Philippines blog – Page 90 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Batangas City Council approves resolution to ban POGOs

June 28, 2024June 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Over in the province of Batangas, the City Council of Batangas recently approved a resolution for the banning of the application and operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within their jurisdiction, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Batangas City Council has approved a resolution banning the application and operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the city.

The decision was made during a regular session on Monday, June 24, 2024.

The move came in light of issues and an ongoing Senate investigation into POGOs in Bamban, Tarlac, which allegedly involved the local government unit (LGU) there.

“Saying it is with regard to the issue at Bamban, Tarlac na investigation ng Senate sa POGO involving the LGU. It would give assurance din sa mga Batangueno na hindi dapat matakot sa mga POGO activities dito sa Batangas City,” Nestor Dimacuha, chairman of the Committee on Laws and Rules, said.

For Mary Jane Ante, a 39-year-old helper at a small eatery in Batangas City, the ban brings great relief. Despite knowing that POGOs could provide many jobs, she prefers not to have foreign operators in the country due to safety concerns.

“Baka sumakop sila sa Pilipinas. Dito na lang, ayos din para Pilipino na lang ang magtatrabaho sa atin at wala na ‘yung mga taga-ibang bansa,” Ante said.

“Hindi naman talaga maganda ang sugal talaga sa pang araw-araw, kasi nakakaperwisyo yan ng pamilya. Hindi ako pabor sa ganoon. Huwag na lang pumasok dito ang POGO para walang ma-perwisyo,” Arnel Montalbo, a printing shop owner, added.

The resolution cites that POGOs tarnish the dignity of the LGU, leaving no room for such operations in the city. It also serves as a warning to businesses operating secretly as POGOs, despite having business permits.

The council will request the mayor to revoke permits of establishments found to be operating illegally as POGOs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the City Council of Batangas did the right move? Do you think more local government units (LGUs) around the country should approve legislation banning POGOs?

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

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves resolution, Metro Manila LGUs urged to remove dangling wires in all streets

June 27, 2024June 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution emphasizing the regulation of utility lines and urging local governments units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to remove the dangling wires in all streets, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday approved in principle a resolution calling for the regulation and monitoring of utility lines as well as the removal of dangling and “spaghetti” cables in all streets in the National Capital Region (NCR).

During the MMC meeting at the MMDA head office in Pasig City, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Romando Artes said MMDA Resolution 24-16 Series of 2024 urges local government units (LGUs) in NCR to pass an ordinance for the control and maintenance of these utility lines.

“Noong isang araw ay may bumagsak na poste dahil sa salasalabat na wire at nagdulot ng mabigat na trapiko. Walang nakadaan dahil nakaharang sa daan. Kailangan nang maiwasan ang ganito para hindi na umabot sa pagkawala ng buhay (The other day, a utility post fell down due to these spaghetti wires that caused heavy traffic. Nobody was able to pass. We need to avoid such occurrences and not wait for it to take a life),” Artes said.

During the meeting, executives from power distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said these wires cannot easily be removed due to the difficulty of identifying which wires are non-operational.

“Temporary disruption of services which results in complaints from affected residents are also among their challenges,” he said.

To alleviate these issues, Artes said an information drive will be launched to warn residents of any service disruptions that may happen before the removal of these unnecessary wires.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the approved resolution of the MMC? Are there lots of dangling wires in your local community right now? Does your local government have existing laws that regulate utility lines?

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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E-bike driver arrested in province, over P2 million worth of illegal substances seized

June 26, 2024June 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in province of Cebu, a sting operation conducted by law enforcers resulted in the arrest of an electric bike (e-bike) driver and the seizure of illegal substances worth over P2 million, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be noted that the suspect was previously monitored by the local authorities.

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

Regional anti-narcotics police arrested an electronic (e)-bike driver and seized a total of PHP2.04 million worth of suspected shabu in a sting operation Monday evening.

The police identified the suspect as alias Demot, a 33-year-old resident of Spolarium Street in Barangay Duljo-Fatima, whose work is driving an e-bike for a fee.

The suspect yielded the packs containing what is believed to be shabu, weighing 300 grams with an estimated street value of PHP2,040,000.

“The police is now investigating to determine the source of illegal drugs of the suspect,” a statement from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 7 (Central Visayas) said Tuesday.

According to the police, the suspect was placed under close monitoring a week before his arrest after they received a report that he could dispose of 500 grams of illegal drugs per week.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the police will be able to determine the source of illegal drugs they seized from the arrested e-bike driver? Are you concerned that there could be more e-bike drivers around you who could be secretly working with drug pushers and crime syndicates?

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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Ombudsman rejects Bamban mayor Alice Guo’s bid versus suspension order

June 26, 2024June 25, 2024carlocarrasco

The bid of the controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo to lift the preventive suspension has officially been rejected by the Office of the Ombudsman, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Office of the Ombudsman has junked Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo’s bid to lift the six-month preventive suspension slapped against her over her alleged links to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her jurisdiction.

The Ombudsman resolution dated June 21 said it is standing by its preliminary findings that there are sufficient grounds to hold that the evidence against Guo and the other respondents are strong.

Aside from Guo, also suspended by the Ombudsman were Bamban Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) officer Edwin Campo and Municipal Legal Officer Adden Sigua.

The Ombudsman suspended the three in May to keep them from interfering in the investigation following the complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which is accusing them of committing grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

In its resolution signed by Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, there is evidence that Guo has business interest in Baofu Land Development Inc., owner of the land where the raided POGO was located. It said this was shown by a Tarlac Electric Cooperative Inc Statement of Account dated March 8, 2024 under Guo’s name that was seized during the March 13, 2024 raid in the Baofu compound for alleged human trafficking and serious illegal detention.

The Ombudsman also cited documents showing that Baofu and the POGO, Zun Yuan, operated their respective businesses with permits processed by the BPLO and issued by Guo, as well as documents showing that Sigua knew and had prior acquaintances with Guo since he was the one who notarized each of the Deed of Absolute Sale covering the eight parcels of land that Guo bought that later on became the compound.

“This Office only deems it prudent to preventively suspend respondents Guo, Campo and Sigua given their undeniable hand in the operation of Baofu and Zun Yuan,” the Ombudsman said.

“After due consideration of the factual circumstances of the instant case, this Office finds no compelling reason to reconsider and lift the Order of preventive suspension of respondents Guo, Campo and Sigua while the case against them is pending adjudication,” it added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that mayor Guo is involved with the POGO crime activities mentioned? Do you think that the raided Bamban POGO could be linked with the scam hub in Parañaque?

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

5 Chinese nationals and a local driver arrested for alleged involvement in Parañaque City shooting incident

June 25, 2024June 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a shooting incident took place which resulted in the arrests of five Chinese nationals and a local driver for their alleged involvement, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Five Chinese nationals and a Filipino who were allegedly involved in a shooting incident of two Chinese men in Parañaque City were arrested early morning of June 15.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said that based on the report submitted by Parañaque City police chief, Col. Melvin Monante, the suspects were identified as alias Peng, 43; alias Cheng, alias Deng, alias Tu, 42; alias Liu, 34, and alias Ken, a Filipino driver/body guard and a resident of Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City.

The SPD said four other suspects remain at large and were identified as alias Yu, 32; and Bo, both Chinese nationals, alias Marlon and alias Tony, their Filipino drivers.

The police said the victims both named as alias Li, suffered gunshot wounds in the lower part of their bodies and were rushed to Ospital ng Parañaque for treatment.

Based on the investigation by the Parañaque City police, the incident happened at around 12:10 a.m. inside a residential building located along Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque City.

The police said residential building tenants immediately reported the incident to Parañaque police Tambo substation after hearing a burst of gunfire inside the victims’ unit.

It was learned that based on the CCTV footage gathered by the police, the four men entered the unit of the victims and shot them allegedly due to an unpaid loan.

Witnesses said that after the hearing the burst of gunfire, six men came out of the unit of the victims. They found the victims bloodied due to gunshot wounds.

Members of the Parañaque city police conducted a backtracking investigation which led to the arrest of the six suspects.

The police said alias Peng and Deng were arrested in a hotel room in Pasay City while Cheng was arrested in Clark, Pampanga. The police recovered from them a .22 magnum revolver and .9mm pistol with ammunitions.

The two other Chinese men, alias Cheng and alias Liu, who were residing in the same building, were also arrested after the conduct of backtracking.

The Filipino suspect, Ken, was arrested at his residence. Recovered from him were a .9mm pistol, extra magazine, cellular phone, and a motorcycle. He was previously arrested for carnapping and robbery

The police said the mastermind in the shooting incident, alias Bo, was previously arrested in December 2022 allegedly for his involvement in other criminal activities. The remaining suspects are now subjects of a manhunt operation.

It was learned that the suspects lend cash to casino players.

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 be more shooting incidents or other criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?

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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Hundreds of volunteers in Muntinlupa City conduct cleanup drive against dengue

June 25, 2024June 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, hundreds of volunteers from the City Government, agencies and the private sector organized a cleanup activity against dengue, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

More than 500 volunteers from the Muntinlupa City Government, partner agencies, and private companies conducted a simultaneous cleanup activity to prevent the spread of dengue.

Under the “Dengue, ‘Di Pwede!” campaign, they collected over 110 sacks of solid waste from streets, canals, and creeks all over the city.

Officials from the Muntinlupa City Health Office conducted a lecture before the cleanup activity to provide information on ways to avoid dengue and what to do in case one gets sick.

From Jan. 1 to June 3 this year, the CHO recorded 80 dengue cases in Muntinlupa with zero deaths compared to 81 during the same period last year.

Barangays Alabang and Cupang had the highest cases with 17 each, followed by Putatan (13), Poblacion (11), Bayanan (9), Tunasan (8), Buli (3), Sucat (2) and Ayala Alabang (0).

Cupang had the highest dengue attack rate at 2.9 per 10,000 population

Volunteers signed up under the Make Your City Proud (MYCP) campaign, a program of the city government that encourages community members to participate in various activities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the volunteer effort versus dengue is helpful?

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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Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo expelled by political party

June 24, 2024carlocarrasco

The controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo has officially been expelled by the political party she joined in 2023 – the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) has expelled Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, adding to the woes of the controversial local chief executive.

Guo is currently serving an Ombudsman-ordered six-month suspension, which started May 31, and faces human trafficking charges filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

In a letter signed by NPC chair Vicente Sotto III on June 22 and addressed to Tarlac Governor Susan Yap who petitioned the removal, Guo is ordered removed from the roster of members.

Party secretary general Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs and head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, will implement the order and inform Guo of her removal from NPC.

“The NPC will not tolerate any unlawful acts or any appearance of impropriety by its members that will undermine the principle of our party,” read the NPC letter, released to the media on Sunday.

On Friday, the PAOCC and PNP-CIDG filed a qualified human trafficking complaint against Guo, former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, 12 officers and incorporators of three companies, and Guo’s alleged business partners Huang Zhiyang, Zhang Ruijin and Baoying Li before the Department of Justice.

The case against Guo and the others stemmed from the raid at the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban in March.

Huang is a fugitive in China, while Zhang and Baoying are allegedly involved in a major money laundering case in Singapore.

An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against Guo and the other respondents may be out next week.

Previously, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it would look into Guo and the names and entities connected with her.

“Due process will be followed. If the income declared with the BIR does not match the value of the properties amassed during the same taxable years, criminal cases for tax evasion will be filed. The same charges can be filed against conspirators and the corporate officers of the companies used to amass such wealth,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.

Guo, Municipal Business Permits and Licensing Office’s Edwin Ocampo and municipal legal office Adenn Sigua are suspended due to “strong evidence showing their guilt” on the charges of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and gross neglect of duty.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the NPC did the right move by expelling mayor Guo? Do you think this development will spark a wave of member integrity checking by all existing political parties here in 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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Cop arrested in Parañaque City

June 24, 2024June 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a cop was arrested by elements of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives as a result of a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay BF Homes, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives on Sunday arrested a cop in a drug buy-bust operation in Parañaque City.

NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. identified the suspect as Cpl. Neil Bagunu, 31, presently assigned at the National Police Training Institute (NPTI).

He was arrested in Purok-2 Formost Street in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City after receiving the marked and boodle money from a poseur buyer as payment for shabu at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

Nartatez said the operatives seized drug paraphernalia worth PHP136,000 and a .45- caliber pistol.

The cop, he said, was brought to the Paranaque Police Station to face criminal and administrative charges.

He said over 500 policemen in Metro Manila have been dismissed from the service as part of the NCRPO’s internal cleansing since July last year.

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 be more police officers secretly engaging in illegal activities 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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Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others charged for alleged human trafficking

June 22, 2024June 21, 2024carlocarrasco

The controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo along with others were formally charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged human trafficking in connection with the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Tarlac, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

In complaints filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ), Guo, former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, and 12 officers and incorporators were charged with violation of Sections 4 and 6 of Republic Act (RA) 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by RA 10364, as further amended by RA 11862.

Among the respondents are Guo’s alleged business partner Huang Zhiyang, who is a fugitive in China, and Zhang Ruijin and Baoying Li, two individuals who are involved in the biggest money laundering case in Singapore.

Guo was also referred to as “a.k.a Guo Hua Ping” in the complaint.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the camps of Guo and Cunanan but they have yet to reply as of posting time.

Evidence – The complainants are the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

“Lumabas na mga ebidensya dito tulad ng fact na siya ang nag apply doon sa dating [letter of no objection] from the local government. Lumabas din ang kanyang involvement doon sa lesser company,” Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking chairperson and Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty said in a briefing.

(There is evidence such as the fact that she applied the letter of no objection from the local government. Her involvement in the lesser company was also noted.)

“At kasama rin yung ibang ebidensya diyan katulad nung pangalan niya na lumulutang sa mga sabi-sabing document na nahanap sa POGO compound,” he added.

(There is also other evidence such as her name appearing in many documents in the POGO compound.)

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Benjamin Samson said authorities believe that Cunanan is part of a “grand conspiracy.”

“We discovered that the Zun Yuan operation actually started with one corporation which was Baofu, and then another corporation was created. All these three corporations, we believe that they are part of a grand conspiracy to commit labor trafficking,” Samson said.

“In one of the corporations, we found a document wherein the name of Mr. Dennis Cunanan appeared. After piecing together the pieces of evidence, we concluded and we decided that he is part of the grand conspiracy to commit labor trafficking,” he added.

Earlier, Senator Risa Hontiveros showed documents where Cunanan had introduced himself as the “authorized representative” for the Hong Sheng POGO in Bamban and the Lucky South POGO in Porac.

Other Complaints – According to Ty, the DOJ is now processing the Immigration Lookout Bulletin against Guo, which may be issued next week.

“Hindi naman natin matatanggi na kahit sinong makasuhan ng kriminal ay may flight risk, lalo na kung may resources ito mangibang bansa. Ngunit ito naman kay Mayor Guo, hopefully, no hindi naman siya lilipad dahil siya mismo at ang kanyang mga representatives ang nag sabi na nais niyang harapin ang mga alegasyon laban sa kanya,” he said.

(Anyone charged with a crime is a flight risk, especially if he they have resources to go abroad. Hopefully, she will not leave as her representatives said that he wants to face the allegations against him.)

Aside from this, Ty said Guo cannot travel without a travel authority as a public official.

Ty said that “there is a possibility” that other complaints may be filed against Guo and others.

POGO – Guo was placed under investigation for her alleged links to the 10-hectare POGO compound that was raided in March for alleged illegal activities that include crypto and love scams.

Earlier in June, the Department of the Interior and Local Government filed graft charges against Guo with the Office of the Ombudsman, prompting it to suspend her for up to six months.

Guo’s identity as a Filipino is also under question before the Senate.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has questioned whether Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping is Guo after he presented records from the Board of Investments of the Guo family’s application for a Special Investors Resident Visa.

The documents showed Guo Hua Ping entered the Philippines on January 12, 2003 when she was still 13 years old and her registered mother is Lin Wenyi, the same woman who was alleged to be the mayor’s mother.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the mayor of Bamban is indeed connected or responsible with the human trafficking that happened at the raided Bamban POGO? Are you concerned that there could be a POGO operating in your locality and criminal activities are being done secretly? If there is a POGO in your locality, did you notice a rise in crime incidents?

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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Wanted person from province arrested in Parañaque City

June 21, 2024June 15, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a person from a province who has been wanted for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide got arrested by police officers in Barangay Moonwalk, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A man wanted for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide in Northern, Samar was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police’s Warrant and Subpoena Section on Friday, June 14.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as alias John, 34, was arrested at around 8:00 a.m. in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City.

The suspect, who was tagged as Top 4 wanted person in Samar for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, was arrested by members of the WSS who were conducting operations against wanted person.

The police said John was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Nilo Yu Dela Cruz of the Municipal Trial Court, Eighth Judicial Region, San Isidro, Northern Samar on May 14, 2024.

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 be more wanted persons or criminals from the provinces who could be hiding 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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