Pinoy – Author Carlo Carrasco

Man Arrested In Parañaque City For Pointing Gun At Someone

January 8, 2026January 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested an armed man who pointed his gun at a person whose cry for help drew the attention of nearby bystanders, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Authorities from the Parañaque City Police arrested a man allegedly under the influence of liquor after he pointed a gun at an online seller for no apparent reason on Christmas Day.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Christian, 25, a resident of Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City. He was apprehended at around 12:14 a.m. on Dr. A. Santos Avenue, in front of Hontiveros Compound, Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City.

Police said the 22-year-old victim, an online seller, was walking in the area when the suspect suddenly approached her and, without provocation, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her.

The victim cried for help, drawing the attention of nearby bystanders. The suspect attempted to flee but was immediately restrained and arrested.

Recovered from the suspect was a .22-caliber revolver loaded with five live rounds of ammunition, found inside a dark brown sling bag.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did armed individuals cause trouble on members of your local community? Do you think there are still several loose firearms within 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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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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Philippines Reduces Economic Growth Targets Until 2027

January 8, 2026January 5, 2026carlocarrasco

In what is an acknowledgment of slowing growth, the government of the Philippines officially reduced its economic growth targets until the year 2027, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

The Philippines trimmed its economic growth targets until 2027, after growth likely slowed to about 4.8% to 5% this year, according to Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

In a briefing on Monday, Mr. Balisacan said the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) had lowered its gross domestic product (GDP) growth targets to 5%-6% for 2026 and 5.5%-6.5% for 2027. It kept the GDP growth target at 6%-7% for 2028.

The government earlier aimed to achieve 6%-7% GDP growth annually from 2026 until 2028.

This comes after Mr. Balisacan said the economy likely grew by 4.8-5% in 2025. This is much slower than the 5.7% GDP growth in 2024, and below the government’s 5.5-6.5% growth target.

“The emerging number, growth scenario for 2025, is something like 4.8 to 5%,” he said. “But if you achieve 5% for the entire year, because the first three quarters’ average is already 5%, that still puts the economy into one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.”

Economic growth slowed to an over four-year low of 4% in the third quarter, as the flood control scandal affected government spending and hurt business and consumer confidence.

“The developments last year are likely still to be felt this year, although in a diminishing effect, and so we expect growth perhaps in the first quarter or at least in the first half to be still quite not as rosy as we would want it to be,” the Economy chief added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government spending this year should be increased somehow so that it will stimulate the national economy to grow more? Do you think investors based overseas are not convince to invest in the country soon?

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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Police Officers Arrest Man Who Attacked Nephew Using Samurai Sword In Parañaque City

January 7, 2026January 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers apprehended a man who hit his nephew using a Samurai sword, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The weapon was fifteen inches long.

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

Police arrested a 55-year-old man who attacked his nephew with a samurai sword after being reprimanded for making a loud noise on New Year’s Day in Parañaque City.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Jerome, who was arrested at around 8:00 a.m. at his residence in Barangay Don Galo.

Police said the suspect and his 25-year-old nephew, who were living in the same house, figured in a heated argument after the victim asked him to keep the noise down as some relatives were resting following the New Year’s Eve celebration.

The suspect allegedly became furious, armed himself with a samurai sword, and attacked the victim. However, family members were able to intervene and prevent further harm.

Responding police officers, with the assistance of barangay watchmen, subdued the suspect and recovered from him a 15-inch-long samurai sword.

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 some people in your local community might be possessing dangerous weapons such as swords, spears, grenades and arrows? Do you think violent crimes in Parañaque will somehow get worse 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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Muntinlupa City Government Emphasizes Awards Won In 2025

January 6, 2026January 1, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government emphasized to the public the numerous awards it won in 2025 relating to good governance, fiscal management, digital transformation and more, according to a Daily Tribune news report.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa City solidified its standing as a leader in digital transformation and fiscal management in 2025, earning national recognition for its data-driven governance and business-friendly environment under Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The city was ranked among the top eight local government units nationwide for the efficient use of public funds in October. This fiscal achievement was bolstered by the city’s continued receipt of the Seal of Good Local Governance and the award for Good Financial Housekeeping, which recognize transparency and accountability in the handling of taxpayer money.

Biazon stressed that the city’s success is rooted in its “7K Agenda,” particularly in the areas of economic development and digital innovation. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) issued a special citation to the city in October for its BESt and SWiT systems — digital platforms designed to streamline business permits and transition city processes to a paperless environment.

“Our goal has always been to make Muntinlupa a smart city where technology serves the people,” Biazon said. “These awards validate our transition toward a more transparent and efficient government.”

In November, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) presented the city with several Urban Governance Exemplar Awards. Muntinlupa was named a top performer for its Local Council for the Protection of Children and received high marks for its City Council’s legislative performance.

The DILG also declared the city’s anti-trafficking committee “highly functional” and recognized its efforts in peace, order, and anti-drug programs.

Muntinlupa’s reliance on data-driven decisions was also lauded by the Philippine Statistics Authority in September. The city was named the second runner-up nationwide in the Gawad Galing Lokal for its excellence in implementing the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), a tool used to accurately target social services for the most vulnerable residents.

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 city is moving on the right direction considering the many awards it won in 2025? Do you think Muntinlupa City is bound for stronger economic growth in the next few years?

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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Philippines Behind Many Southeast Asian Neighbors On International Tourism

January 3, 2026December 29, 2025carlocarrasco

With 2025 already behind us, one has to wonder how the Philippines performed when it comes to attracting foreign tourists and as of this writing, the final statistics have yet to be announced by the government. What is clear is that the Philippines really slumped on international tourism last year and the nation is behind many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, according to a recent news article by VnExpress International.

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

Vietnam and Malaysia are rising tourism stars in Southeast Asia thanks to relaxed visa policies and improving infrastructure while Thailand has lost its lead due to border clashes and safety concerns.

Vietnam received its 20th millionth foreign visitor in a year for the first time at the Phu Quoc International Airport on Dec. 15, marking a milestone for its tourism sector. The full-year is expected to exceed 21 million, surpassing the previous record of 18 million achieved in 2019 before Covid.

With its 21% growth rate this year, Vietnam is regarded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Malaysia attracted 28.2 million tourists in the first eight months of this year, a 14.5% increase year-on-year.

The industry will be supported by stronger Chinese tourist arrivals, improving flight connectivity and the government’s ambitious “Visit Malaysia 2026” campaign, according to HSBC Global Research.

“Malaysia is on track to easily exceed its 2025 tourism target of 31.4 million tourists, making it one of the few ASEAN economies to achieve its target.

“We estimate the number of tourists is likely to exceed 40 million.”

This year, both countries have strived to ease visa polices, enhance promotion campaigns and improve airport infrastructure.

Indonesia and Laos have also seen increasing tourist numbers.

Indonesia received over 12.76 million foreign visitors in the first 10 months, a 10% increase, with Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and India being the leading source markets. Laos received 3.8 million, a 13% increase.

Challenging year for Thailand, Cambodia – Once a tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, Thailand has struggled with setback after setback this year.

The crisis began in January as many Chinese tourists canceled their trips to the country following the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Xing Xing.

Two months later a deadly earthquake in Myanmar that sent tremors across Bangkok caused widespread damage to the tourism industry.

Escalating military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border also triggered a surge in cancellations across provinces near the fighting. Some countries warned their citizens to postpone traveling to Thailand.

Arrivals as of early December declined by 7% to 30 million. Thailand had received 40 million tourists in 2019 and 35 million last year.

Meanwhile, Cambodia’s reputation took a beating in the eyes of South Koreans due to online scams and the disappearance of hundreds of their fellow citizens who entered that country.

The South Korean government has issued warnings to its citizens to cancel or postpone non-essential travel to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and areas like Sihanoukville and Bokor Mountain.

Cambodia attracted only 4.75 million tourists in January-October, a decrease of 11.6%.

The Philippines received 4.7 million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of the year, a 3.02% decline due to significantly lower arrivals from South Korea and China.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines still has a lot of problems to solve regarding infrastructure, tourism promotions and domestic travel costs before it could become competitive with its Southeast Asian neighbors? If ever the Philippines fails to hit its 2025 foreign tourist arrivals target, do you think the Department of Tourism (DOT) will once again point to tourism revenues as a barometer for success? With its current standing on international tourism, do you consider the 2023-2028 National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) of the Philippines a failure already?

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

Drug Suspect Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Drugs Worth P714,000

January 2, 2026December 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully pulled of a buy-bust operation resulting in the arrest of a drug suspect and the seizure of illegal drugs worth more than P700,000, according to a new report by Manila Bulletin.

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

Authorities from the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEI) conducted a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of a drug suspect and in the confiscation of P714,000 worth of shabu on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as John, 23, a resident of Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City. He was arrested at around 4:00 p.m. at Hontiveros Compound in Barangay San Antonio.

Police said the suspect was apprehended after selling five grams of shabu worth P34,000 to an undercover police officer during the operation.

Recovered from the suspect were a total of 105 grams of shabu valued at P714,000, the buy-bust money, a black pouch, and a black cellular phone allegedly being used in the drug transaction.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, has your local community been affected negatively by people who are selling illegal substances? Do you think crime in Parañaque will get worse in this new 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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84 Renewable Energy Service Contracts Terminated By DOE Over Failure To Meet Obligations

December 31, 2025December 29, 2025carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, the renewable energy sector suffered a tremendous setback at the Department of Energy (DOE) officially terminated eighty-four renewable energy service contracts over the failure of developers to meet their contractual obligations, according to a news release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

This new development reminds me of the DOE’s termination of 21 contracts with Solar Philippines due to its failure to fulfill the energy commitments.

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

The Department of Energy (DOE) has terminated 84 renewable energy service contracts this 2025 after developers failed to implement their contractual obligations.

These service contracts cover an “estimated 5,372.209 megawatts (MW) of potential capacity that had been factored into the country’s energy planning assumptions,” the DOE said in a press release Wednesday.

These were terminated “due to developers’ non-compliance with work program requirements, failure to satisfy the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) Terms of Reference, and non-adherence to established DOE standards.”

These actions, it said, “follow a comprehensive technical and legal evaluation of the affected projects’ compliance with the material terms and conditions of their respective service contracts.”

“The DOE will continue to uphold high standards for the succeeding GEAP rounds and may impose further sanctions, including blacklisting, forfeiture of performance bonds, and the imposition of applicable penalties,” it said.

The DOE said 43 other RE projects are under enforcement review and may be subject to termination.

With a big chunk of potential capacities unmet, the DOE said it is “actively revisiting supply-demand scenarios and undertaking further system planning to determine appropriate next steps toward meeting established generation targets.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the developers and stakeholders of the renewable energy sector of the Philippines are mostly incapable of fulfilling the requirements of the national government with regards to energy service contracts?

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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Police Seize Counterfeit Merchandise Worth Over P5 Million In Parañaque City

December 29, 2025December 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully pulled of a buy-bust operation resulting in the apprehension of seven suspects and the seizure of fake merchandise worth more than P5 million, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday reported the seizure of P5.2 million worth of counterfeit merchandise and the arrest of seven individuals during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City.

Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Specialized Mission and Monitoring Division Field Unit (CIDG-SMMDFU), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), carried out the operation around 12:15 p.m. on December 18 at the third floor of a commercial establishment in Barangay San Dionisio.

Authorities confiscated 386 bales of counterfeit SHEIN products allegedly intended for local distribution. Buy-bust money and other pieces of evidence were also recovered from the premises.

The seven adult Filipino suspects were charged with violations of Republic Act No. 3883, which prohibits counterfeit and pirated goods; Republic Act No. 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines; and Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. They are currently in custody of the CIDG-SMMDFU and will face inquest proceedings.

PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflects the agency’s ongoing effort to curb illegal trade and intellectual property violations.

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 fake products have penetrated the local market? Do you think the local retailers will be able to figure out which products they have are fake?

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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Muntinlupa City Government Reminds Public About Dangers Of Firecrackers

December 28, 2025December 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government reminded the public about the danger and risks that come with the use of firecrackers, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

For the newcomers reading this, the use of firecrackers in celebration of the Christmas season and the welcoming of the New Year is common in the Philippines. Through the decades, a lot of people – including children – got injured when incidents involving firecrackers happened.

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

The Muntinlupa City government reminded the public of the dangers of using firecrackers to celebrate the holiday season.

“Bilang paalala sa mga Muntinlupeño, hinihikayat ng Pamahalaang Lungsod sa pangunguna ni Mayor Ruffy Biazon, at ni PNP (Pulis Ng Muntinlupa) Chief of Police Col. Robert Domingo, ang lahat na maging responsable at maingat—makisaya nang ligtas, sumunod sa batas, at piliin ang alternatibong selebrasyon na hindi delikado (As a reminder to Muntinlupa residents, the City Government, led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, and PNP (Pulis Ng Muntinlupa) Chief of Police Col. Robert Domingo, encourages everyone to be responsible and careful—have fun safely, obey the law, and choose alternative celebrations that are not dangerous),” the Muntinlupa City government posted on Facebook.

Muntinlupa has an ordinance which totally bans the possession, use, manufacture, sale, display and distribution of any firecracker and pyrotechnic device within its jurisdiction.

City Ordinance 14-092, approved in 2014, prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”

“lt shall, likewise be unlawful for any person to discharge or explode, or cause to discharge or to explode, any firecrackers, or any other explosive or to use any pyrotechnic device or any such other similar device, at anytime and anywhere within the territory of Muntinlupa City,” according to the ordinance.

Violators will be fined P1,000 “or imprisonment of not more than one (1) month but not less than (2) days or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”

For the second offense, violators face ”a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less Three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”

For the third offense, violators face “a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less than three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of Court.”

“lf the violation is committed by a business establishment, the President or General Manager or the Person acting in behalf of either the President or General Manager shall be held liable in the case of a corporation or partnership, or the owner or proprietor or the person acting in his behalf shall be held responsible in the case of a single proprietorship,” the ordinance added.

The Civil Security Group of the Philippine National Police, meanwhile, issued a list of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

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 local ordinance is strong enough to protect people from the dangers of firecracker use? Do you think the use of firecrackers should be limited to government units or commercial joints? Do you personally know anyone who got injured because of firecrackers?

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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Man With P134,000 Worth Of Marijuana Kush Arrested In Parañaque City

December 27, 2025December 20, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully organized a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of a man who carried P134,000 worth of marijuana kush, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A 21-year-old man was arrested by operatives of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) after yielding P134,000 worth of marijuana kush during a buy-bust operation on Dec. 18.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Given, who was apprehended along Sta. Lucia Street, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City, for his alleged involvement in the illegal sale of marijuana kush.

Police said the operation was conducted following intensified surveillance and intelligence validation in response to reports of ongoing drug transactions in the area.

During the operation, the suspect was caught selling marijuana to a police poseur-buyer. Authorities confiscated 96 grams of marijuana kush worth P134,000.

Also recovered from the suspect were a red pouch used to conceal the illegal drugs, a sachet containing dried marijuana leaves, and the buy-bust money.

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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