Philippines – Page 188 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Japanese rule SUBIT

May 2, 2022May 2, 2022carlocarrasco

Ren Sato and Yuka Sato shone as champions with ease, catapulting Japan to regain her thrones in the 2022 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon–29^th edition of the country’s longest-running triathlon event with international cast–at Subic Bay Freeport Zone Sunday.

Asia’s No. 3 and 56th in the world rankings Ren Sato and inaugural Youth Olympic Games triathlon gold medalist and Rio Olympics 2016 15^th placer Yuka Sato (10^th– Continental Ranking; 90^th– World Ranking) clocked one hour 43 minutes and 11 seconds and 1:58:49 in living up to their billings as top seeds in the elite men and elite women divisions, respectively.

*Japan’s Ren Sato the Elite Men’s champion. (photo credit: Henry Vargas)*

*The Elite Women’s champion Yuka Sato of Japan at the finish line. (photo credit: Henry Vargas)*

The other medalists in both divisions of the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km grind organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee pulled the rug from under the favorites.

Ryoya Tamazaki, ranked 14th in Asia and 201^th in the world, made it 1-2 Japanese finish in the elite men, checking in 26 seconds adrift of Sato at 1:43:37; it was Tamazaki’s first podium finish in 13 starts. Another 11 seconds behind at 1:43:48 was Australia’s Oscar Dart (27^th-CR; 189^th– WR).

On the women’s side of the race sanctioned by World Triathlon and Asian Triathlon Confederation with Standard Insurance, Asian Center for Insulation Phil (ACIP), Pocari Sweat, Aurora Suites & Pavilion and FINIS as sponsors, Hong Kong’s Yan Yin Hilda Choi grabbed the silver in 2:00:37 and Slovakia’s Margarita Bicanova (2:01:02) the bronze.

The last time the Japan dominated SUBIT was in 2013 when it was staged in conjunction with the Asian Triathlon Championships (second time TRAP hosted it). Yuka Sato then finished runner-up to Mariko Adachi who had retired and Yoichi Hosada, who topped the 2021 JPN Triathlon National Championships was the men’s gold medalist.

Top 10 finishers included: men– 4^th Tsz To Wong HKG (1:44:00); 5^th Genta Uchida JPN (1:44:16); 6^th Jason Tai Long Ng HKG (1:44:33); 7^th Makoto Odakura JPN (1:44:56); 8^th Kanta Ando JPN (1:45:21); 9^th Koki Yamamoto JPN (1:45:46) and 10^th James Tan HKG (1:45:52); women– 4^th Brown Bailee HKG (2:02:14); 5^th Yoshiko Eda JPN (2:02:35); 6^th Charlotte Hall HKG (2:02:47); 7^th Chia-chia Chang TPE (2:03:03); 8^th Chi Wen Chang TPE (2:03:35); 9^th Kotomi Anzai JPN (2:04:21) and 10^th Cade Wright HKG (2:05:12).

*The Top 5 Elite Men with SBMA chairman Rolen Paulino, Sr. during the awarding ceremony. (photo credit: Rey Nillama)*

*The Top 5 Elite Women during the awarding ceremony. (photo credit: Rey Nillama)*

Emerging as top performers among the locals were 32^nd seed John Chicano (1:51:02) and 26^th Andrew Remolino (1:52:11) who placed 22^nd and 23^rd, respectively, and 18^th seed Raven Alcoseba who landed in 13^th position as the country’s top woman triathlete Kim Mangrobang who recently returned from her training base in Portugal retired in the run phase.

Chicano’s and Remolino’s times were faster than the clocking of 1:53:26 of the former when he clinched the first gold medal for the PHI in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release issued by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines. Some parts were modified for this website.

For related triathlon stories about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the SEA Games this year, click here, here, here and here.

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 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/

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City rollout of 2nd booster shots ongoing

May 2, 2022April 29, 2022carlocarrasco

If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City who has been boosted for COVID-19 and many months have passed since then, be aware that the rollout of 2^nd booster shots is ongoing within the city (starting with the immunocompromised patients with the other types of patients to follow), according to the Manila Bulletin. Now is a good time to contact the local authorities or the local vaccination sites (MunCoVac) to find out if a 2^nd booster shot is available for you.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has started giving second booster shots on April 26 to immunocompromised people.

Data from the City Health Office showed that 14 people were vaccinated with the second booster shot on the first day.

Of the 14, four were in Barangay Alabang, three each in Cupang, Putatan and Tunasan, and one in Poblacion.

As of April 26, a total of 128,361 fully vaccinated individuals have received their first booster shots in Muntinlupa.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued on April 13 the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approving the second Covid-19 vaccine booster shot to senior citizens, immunocompromised people and frontline healthcare workers.

According to the Department of Health (DOH)), the second booster shot is being given “in cognizance of current evidence of waning immunity and protection from severe disease.”

The DOH announced that the immunocompromised population aged 18 and above will be the first to be given a second booster shot, and frontline healthcare workers and senior citizens will follow.

Under a DOH memorandum, immunocompromised individuals are classified as those with immunodeficiency state, HIV, active cancer or malignancy, transplant recipients, undergoing steroid treatment, patients with poor prognosis / bed-ridden patients, and other conditions of immunodeficiency as certified by a doctor.

The vaccine brands to be used for the second booster shot are Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca.

The second booster shot is administered three months after a person receives the first booster shot or third dose.

To find out if you are qualified for the 2^nd booster shot in Muntinlupa City, visit the MunCoVac Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MunCoVac/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about this recent development? How long has it been since you received your booster shot? Have you checked what is the definition of immunocompromised under the Department of Health (DOH)?

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

Japan eyes SUBIT dominance

April 29, 2022April 29, 2022carlocarrasco

Japan served notice it is all out to regain her pre-eminence in the NTT Asia Cup SUBIT as she entered a powerhouse squad in the 29^th edition of the country’s longest running triathlon event outside of the National Championships set at Subic Bay Freeport Zone this Sunday (May 1).

Asia’s No. 3 and 56th in the world rankings Ren Sato is installed as the No. 1 seed in the elite men category followed by Tsudoi Miyazaki, ranked 4th in Asia and 59^th in the world.

In the elite women, inaugural Youth Olympic Games triathlon gold medalist and Rio Olympics 2016 15^th placer Yuka Sato (10^th– Continental Ranking; 90^th– World Ranking) gets the top billing and Tsudoi Miyazaki (14^th-CR; 145^th– WR) the main supporting role.

Rounding out the top 5 men favorites are: Rio 2016 veteran Azerbaijan’s Rostislav Pevtsov (47^th– CR, 76^th-WR), Genta Uchida (8^th– CR; 97^th– WR) and the last SUBIT (2019) champion Hong Kong’s Oscar Coggins who finished 33^rd in the Tokyo 2020 (10^th– CR; 120^th-WR).

Completing the pundits’ choices for a podium finish in the distaff side is Australia’s Jessica Ewart-mctigue (16^th-CR; 153- WR).

The last time the Japanese ruled the elite men was in 2017 when they romped off with 1^st,3^rd and 5^th positions with the Koreans inserting themselves in-between; and in the elite women in 2015 when they finished 1-2.

Partnering with organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines in SUBIT are Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority under newly-installed Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee with Standard Insurance, Asian Center for Insulation Phil (ACIP), Pocari Sweat, Aurora Suites & Pavilion, and FINIS as sponsors.

Seeing action in SUBIT where top performers gain points for continental and world ranking are hopefuls from aside Japan, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, and Australia are Chinese-Taipei, India, Singapore, Slovakia and the Philippines.

Conspicuously absent are the Chinese, particularly Mengying Zhong, the back-to-back women’s champion of the last two editions of SUBIT.

The country’s bets to the 31^st Hanoi SEA Games, namely, Kim Mangrobang, Raven Faith Alcoseba, Lauren Plaza, Andrew Kim Remolino, Fernando Casares and John Chicano banner the Team Philippines.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release issued by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines. Some parts were modified for this website.

For related triathlon stories about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the SEA Games this year, click here, here, here and here.

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 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/

A look at the Philippines’ triathlon and duathlon missions at the 31st SEA Games

April 29, 2022April 28, 2022carlocarrasco

As the 31^st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31^st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam comes closer, the excitement and suspense grow stronger which naturally comes with foreseeing the outcome (note: positions and medals) in certain sports events. For this, we will focus on the triathlon and duathlon events of this year’s SEA Games through what was mentioned during the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s (PSA) recent livestream that had 2019 SEA Games gold medalist John Chicano and triathlon-duathlon coach Melvin Fausto as guests which the Manila Bulletin reported about.

For the newcomers reading this, John Chicano won for the Philippines the gold medal in the men’s triathlon event of the 2019 SEA Games which was held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. His teammate Kim Mangrobang did the same in the women’s triathlon of the said SEA Games. To know more about Chicano and Mangrobang, read my past feature articles of them here and here. Be aware that Chicano and Mangrobang were perceived to be the favorites in the multisport events of the SEA Games in Vietnam. Before they and their teammates proceed to Vietnam, they have a big triathlon event this Sunday (May 1) – the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT). SUBIT was mentioned in the PSA livestream. Those of you who are here in the Philippines who have the means and available time this weekend, I encourage you to visit the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to watch the SUBIT live in-person as you will have opportunities to see Mangrobang, Chicano and the many other Philippine Team members race.

Going back to the current topic, Chicano and Fausto were interviewed live by the PSA and you can watch the full video at https://fb.watch/cDsxPptWcH/

*2019 SEA Games gold medalist John Chicano and coach Melvin Fausto (lower-right corner) during the PSA livestream of April 26, 2022.*

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

The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) guns for 1-2 finishes in the triathlon and duathlon events of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next month.

National team coach Melvin Fausto disclosed this Tuesday, adding they are sending their strongest teams to achieve that goal.

The triathlon squad is composed of Fer Casares, Kim Remolino, Kim Mangrobang and Raven Alcoseba, with John Chicano and Lauren Plaza as reserves.

The duathlon crew, meanwhile, will have Chicano, Raymund Torio, Mangrobang and Alex Ganzon Dumaran with Casares and Alcoseba as reserves.

Fausto said the shift of Chicano from triathlon to duathlon is a strategic move to achieve that gold medal.

Chicano competed and won the gold in triathlon at the 2019 SEAG edition.

“Si John kasi, he’s a strong runner like Raymund. Duathlon talaga siya malakas, so yun yung wino-work out natin ngayon,” Fausto said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association online forum.

For Chicano, it would be a challenge. He is also using the SEAG as a training ground for his duathlon event at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama in July.

“Sana makuha namin yung gold and silver kasi maganda naman yung teammup namin ni Raymund,” Chicano said.

“Pukpukan din yung preparation namin dito sa Clark.”

Aside from the medals, Fausto said they are also seek to improve their athletes’ times by aiming to finish under one hour and 50 minutes in triathlon.

“Mas focused na tayo sa time ngayon eh. Part na yun ng strategy. Like nung last SEAG, naka-focus kami mag 1:55 sa triathlon tapos nag-1:53 si John for the gold medal. Ngayon ang focus namin maka 1:50 to win the gold,” Fausto said.

“Saka yung goal natin is to improve their time to world-class level, lalo na si John na qualified sa World Games.”

As you can see in the above excerpt, the stakes are high for the Philippine Team on triathlon and duathlon. They have been training intensely not just for the SEA Games (set for May 12 to 23, 2022) but also for the Subic Bay International Triathlon. They are training intensely as they know that their Southeast Asian competitors in triathlon and duathlon have intensified (see the related details in the paragraph below). They are training not just for medals but for honors for the Philippines. That being said, May 2022 is indeed a crucial month for the Philippine Team members and their coaches as they have two major events to compete in.

The notable details

During the early part of the PSA livestream, coach Melvin stated that triathlon is indeed a growing sport and in due time it will become a more relevant sport for Filipinos and Asians. The coach made clear his dedication to triathlon is very strong. Take note that he was involved during the Philippine Team’s previous SEA Games campaigns. When it comes to their SEA Games competitors, the coach mentioned Indonesia as a well-supported and growing force in triathlon. He also mentioned that competitors from Singapore, Malaysia and host country Vietnam will be present. That being said, expect fierce competition for the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon gold medals. With regards to John Chicano, things will be different as he will engage in the men’s duathlon at this year’s SEA Games. For the newcomers reading this, duathlon is a multisport event with a run-bike-run format.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the triathlon and duathlon events in the SEA Games this year? Do you believe the Philippines will win gold and silver in the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon events? Do you intend to visit Subic Bay to watch in person the SUBIT on May 1? Do you plan to travel all the way to Vietnam to watch the SEA Games events in-person?

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

For other SEA Games-related articles, click here, here, here, here, here and here.

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I Love Israel: People of Israel are welcome to visit the Philippines without a visa

April 28, 2022April 26, 2022carlocarrasco

As the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines continues to be at low risk (note: low numbers of new COVID-19 cases reported daily), the nation is not only recovering gradually but also growing with regards to the national economy and tourism. More on tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed recently that the Philippines is opening its borders to travelers from Israel without a visa, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

The Philippines is now opening its doors to Israelis without a visa, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday, April 25.

“We are delighted to once again welcome our Israeli friends to our country, just in time for the summer!” Philippine Ambassador to Israel Macairog S. Alberto said.

“Aside from the breathtaking natural beauty, colorful culture, and endless adventures that await Israelis in the Philippines, it is the warm hospitality and genuine friendship of Filipinos that truly make the travel meaningful and unforgettable,” Alberto added.

Since April 1, the country started opening its doors for Israelis without a visa. They only need to be fully vaccinated, undergo RT-PCR test within 48 hours or a laboratory-based antigen test within 24 hours pre-flight, and have a travel insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 35,000 which covers Covid-19 treatment.

The DFA assured visitors that they will feel safe while in the country as almost 100 percent of Philippine tourism workers are fully vaccinated and tourism establishments are complying with local health guidelines.

Aside from islands such as Boracay, El Nido, and Cebu, which are constantly listed as the world’s top beach destinations, the Philippines also boast of destinations that appeal to the adventure-loving Israeli traveler. These include swimming with whale sharks in Oslob and Donsol, snorkeling with sea turtles in Apo Island, scuba diving in Anilao, surfing in Siargao, volcano trekking in Bicol, diving shipwrecks in Coron, and exploring Puerto Princesa’s Underground River.

The above article ended stating that travelers from Israel may check the official website of the Department of Tourism (DOT) (click https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/) and they can get in touch with the Tourism Promotion Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, or send an e-mail to telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph.

It is indeed a blessing from the Lord that the Philippines has gotten safer during this COVID-19 pandemic as over 70 million people have been vaccinated with at least one dose followed by around 70 million people fully vaccinated (2 doses) and more than 10 million patients boosted (3 doses). The Philippines is safe enough for foreigners to visit and the people of Israel are very welcome to come in without needing a visa. It should be recalled that the Philippines learned from Israel’s experts on how to deal with COVID-19 (for references, click here, here, here, here and here). Truly God is good and He is always watching us and we should be thankful to Him as both the Philippines and Israel are progressing and recovering better from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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COVID-19 Crisis: 2nd booster shot rollout in Las Piñas City ongoing

April 28, 2022April 27, 2022carlocarrasco

As the rollout of 2^nd COVID-19 booster shots goes on around Metro Manila initially for the immunocompromised patients, the same has started officially in the City of Las Piñas as confirmed by Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the Manila Bulletin reported. If you are a local resident who is immunocompromised and you have already received one booster shot (or 3^rd shot following two doses of most COVID-19 vaccines) previously, then you must read the details carefully here.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced the rollout of the second booster shot for immunocompromised individuals against Covid-19 on Wednesday, April 27.

Aguilar encouraged the immunocompromised individuals to receive their second booster shot three months after receiving their first shot as an additional protection against the virus.

She said the immunocompromised individuals, 18 years and above, are entitled to receive their second booster shot at the vaccination sites identified by the city government.

The mayor said those who can avail of the second booster shot are those with HIV, active cancer, undergoing steroids treatment, patients with poor prognosis, and transplant patients.

Aguilar said the second booster shots are available at the SM Center and Southmall from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; University of Perpetual Help System Dalta gym from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at Village Square from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

She also said there are also vaccination sites in Robinson’s mall (2-4 p.m.) and Villar Sipag Hall (12 noon to 4 p.m.).

Aguilar advised vaccinees to also visit the Las Piñas Facebook page for the schedule in administering the second booster shot.

The above report ended stating that vaccines can receive the same brand of vaccines administered to them (homologous) or a different brand compared to the first brand received (heterologous). Right now, if you need the 2^nd booster shot, better start calling the local vaccination sites to find out. Call the city COVID-19 hotline.

For all the unvaccinated people reading this, any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident who was successfully boosted previously for COVID-19, how long has it been since you received it? Did you keep the vaccination-related documents with you showing that you received your booster shot?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Muntinlupa City commended for good government services

April 27, 2022April 25, 2022carlocarrasco

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), a government agency that is focused on a Philippine government that is clean, just, people-centered and highly efficient, recently commended the City Government of Muntinlupa for its good government services, the Manila Bulletin reported recently.

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

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has commended the Muntinlupa City government for its e-governance innovations and other business-friendly programs.

In an inspection report, ARTA Deputy Director General for Operations Usec. Ernesto Perez lauded the innovations on public service made by the city government through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) such as compliance to national standards and automation in business registration processes.

“The Authority would like to express our utmost gratitude for your continuous efforts towards making the government services of your Local Government Unit more efficient, systematic, and productive for all,” said Perez in a letter.

ARTA recently conducted an on-site inspection to validate and monitor the compliance of the Muntinlupa City government on the provisions of Republic Act 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018) that seek to streamline services.

The inspection evaluated the city’s establishment of an electronic Business One Stop Shop (eBOSS), setting up of a Citizen’s Charter and other provisions under RA 11032.

ARTA cited the city’s “outstanding automation efforts” in the local Business One Stop Shop and noted that Muntinlupa has complied with the required automation and has passed inspection

The Muntinlupa City government is the first local government unit to introduce the Single Window Transaction–Modified Business One-Stop Shop, a single-interface business-registration process in which a business permit registration application can be accomplished in up to 15 minutes only.

The city government rolled out the program to implement more efficient governance by creating one-stop-shop access for the delivery of public services, which has been modified and simplified over time.

The article ended stating that Mayor Jaime Fresnedi thanked the ARTA for its feedback on the City Government’s efforts to ease transactions.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about this recent development? How much do you trust the City Government right now when it comes to services?

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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Teacher arrested in Las Piñas City for extortion and issuing bomb threats to several schools

April 27, 2022April 25, 2022carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, a male teacher was arrested by law enforcers as a result of an entrapment operation in relation to his extortion attempts and threatening schools with bombings, the Philippine Star reported. There were more than thirty schools located in different cities that received extortion demands via email from the suspect.

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

A (teacher) accused of extortion and threatening schools in Metro Manila with bombings and mass shootings while posing as a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was apprehended in Las Piñas City, police reported yesterday. Jake Castro, 26, was arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group under the supervision of CIDG director Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz during a sting in Barangay Zapote on Friday.

According to probers, Castro is a teacher at a private school for poor children at Doña Manuela Subdivision in Barangay Pamplona.

Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, who heads the CIDG National Capital Region field unit, said Castro e-mailed extortion demand messages to 33 schools in Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Taguig and Quezon City.

Nine of the schools the suspect allegedly threatened are in Parañaque and seven in Quezon City.

Using the e-mail address newpeoplesarmy1969@gmail.com, Castro claims to be a member of the NPA special tactics unit, threatening the schools with bombings and terror attacks if his demands are not met.

One of these educational institutions from Barangay Bago Bantay in Quezon City filed a complaint with the CIDG after receiving e-mail from the suspect demanding P2 million.

“In case the school management failed to give in to the demand, they would bomb and blow the school into pieces and would shoot the people inside the school,” Silvio said.

Police said 26 other schools in Metro Manila received similar threats from the suspect.

A school principal convinced the suspect to agree to lower the amount to P500,000. Acting on this, the CIDG launched an entrapment operation with the help of a delivery rider after Castro agreed to receive the money at his house in Zapote village.

The suspect was placed under arrest after he received the marked money.

Police said they confiscated a .38-caliber handgun, five shotgun bullets, a cell phone, other gadgets and a motorcycle from Castro.

Castro is being held on charges of robbery, resisting arrest, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, violation of the election gun ban and Presidential Decree 1727 or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this crime story? If you are a school employee, did you work for a school that received a threat from the suspect via email? Are you thankful to the CIDG for apprehending the suspect?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Parañaque City mayoral candidate Jun Zaide emphasizes barangay power

April 26, 2022April 25, 2022carlocarrasco

In Parañaque City, voters will decide on May 9 who their next mayor will be to serve them for the period of mid-2022 to mid-2025. Recently, mayoral candidate and Barangay Baclaran captain Jun Zaide (for his social media, click here) was featured by the Manila Times and he confirmed that once he is in the Mayor’s Office, he would harness barangay power which means having the city’s sixteen barangays work in tandem to meet the needs of members of local communities while making Parañaque even better. Zaide has been leading the barangay of Baclaran since 2018 and his election campaign has been aggressive, transparent (at least on social media) and tireless.

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

JULIUS Anthony “Jun” Zaide believes that if the 16 barangay (villages) of Parañaque City link up and work together, they could be a force that would be more effective in responding to community issues like the coronavirus pandemic.

Zaide, chairman of Barangay Baclaran in Paranaque’s first district, plans to harness “barangay power” if he is elected mayor on May 9.

Speaking during The Manila Times roundtable Friday at the Barangay Baclaran hall, Zaide said he would “make Parañaque even better” by strengthening cooperation between village officials.

*Barangay Baclaran chairman and mayoralty candidate Jun Zaide poses with people during one of his recent campaign events. (photo – sourced from Zaide’s official Facebook page)*

He stressed that there must be an equal distribution of opportunities, basic necessities and beneficiary services in order to trigger hope and determination among Parañaque constituents who were affected by the pandemic.

“Ang tao hindi makikinig kapag hindi ka nagsusumikap. Pakitaan mo ng aksyon at determinasyon, susunod ‘yan. Sa Baclaran ay nagawa namin. Kaya naming gawin din ‘yan sa Parañaque (The people will not listen if you do not work hard. Show them action and determination. In Baclaran we did it. We can do the same in Parañaque),” he said.

Zaide plans to replicate his program as barangay chairman, the “Talakayan sa kalye” or dialog in the streets, in other villages, which institutionalizes regular consultations between village officials and their constituents.

He said his advocacy has always been to bring the government closer to the people and develop synergy.

Zaide said he was inspired by the dynamic leadership of the mayors of Pasig, Makati, San Juan and Manila, and wanted to adopt their style of leadership in Parañaque.

He said he was confident that as mayor, he could improve Parañaque’s current standing as the country’s fifth-richest local government unit (LGU).

He said among the programs he wanted to adopt were the employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in Manila, the scholarship grants received by Makati City’s students, and the free health care in San Juan City.

Zaide, who is running under Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) banner, is up against the brother of the incumbent mayor Edwin Olivarez, Rep. Eric Olivarez, who was the principal of Zaide’s alma mater, Olivarez College.

He said it was difficult running against Olivarez, the bet of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban and the scion of Parañaque’s dominant political family, but added that entrenched politicians tend to grow complacent and less responsive to the people’s problems.

He said it was time Parañaque had a new, youthful leadership.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your impression about Barangay Baclaran captain Jun Zaide right now? Do you believe Zaide is principled and dedicated to serve as the next mayor of Parañaque? What city problems do you want Zaide to solve as mayor in the near future? Do you want Zaide to somehow end the city crime wave, including crimes that involved Chinese nationals? Do you believe that a Mayor Zaide will be able to unite all sixteen barangays to serve people better and improve Parañaque as a whole? Do you believe that entrenched politicians tend to grow complacent and less responsive to your problems? Are you satisfied with the quality of life and the local economy that Parañaque has since 2013? Will you vote for Zaide for Mayor on May 9?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Rollout of 2nd booster shots for immunocompromised patients of Metro Manila is ongoing

April 26, 2022April 25, 2022carlocarrasco

For the residents of Metro Manila who need another booster shot for COVID-19, the national government and strategic partners have officially launched the rollout of the 2^nd booster shots specifically for the immunocompromised patients, GMA News reported. Take note that last week, multiple brands of COVID-19 vaccines were approved as 2^nd booster shots.

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

The administration of second COVID-19 booster shot for the immunocompromised population is set to begin in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday, April 25, 2022.

In a message to reporters, the Department of Health (DOH) said the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), Tala Hospital, Valenzuela Medical Center, and the city government of Makati are scheduled to begin the rollout of the second booster shot within the day.

More vaccination sites will start administering second boosters as the days progress, the DOH added.

The National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) said on Saturday that it is expecting around 7,000 to 13,000 immunocompromised individuals to take their second booster doses during the first day of its rollout.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted the emergency use authorization for the second booster shot for senior citizens, the immunocompromised, and frontline health workers.

The article ended stating that the DOH said that the 2^nd booster shot will be given at least 4 months (120 days) after the administration of the first booster shot.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? If you have been boosted for COVID-19 already, how long has it been since you got boosted? Were you able to keep your vaccination records that include the first booster shot? Has your local government informed you about the 2^nd booster shot? Do you wish that the national and local authorities will soon start administering 2^nd booster shots for other patients like the senior citizens, the frontline workers and the rest of the population? Are you worried that officials of your local government unit (LGU) are so occupied with election campaigning, they won’t be able to direct the local vaccination teams to properly release 2^nd booster shots?

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

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