Billions of Pesos worth of fake goods seized in Parañaque City

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?

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 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

COVID-19 Crisis: More Sputnik V vaccines coming to the Philippines

Gradually, millions in additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines are coming into the Philippines and around ten million doses are to be administered this month. Along the way, Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V has been used to immunize thousands of Filipinos (check out the Sputnik V launch in Muntinlupa City and Parañaque City). As of May 30, 2021, a grand total of 80,000 doses of Sputnik V has arrived in the Philippines.

But there is more! According to an article published by Philippine News Agency (PNA), Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that further supplies of Sputnik V vaccine doses will keep coming to the Philippines.

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

The Philippines can expect more Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine doses in the coming months after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to increase the volume of deliveries.

According to a statement from the Office of the President (OP), Putin made this commitment in a telesummit with President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday.

“President Putin said that Russia will increase the volume of deliveries of Sputnik V vaccines to the Philippines,” the OP statement read.

Duterte, for his part, thanked Putin for making Sputnik V available to the Philippines and reiterated the importance of the expeditious delivery of ordered vaccines.

On May 30, the Philippines received 50,000 more doses of the Sputnik V vaccines.

The country has so far received a total of 80,000 Sputnik V doses, including the latest shipment.

In relation to the above details, check out this news video by GMA Network.

For the newcomers reading this, Sputnik V is an adenovirus viral vector vaccine for COVID-19 developed by Russia-based Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. When the first batch of the Russian vaccines arrived in early May, the City of Muntinlupa was one of the first cities to receive them. In connection to the latest batch that arrived from Russia, Sputnik V has finally made its way to the island province of Cebu. I should state that President Putin’s vow to deliver more of his nation’s vaccines into the Philippines is significant and the results will be seen in the months to come.

To learn about Sputnik V, watch these two videos…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Does this news about Sputnik V boost your confidence with vaccines for COVID-19? How crucial is President Putin’s vow (on delivering more Sputnik V vaccines to the Philippines) considering the ongoing efforts of vaccination in the Philippines? Were you vaccinated with the Russian vaccine?

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 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

COVID-19 Crisis: GCQ in NCR Plus until June 15, 2021

While it was announced really late in the evening of May 31, the general community quarantine (GCQ) remains in effect in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the bordering provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal from June 1 to June 15, 2021.

To put things in perspective, below is an excerpt from the article of Philippine News Agency (PNA). Some parts in boldface…

The general community quarantine (GCQ) quarantine classification in Metro Manila and other areas has been extended until June 15, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday night.

Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to extend the GCQ status in the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal (NCR Plus) for 15 more days to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in a press statement, said some restrictions shall remain in place in NCR Plus limiting the capacities of certain industries.

The PNA article also includes key details such the OCTA Research Group recommending the GCQ status for NCR Plus to be retained so that people won’t become very complacent. When it comes to guidelines and restrictions, read the Manila Bulletin article.

I want to add here that vaccination registration and processes are being done by the many local government units around the nation. Millions more new vaccines will arrive this month. That being said, I encourage you – those who have not yet registered for free COVID-19 vaccines – to get registered and wait for the local authorities to contact you. I just received my 2nd dose of vaccine from Russia here in Muntinlupa City. In my two appointments for vaccination, the local organizing of the processes, verification and health check were done efficiently and smoothly. Even if one gets fully vaccinated (2 doses), there is still a need to follow health protocols.

Las Piñas City residents can learn the ways to get registered vaccines right here, while those in Muntinlupa can learn about online registration here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a business owner, what are the biggest problems you experienced during GCQ? How many more business restrictions related to GCQ do you want to see get loosened or removed? If you have not yet registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines in your locality, what is your main reason for not registering?

Is the local vaccination organizer efficient and friendly to those who arrived for inoculation?

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 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

COVID-19 Crisis: 10 million vaccine doses to be administered in the Philippines this June

As the old say goes – the more, the better! In the case of this ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Philippines needs all the vaccines it can get! A new development is brewing in relation to this.

Yesterday, it was announced through the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that ten million vaccines doses are being eyed by the national vaccination program as additional vaccines will arrive in this new month of June. In addition, the newest supply of COVID-19 vaccine from Russia called Sputnik V just arrived.

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

The national vaccination program is eyeing to reach 10 million doses by the middle of the year as the bulk of Sputnik, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca orders arrive within June.

On June 6, one million doses of China’s Sinovac are expected while 1.3 million and 900,000 US-made Pfizer jabs are arriving on June 7 and 11, respectively.

Moderna vaccines, also from the US, are scheduled for delivery on June 21.

“We are very thankful that we have already breached the five-million figure and this June, mapapabilis tayo (we will speed up). We are aiming to breach another five by the end of this month,” said National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Sunday night during the arrival of 50,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccines at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“There will also be another batch from the COVAX facility this month most likely,” he added.

The Sputnik V jabs were taken to the PharmaServ cold storage in Marikina City.

So far, the country has received 80,000 doses of the Russian vaccines after the first two tranches of 15,000 doses each on May 1 and 12. Another shipment will arrive within 21 days.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov, who also welcomed the delivery, said the occasion further strengthened cooperation between the two nations in fighting the pandemic.

“This is timely for the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia. It is important for us to help the Filipino people. [We hope to] contribute to the strength in our relationship,” he said in an interview.

Last week, Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Morgulov said the vaccine allotment is one of the prominent areas for cooperation between the Philippines and Russia and expressed hope that more batches of the jabs could be delivered in the next months.

Indeed, more of the COVID-19 vaccines are coming in gradually here in the Philippines. Any new supply that arrives is welcome because there simply are not enough to vaccinate local citizens with the required two doses. And then there are also other challenges such as preserving the delicate vaccines and delivering them by the bulk to different cities, towns and barangays.

Meanwhile, the City of Muntinlupa confirmed that as of May 27, 2021, 46,015 residents have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, of which 16,989 have received their second dose. For those inoculated with their first dose, 22,758 received Sinovac, 16,771 were inoculated with AstraZeneca, 2,979 with Gamaleya’s Sputnik V, and 3,507 with Pfizer-BioNTech.

Muntinlupa City residents are urged to register online in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to avoid crowding in vaccination areas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you were vaccinated already, how many doses were you inject with right now? What was the brand of vaccine you got injected with? Did you experience any tremendous chaos or disorganization when you lined up to get vaccinated at the local vaccination site?

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 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

Skyway Stage 3 Quirino southbound exit now open to motorists

Hey readers! Have you been driving along Skyway Stage 3 lately? In case you missed the news, the southbound Quirino exit of Skyway Stage 3 was officially opened this past Monday. To be specific, it allows motorists from Balintawak and Quezon Avenue to travel to Manila much faster and safer than before.

In a May 24, 2021 Facebook page post, San Miguel Corporation president Ramon S. Ang wrote: Together with the DPWH, we opened today the Quirino southbound exit of Skyway Stage 3. This will cut travel time from Balintawak and Quezon Ave. to Manila to less than 20 mins from the usual 1.5 hours. In the midst of the pandemic, we remain committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure that will ensure better lives for the present and future generations. This is the world we want.

The Quirino exit on the southbound lane of Skyway Stage 3 formally opened. (source – Ramon S. Ang Facebook page)

To put things in perspective some more, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article about the same subject matter. Some parts in boldface…

San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through SMC Infrastructure, opened Monday the southbound Quirino exit of the Skyway Stage 3 elevated expressway to Class-1 vehicles, allowing motorists coming from Balintawak and Quezon Avenue to directly reach Manila within less than 20 minutes from 1.5 hours without traffic.

The opening was led by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar and SMC president Ramon S. Ang.

“The full completion of Skyway Stage 3 will divert at least 75,000 vehicles away from EDSA or C5. This is a realization of President Duterte’s promise to decongest EDSA. Skyway Stage 3 is proof that the private sector and the government can work together towards a unified solution,” Villar said.

Ang said the opening of the Quirino southbound exit will greatly improve accessibility from Quezon City and Manila.

“With more private vehicles diverted to Skyway Stage 3 on their way back from NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), or coming from Quezon Avenue, to Manila, traffic on our major public roads as well as on streets usually utilized as ‘shortcuts’ or ‘alternate routes’, will be a thing of the past. This will redound to relief from congestion and faster and easier commutes for many of our countrymen on our major thoroughfares. We thank President Duterte and the government team led by Secretary Villar for all their support,” he said.

And said SMC will continue to deliver on its commitment to bring motorists quality infrastructure that addresses congestion and lack of accessibility.

“We remain dedicated to providing convenient and seamless travel for motorists to help decongest Metro Manila and enable growth in all areas that we reach,” he added.

SMC, which fully-funded and built 100 percent of the Skyway Stage 3, said the expressway now has 15 operational ramps.

These include Northbound entry/on-ramps — Buendia (Zobel) and Quezon Avenue; Southbound entry/on ramps –Balintawak, Quezon Avenue and Plaza Dilao; Northbound exit/off ramps –Quirino Avenue, Nagtahan, Quezon Avenue, A. Bonifacio, and Balintawak; and Southbound exit/off ramps –Quezon Avenue, E. Rodriguez, Nagtahan, Quirino and Buendia (Zobel).

Now here is a related news video for your viewing pleasure and learning…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you traveled along Skyway Stage 3 and exited through Quirino already? If you did, what was the experience like? How fast did it take you to travel from Balintawak or Quezon Avenue to exit through Quirino? Is the southbound travel along Skyway Stage 3 even better now that the Quirino exit is open?

To all motorists based in Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Parañaque, how often did you travel along Skyway Stage 3 this year?

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 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

Two suspected drug dealers killed and P68 million in illegal drugs seized in Muntinlupa City

Yesterday morning, a news report published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) caught my attention as it was about crime that happened in Muntinlupa City. Specifically, it’s about almost P70 million worth of illegal drugs and the elimination two suspected drug dealers. The operation done by the law enforcers happened on Sunday evening.

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

Two suspected drug dealers were killed in a joint Philippine National Police-Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PNP-PDEA) anti-illegal drugs operations while some 10 kilograms of shabu worth PHP68 million were seized in Muntinlupa City Sunday night.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, identified the slain suspects as Jordan Sabandal Abrigo and Jayvee de Guzman.

Seized were three plastic packs of Chinese teabags containing an estimated 10 kilograms of suspected white crystalline shabu, one black Nissan Cefiro without plate number, two loaded caliber .45 pistols, and marked money.

Citing reports from PNP-Drug Enforcement Group director, Brig. Gen. Remus Medina, Eleazar said the operation took place Sunday evening in Katarungan Village 1.

During the operation, the suspects found out they were dealing with law enforcers, prompting the firefight.

No member of the law enforcement teams was hurt during the operation.

In his report to Eleazar, Medina said the suspects were members of the Divinagracia Drug Group led by Michael Divinagracia and a certain Jhonson, a Chinese national currently serving sentence at New Bilibid Prison.

The group is known to be drug distributors in different areas of the National Capital Region, Region 6 and other nearby provinces.

The drug syndicate also operates in different areas of Visayas and Mindanao using cargo trucks that travel via RORO from Batangas Port and received by their Muslim cohorts in the area, Eleazar said.

“I commend the joint effort of PNP-PDEA operatives for another laudable accomplishment as we continue to invigorate our anti-illegal drugs campaign to totally wipe out all forms of illegal drugs in order to realize our quest for a drug-free nation,” Eleazar said.

In addition, there is this GMA Network news video about the same operation post below for your viewing.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, does the above news make you feel safer? Did you notice anything suspicious happening in your local community? Are you thankful to the PNP-PDEA operatives for their recent operation here in Muntinlupa?

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 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

COVID-19 Crisis: DILG urges LGUs to sign up non-tech savvy senior citizens for vaccination

Here in the Philippines, senior citizens are a priority group of people for COVID-19 vaccines and in order to avail of such vaccines, registration is the first step (which goes the same for others). Once the registration has been done, the local organizers will have to maintain the records, look closely and sort out the senior citizens whom they will contact and inform them of the slots scheduled for them.

While Internet access is widely available in the Philippines, there are still senior citizens who cannot get themselves registered digitally (online registration) not only because of the lack of access (or lack of hardware) but because they are not familiar with the digital ways and processes. In the City of Las Piñas, vaccine registration can be done digitally or manually. Check out the details right here. If other cities don’t offer manual registration at all, then their senior citizens who have no Internet access or are not oriented with computers/gadgets are in a major disadvantage and may have been left behind.

In relation to this, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) to come up with ideas to help the disadvantaged senior citizens get registered. Posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article. Some parts in bold…

Local government units (LGUs) should find a way to register seniors, who are non-tech savvy and without access to the internet, for a Covid-19 vaccination schedule, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

“The LGUs must help our seniors who do not know how to use high-tech gadgets. Find the ways on how to register them immediately even manually so that they can avail themselves of the vaccines,” Año said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Wednesday.

While many older adults have access to the internet and are tech-savvy, others are not and have a hard time navigating vaccination registration websites set up by LGUs.

“Kung kinakailangan i-house-to-house sila (If needed, LGUs should conduct house-to-house visitations to register them) then so be it,” Año said.

Since the start of the vaccination rollout last March, among the groups prioritized for inoculation are senior citizens or under the A2 category.

So there you have it! DILG Eduardo Año made a pitch to the LGUs to literally go the extra mile to help the senior citizens who could not get registered digitally. It should be noted that there are some senior citizens who are bedridden or are physically disadvantaged and could not get themselves registered online. Also remember that some websites designed for online registration might not be user-friendly enough for senior citizens and others who are just starting using the Internet.

In ending this article, let me ask you these questions: Is your local government unit doing enough to get disadvantaged people registered for COVID-19 vaccines? Do you know any senior citizen in your local community who badly needs help on getting registered? Have you thought about assisting senior citizens (who are not oriented with computers and online processes) to get registered? Is your local government unit offering manual registration? Is your barangay offering assistance to senior citizens who are unable to get registered? Did anyone from the LGU or your barangay send representatives to your local community to help the unregistered senior citizens get registered?

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 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

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 90% of ECQ aid distributed to beneficiaries in NCR Plus

For NCR Plus (National Capital Region plus Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces), the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) are both over. What is also over during this COVID-19 pandemic is the period of the distribution of the so-called Ayuda or financial assistance by the national government for NCR Plus-based low-income earners who got affected by the ECQ. Specifically, the distribution of the funds ended on May 15, 2021 (Saturday) and according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) – citing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – over 90% of the funds were distributed.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA’s article. Some parts in bold…

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said the distribution of aid has reached 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion given to low-income earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus area as of May 15, the deadline set by the national government.

In a news release, the agency said 37 local government units (LGUs) reached 100 percent completion of aid distribution.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that amid all the challenges, the LGUs delivered their end of the bargain on the distribution of ‘ayuda’ to millions of beneficiaries, with most registering a 90 percent completion rate as of May 15.

He said the 91 percent distribution rate is a testament to the LGUs’ commitment to extend the most help they can give to their constituents.

“Alam ninyo po isang malaking hamon po talaga itong pamamahagi ng ayuda sa panahon ng pandemya at nakakatuwa na we saw the commitment of the LGUs (As you know, the distribution of the assistance at this time of a pandemic was a big challenge. We are elated with the commitment we saw from the LGUs). And now billions of pesos of financial assistance have reached our kababayans. The 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion ‘ayuda’ distributed to qualified beneficiaries is a victory for the LGUs and the national government,” Año said.

He explained that the remaining 9 percent represents the unclaimed ‘ayuda’ and they have granted the LGUs with unclaimed funds the authority to prepare a new payroll and distribute these to other affected individuals in their respective communities within 10 days.

“Despite diligent efforts by the LGUs, some of the beneficiaries did not claim their ‘ayuda’ because they have moved to the provinces or are no longer residing in their LGUs. Many of them were also delisted because they were found to be duplicates in the Social Amelioration Program list. The LGUs have started to prepare a new payroll in order to distribute these unclaimed funds,” he said.

On May 15, Año said Bulacan tallied the highest completion rate of 96.85 percent corresponding to PHP2.87 billion worth of financial assistance with 12 LGUs namely Balagtas, Baliwag, Bocaue, Calumpit, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Norzagaray, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, San Miguel and, San Rafael finishing their ‘ayuda’ distribution.

Laguna tallied 19 LGUs which have completed aid distribution, the most among the whole NCR Plus bubble while garnering a high completion rate of 96.50 percent corresponding to PHP2.62 billion worth of financial aid distributed.

Among the LGUs which have completed distribution of ‘ayuda’ in Laguna are the cities of Biñan, Cabuyao, San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and the towns of Alaminos, Calauan, Famy, Kalayaan, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pila, Rizal and Siniloan.

Meanwhile, Rizal followed with 93.34 percent, NCR with 90.99 percent; and Cavite with 86.04 percent, with five LGUs including Tagaytay City, Amadeo, Mendez, Naic, and Noveleta completing the aid distribution.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s crime news report? Did your local government unit distribute the money with transparency and honesty? Do you believe your LGU achieved 100% completion of the ayuda distribution?

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 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

COVID-19 Crisis: Police arrest suspects over illegal sale of COVID-19 test kits in Parañaque City

Another crime news piece related to Parañaque for you all. This time it was reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) and it is about the illegal act of selling rapid test kits related to COVID-19. The illegal sale happened in Parañaque City, specifically in Barangay Don Bosco.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency’s news report. Some parts in bold…

Three individuals were arrested for the illegal sale of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) rapid test kits in Parañaque City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, citing a report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, identified the suspects as Ace Dimaplis, Charisse Purino, and Aldrin Bacaran who were arrested in an entrapment operation in Barangay Don Bosco on Tuesday.

The operation stemmed from reports of the sale of illegally marketed medical devices such as Wondfo antigen rapid test kits which are placed in advertisements in illegal online selling websites.

A poseur-buyer ordered online 250 boxes of Wondfo rapid test kit, with each box containing 20 sets, amounting to PHP1.2 million pesos.

Recovered during the operation were assorted volumes of unauthorized rapid test kits worth PHP4 million, one magazine for .40 caliber pistol, various kinds of ammunition, two sets of caliper, a digital reloading scale, and smokeless gunpowder.

Meanwhile, the suspects failed to show to the operatives their license to operate (LTO) or special permit to sell and distribute the test kits with regards to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2020-016 and authority to possess gun reloader and live ammunition.

“Further investigation reveals that the arrested suspects were sub-leaders of Chinese online groups who were involved in illegal online selling of unauthorized Covid-19 rapid test kit(s),” Eleazar said.

The report ended stating that the suspects were brought to the police force in Quezon City for appropriate documentation and the formal filing of cases related to violating Republic Act Number 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 in relation to FDA Circular No. 2020-016) and Republic Act Number 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’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? Did you spot online any ads related to Wondfo antigen rapid test kits?

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 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

PDEA apprehend suspects and seize illegal drugs in Parañaque City and Las Piñas City

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?

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 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