that life hasn’t been easy without our father, his demise simply put us in a chaotic life. Eventually, life paved the way on how we can deal with our loss. Our lifestyle has changed dramatically and it only made us humble before the LORD,” Xialen stated.
When asked what she missed the most from her father, she pointed to his presence, his sense of calm, and protection towards adversities. Xialen’s siblings simply adapted ways to build resilience especially in trying times. The tragedy, unsurprisingly, compelled them to adjust themselves and live on.
Justice pursued
As mentioned earlier, justice for the father is being pursued by Xialen and her family. The parricide trial of Nelson Antonio is continues to be held at Branch 257 of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court (RTC). The status of the trial is as follows…
“We are down to the cross examination of our last witness which will happen very soon. We can never be confident until we finish this trial and there are still obstacles in fighting for the Justice of APA. But then I have put our faith in our justice system, the local government, the police, the media and with the help of the community that put focus and attention to this case,” Xialen stated.
What led to the trial
When tragedy struck on September 11, 2013, Antonio P. Antonio was seen wounded and bleeding shortly after the shooting. His son Vladimir and their driver rushed him to the Asian Hospital in Alabang in an attempt to save his life. Before passing away, the former UBFHAI president told Vladimir that it was Nelson who shot him with a gun.
Back in BF Homes, suspect Nelson arrived at the Philippine National Police (PNP) sub-station along Elsie Gatches street, Parañaque City to surrender himself. Based on the written Investigation Report at the Las Piñas City PNP signed by three officers (SPO2 Edmund Alfonso, PO2 Christian C. Yanga and PO2 Mark Billy S. Carbonell), Nelson’s arrest from the Parañaque PNP sub-station was confirmed. This meant sending a Las Pinas police team to fetch the suspect at the Parañaque sub-station. What was noticeable, however, was that the report had no indication of the recovery of the firearm that was used in killing the father.
Because of the fact that the Antonio residence occupied the border of the cities of Paranaque and Las Pinas, there was confusion with regards to jurisdiction. In fact, police officers from both cities visited the site of incident. Suspect Nelson was turned over to the police of Las Piñas. A release order dated September 27, 2013 was issued by Las Pinas City Prosecutor Zelica Longcob due to the lack of jurisdiction.
After much struggle over the issue of jurisdiction, the case for parricide was tossed back to legal system in Parañaque, specifically at Branch Number 257 of the local Regional Trial Court. On February 27, 2014, Branch 257 Judge Roland G. How issued a Warrant of Arrest for Nelson who was charged with parricide (Criminal Case Number 14-0222). By the time the order was made, the suspect was already overseas. According to flight records, Nelson left December 28, 2013 for Singapore.
On February 16, 2018, Nelson Antonio was arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was the result of a particular overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who saw an investigative report on television (aired December 2017) which exposed the suspect. The OFW recognized Nelson and contacted the Philippine police attache to arrest him. Eventually an international arrest warrant (the Interpol Red Notice) was issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) which alerted the police force in the UAE.
Escorted by law enforcers, Nelson Antonio arrived here in the Philippines on April 30, 2018.
Xialen’s message to the readers
“Our family would like to seek the support from our community to help us fight for Justice for APA. We want to be the living example of how we can attain TRUE JUSTICE during these unprecedented times. May we request everyone to pray for this and let this be a community standard of a wonderful collaboration among all sectors that are involved.”
An official portrait of the late Antonio P. Antonio.
In my old life, I used to be fond of celebrating Halloween. Having been Born Again, I realized my true purpose in life under God the Father and His Son Jesus. That being said, I realized how wrong it is to celebrate Halloween which is essentially evil and unholy for any Christian (including those who practice idolatry which itself is sinful). Halloween will take Christians away from the Lord and that alone is reason enough to reject it.
Halloween’s origin is Celtic by nature and it is connected with observing the sacrifices to gods under the Druidic culture. There is also Samhain, a dark lord who sends out evil souls to attack humans who try to save themselves by wearing disguises with the images of those very evil souls.
Sounds familiar? It is because there are these modern day Halloween practices that are linked to the evil rites and superstitions of Halloween. In the modern world where Halloween gets celebrated, people (including many children) go out and around their local communities wearing costumes of horror figures like zombies, demons, monsters and pop culture-related villains (examples: Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers). These costumed Halloween participants, looking horrific, would visit any household that offers candy for trick-or-treat. Wearing “non-horror” costumes like superhero attire or fantasy attire (example: dressed like a princess) does NOT reduce the evil that comes with Halloween. There is no such thing as an innocent way of celebrating Halloween.
And then there are those multimedia-related ways of celebrating Halloween like watching horror movies back to back or playing video games that carry strong horror themes. There is also the business aspect of Halloween as food retailers promote the season by linking it with selling candy and chocolate (clearly to take advantage of families or groups that intend to give away the sweets during trick-or-treat Halloween celebrations in the local communities).
Halloween trick-or-treat here in the Philippines even made its way to local government units. In October of 2016 and 2017, the City Government of Parañaque organized trick-or-treat at City Hall which attracted kids wearing costumes (including horror and superhero attire) who visited varied offices that give away candy. During those times, the City Government even organized special events at the nearby city sports complex celebrating Halloween which I find rather disturbing.
In my old life, I enjoyed celebrating Halloween and I used to ignore the claims that it was unholy and evil. While I never went out for trick-or-treat as a kid, I helped out in giving candy to costumed visitors. I also hiked around the local area photographing the Halloween activities flocked by participants, and then uploading those pics online for social media users to view. I also took time celebrating Halloween by watching horror movies.
Looking back, I honestly admit that celebrating Halloween was indeed wrong. Now that I’m a saved soul and a dedicated Christian with a living relationship with the Lord, I declare that Halloween is wrong, unholy and evil. Halloween is a popular tool used by Satan to take people away from God and Jesus. Halloween definitely should be rejected always and we Christians must always be with God. Let me discuss the following points.
“Is it okay for a Christian to celebrate Halloween?”
The answer is a definite NO. Let’s take a look at the Holy Scripture below.
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.
1 Corinthians 10:21 (NKJV)
And now the Amplified version.
You cannot drink [both] the Lord’s cup and the cup of demons. You cannot share in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons [thereby becoming partners with them].
1 Corinthians 10:21 (AMP)
Very clearly, there is no room to worship both the Lord and evil. If you want to be with the side of God and Jesus, you really need to purify yourself and free yourself from whatever form of evil thrown at you by Satan. Satan is a loser indeed, however he still exists because Adam gave him dominion (read about Adam’s Rebellion) and as long as he exists, he will do anything to take you away from God, to prevent you from worshiping the Lord and will use anything (including religion and idolatry) to prevent you from making progress with the Lord. Halloween is one of Satan’s weapons against Christianity. Halloween is also a long-time tool of the enemy to embrace evil.
If you sinned by celebrating Halloween and committing other sinful acts in your past, you can still be saved (note: you need to be born again to be saved. Heed the words of Jesus in John 3:3) because God is merciful and you need to be willing to repent, submit to Him and dedicate yourself to Him with an established personal relationship with Him.
Be aware that goodness comes from God and evil comes from Satan. It’s as clear as night and day. If you are a saved soul, then it is clear you should stand with God and His Son Jesus. Being dedicated to the Lord will spare you from evil, and that takes willingness and decisiveness from your end.
Learn from this Holy Scripture.
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:1-10 (NKJV)
Each and every one of us was created to be loyal, faithful, loving and dedicated towards our Heavenly Father God and His Son Lord Jesus even as we were granted the freedom to think, act and decide. Even before we were even made, God established a plan for each and every one of us. Worshiping Satan, embracing evil, celebrating Halloween and living a life full sin and wickedness are obviously NOT part of God’s plan for us all.
By realizing the true purpose of your existence under God, you will realize that it is your destiny to be saved and to be faithful (not religious) to the Lord. Satan used a whole lot of tools to prevent God’s creations from being with Him. Satan used not only Halloween but also religion, idolatry, money, power, destruction, secularism, atheism, agnosticism, Marxism, socialism, Communism, Leftism, entertainment and a whole batch of other tools to bring Christians down and make evil stronger.
Going back to Halloween, that celebration of evil includes witchcraft which is an abomination! In our world, it is too easy for people to go out wearing costumes to look like witches and this alone spreads the influence of evil around. There are also filmmakers and other creative people out there who made witchcraft look cool or even a good custom to practice. The 1996 Hollywood movie The Craft is one such example of spreading Satan’s influence to the public and I personally recommend to you readers to avoid watching that movie (note: destroy whatever physical or digital copies you have of it) at all. In addition, I urge you to avoid spending your hard-earned money on such evil, and that means boycotting promotional products of Halloween and anything related to evil. Witchcraft and related stuff like sorcery, necromancy and magic are abominations as written in the Holy Bible. Read the Holy Scripture below.
“When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.”
Deuteronomy 18:9-12
Those abominations that look good in entertainment media are all made to deceive you and prevent you from achieving progress and purity with the Lord. From time to time, there are media reports about real life people who practice witchcraft, sorcery and other unholy customs that make this world a terrible place under the eyes of God. That is, obviously, very unfortunate because it proves how screwed up our physical world really is.
Even appearances can add to the influence of evil. You think going out in local community Halloween celebrations dressed as a witch, or as a magician or as a sorcerer (or even cosplaying as Marvel’s Doctor Strange) is okay with the Lord for as long as you don’t practice witchcraft and the like? Wrong! Imagery or appearances of evil spread evil and deceives others. Such imagery also will influence people to embrace idolatry which itself is a sin. Already there are many people who not only celebrate Halloween (Satan’s festival) but also idolized evil figures like the Jack-O-lantern, Dracula, Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger and more. Idolaters will not inherit the kingdom of God! Very clearly, idolatry is unholy! Learn from the scripture below.
Surely you must know that people who practice evil cannot possess God’s kingdom realm. Stop being deceived! People who continue to engage in sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, sexual perversion, homosexuality, fraud, greed, drunkenness, verbal abuse, or extortion—these will not inherit God’s kingdom realm.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (TPT)
Rejecting Halloween Effectively
You might be wondering: how are we Christians supposed to reject Halloween and its evil effectively?
First, we must realize our purpose as Christians from the following Holy Scripture.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in this world.
1 John 4:4 (NKJV)
And the Amplified version…
Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].
1 John 4:4 (AMP)
With that Holy Scripture in two versions, it is clear that as children of God, we are victorious for we believe in the victory of Jesus over Satan. With God on our side, nothing is impossible and we have the power to reject fear, reject evil and reject Satan ultimately. It is by faith in the Lord, not religion and not idolatry, that Christians are special and holy. Stronger than Satan too.
With God on our side, Halloween’s global popularity can be wiped away and its influence of evil on others can be removed and be replaced with the goodness and the biblical truth emphasizing the holiness and victory of Jesus.
If you are looking for practical ways to reject Halloween (and Satan), I would suggest the following:
Instead of watching horror movies or anything that carries the influence of evil, go watch YouTube videos of Christian praise-and-worship songs like the following below.
Instead of going out on Halloween trick-or-treat, pray to the Lord in your room with the door shut (refer to Matthew 6:6 in the Holy Bible) and be aware that in this way, the Lord is in a secret place and when He sees in secret, you will be rewarded openly. If your church is open or has a holy activity at the same time as Halloween is being held on October 31, make an effort to go to church with the Lord in mind.
Instead of looking at evil images or reading materials that are related to Halloween, better read the Holy Bible or a Christian book.
Christian books that you must read.
By now, it is clear that as Christians we must always maintain strong faith, trust and dedication to God and His Son Jesus. It also means we must be pure in holiness and there definitely is no room for us to accommodate evil in all its forms. As such, Halloween must be rejected always and its evil presence only means we must persevere more to meet God’s high call. We are all God’s creations and He made plans for each and every one of us even before we were even created. Obviously we were NOT created to worship nor magnify evil at all! We are destined to be saved (be born again) and live in holiness following Jesus. We pray to Him, serve Him, thank Him and dedicate ourselves to Him for the rest of our time.
Let me end this with one more Holy Scripture.
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
Colossians 1:13 (NKJV)
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