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Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo caught overseas, will be brought back to the Philippines

September 5, 2024September 4, 2024carlocarrasco

On the late evening of September 3 in Indonesia, the dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo got arrested by the local authorities and she will be brought back here in the Philippines very soon, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. For the newcomers reading this, Guo (AKA Guo Hua Ping) is wanted in the Philippines and there are charges of tax evasion and money laundering against her.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a statement, the DOJ said Guo was apprehended at 11:58 p.m. on Sept. 3, according to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.

“This development has been verified by our counterparts in Immigration, who have confirmed that Ms. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” the DOJ said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed the development, saying Guo’s arrest is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and the strength of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.

“We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed. The DOJ is committed to pursuing justice and will continue to coordinate closely with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the necessary legal procedures,” he said.

Guo is facing complaints about her alleged involvement in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country and questions about her citizenship.

Despite being the subject of an immigration lookout bulletin due to the ongoing investigations, Guo was able to leave the country last July 18.

Guo reportedly headed to Malaysia, arrived in Singapore on July 21, and traveled to Indonesia on Aug. 18.

Guo’s sister, Shiela, and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were earlier arrested in Indonesia and already sent back to the Philippines.

During the Senate Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, Shiela admitted she left the country with the dismissed mayor by boat.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is expecting the return of the dismissed mayor to the country anytime soon following her arrest in Indonesia.

“We have immediately forwarded the information to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Executive Secretary. The information has been confirmed by our immigration counterparts in Indonesia, and we are very happy with this development,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.

The BI chief also believes Guo’s return to the Philippines will shed light on many questions about her illegal departure, as well as allow her to face the charges filed against her.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., welcomed the arrest of Guo and assured the public of the resolution of cases against her.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you expect Alice Guo to tell the truth once she gets questioned by government officials again after her anticipated return here in the Philippines? Do you think mainland China is somehow involved in secretly transporting Guo and companions from the Philippines to overseas?

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

24,000 automated counting machines of Miru Systems now in the Philippines

September 2, 2024September 1, 2024carlocarrasco

The initial batch of 24,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) from the contracted provider Miru Systems arrived here in the Philippines for use in the 2025 National and Local Elections, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Be reminded that Miru Systems previously declared that it would deliver 110,000 ACMs for the said polls.

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

Over 20,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) that will be used in the May 12, 2025 national and local elections are now in the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Saturday.

In a press briefing during a visit to a warehouse in Biñan, Laguna, Comelec Chair George Garcia reported that so far, 24,000 ACMs have been delivered by the joint venture of Miru Systems, service provider for next year’s polls.

Garcia showed 7,400 of the machines while there are still 7,000 to be released by the Bureau of Customs.

“Dapat ang commitment sa atin ng Miru para sa buwan ng August ay 20,000 lang so lumalabas sumobra sila sa kanilang commitment ng (Miru committed just 20,000 for August so they exceeded by) 4,000,” he said.

As for other electronic machines and items that will be also be used in polls, Garcia said the South Korean-based company has fulfilled its commitment 100 percent.

Among the items are consolidated canvassing system laptops and printers, cable ties, toners, test ballots, application servers and database servers, Garcia said.

A total of 110,000 ACMs are expected before the end of the year — 30,000 each in September and October and the rest by December.

Comelec officials visited the warehouse with election stakeholders such the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections and Legal Network for Truthful Elections.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to its obligations with regards to the P17.99 billion contract it signed with the government? Do you think the new automated counting machines will work efficiently in next year’s national and local elections?

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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BIR task force raids vape festival in Las Piñas City, seizes over 5,000 illicit vape products

August 27, 2024August 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a task force of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) raided a vape festival and seized more than five thousand illicit vape products, according a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) Illicit Trade Task Force raided Sunday the Philippine Vape Festival 2024 in Las Piñas City and confiscated illicit vape products.

In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said surveillance of the event confirmed that there were vape products without internal revenue stamps.

“The illicit vape being displayed in this festival shows the brazen attitude of the vape industry against the proper taxation of vape products. They even organized a festival filled with illicit vape. The full strength of the BIR Illicit Trade Task Force will be deployed against this industry,” Lumagui said.

About 5,385 illicit vape products have been seized. The inventory of the illicit vape products confiscated during the festival is still ongoing but the BIR said the initial estimate of tax liabilities is at least PHP7 million.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could be more illicit vape products being sold in local stores? Are many members of your local community involved in the vape trade? Do you think the vape festival organizers will be held accountable for the presence of illicit vape products?

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

Parañaque City scam hub raided, 99 suspects arrested

August 23, 2024August 22, 2024carlocarrasco

Very recently in the city of Parañaque, local authorities raided an alleged scam hub in Barangay Baclaran resulting in the arrests of almost one hundred suspects who were mostly foreigners, 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…

Authorities apprehended nearly 100 Filipino and foreign workers during a raid at an alleged online scam hub in Parañaque City on Thursday morning.

In a report, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, said police operatives swooped down on the office of AIA Company on the 9th floor of Centrium Tower 1 on L. San Pedro Street corner J. Maceda Street in Barangay Baclaran at about 2 a.m.

Among those arrested were Nan Shan, Detu Su, and Wu Jian Bin, who were identified as the manager, owner, and supervisor of the company, respectively.

Aside from the three, 64 other foreigners – 56 Chinese nationals, four Malaysians, two Myanmar nationals, an Indonesian, and a Vietnamese national – and 32 Filipinos were nabbed.

Nartatez said the operation stemmed from confirmed intelligence reports that the establishment was engaged in cryptocurrency investment and love scams by posing as a licensed offshore gaming operator.

He added that the company is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Investigation disclosed that the company utilizes their CSRs (customer service representatives) in fraudulently portraying a character, such as a wealthy model who would entice prospect victims to invest in the manipulated cryptocurrency exchange/trading platform, with fraudulent intent,” he said.

During the raid, NCRPO officers found rooms where indecent shows could be filmed.

“While conducting inquiries to them, the Filipino nationals manifested that they (CSRs) were forced to work as scammers, while the models were being forced to dress in a seductive manner and perform lascivious conduct, which the CSRs will portray in order to lure their prospect victim,” Nartatez said.

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 even more scam hubs secretly doing illegal operations within the city? Do you think the remnants of closed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have secretly been flocking to Parañaque to set up scam hubs?

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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BIR files tax evasion charges against dismissed mayor Alice Guo and two others

August 15, 2024August 14, 2024carlocarrasco

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) formally filed tax evasion charges against former Bamban mayor Alice Guo and two other suspects, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA). For the newcomers reading this, this development is related to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac province.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday filed tax evasion charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two others before the Department of Justice.

Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. filed the charges against Guo, and Jack L. Uy and Rachelle Carreon of Baofu Land Development, Inc., which arose from Guo’s admission that she transferred her shares in Baofu to Uy.

“Upon investigation, the BIR discovered that no capital gains tax (CGT) and documentary stamp tax (DST) returns were filed and paid in relation to this transfer,” the BIR said in its statement.

The three were charged with “attempt to evade or defeat tax, failure to file CGT and DST returns, and failure to file/ supply certain information.”

Lumagui noted that while the parties to the transfer are Guo and Uy, Carreon, as the corporate secretary of Baofu, would also be charged with the same criminal case for tax evasion due to her “deliberate failure to report” the non-payment and non-filing of CGT and DST returns to the BIR.

“She even verified under oath the General Information Sheet reflecting the transfer even if no taxes were paid and no returns were filed,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this development will compel Alice Guo to escape abroad from the authorities?

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 orders dismissal of suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo from service

August 14, 2024August 13, 2024carlocarrasco

The Office of the Ombudsman has officially ordered the dismissal of suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo from service due to grave misconduct, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. For the newcomers reading this, this development is related to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban.

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

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for grave misconduct.

In an order dated Aug. 12, the Ombudsman also ordered the forfeiture of Guo’s retirement benefits and perpetually banned her from holding public office.

Guo’s involvement in operations of raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in her area bared a “willful intent on her part to violate the law or disregard established rules,” the anti-graft office said.

“The series of acts are interconnected, leaving no other conclusion than that they were committed by Guo with ulterior motive or self-interest.”

Meanwhile, government lawyers said they may opt to pursue the quo warranto case they had already filed against Guo.

“The quo warranto petition will proceed for two reasons: Mayor Alice Guo may still appeal the OMB (Ombudsman) dismissal order. The quo warranto petition, if successful, will make Guo Hua Ping (a.k.a. Alice Guo) ineligible to run for any elective public position in the future,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman also found 12 other Bamban officials guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service and were ordered suspended for three months.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this development will somehow compel Alice Guo to finally come out of hiding and face the government to clear her name?

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 2024 2nd quarter economic growth at 6.3%

August 9, 2024August 8, 2024carlocarrasco

The economy of the Philippines grew at a fast 6.3% in the 2^nd quarter (April to June 2024) according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The declared quarterly growth rate placed the Philippines ahead of Malaysia, Indonesia and China.

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

Philippine economic growth accelerated to 6.3 percent in the second quarter of the year from 4.3 percent in the same period last year, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said in a briefing on Thursday.

Mapa said economic growth during the period was also higher than the 5.8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth recorded in the first quarter of the year.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the latest economic growth makes the Philippines one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

“This performance keeps our position as one of Asia’s best-performing major emerging economies. For East Asia’s economies that have released their second quarter 2024 GDP growth, we follow behind Vietnam at 6.9 percent while leading Malaysia at 5.8 percent, Indonesia at 5.0 percent, and China at 4.7 percent,” said Balisacan.

Among major economic sectors, industry and services grew by 7.7 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, however, contracted by 2.3 percent due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Household final consumption expenditure grew by 4.6 percent while government final consumption expenditure expanded by 10.7 percent.

Balisacan said the increase in government final consumption expenditure was driven by the timely implementation and expanded coverage programs of various social protection, health, and education programs, and preparatory activities for the 2025 national and local elections. Gross capital formation went up by 11.5 percent.

Public construction sustained double-digit growth of 21.8 percent as the government’s infrastructure agencies expedited the rollout of the Marcos Jr. administration’s construction and rehabilitation projects.

Exports of goods and services rose by 4.2 percent while imports of goods and services went up by 5.2 percent.

On track to meet target – “This significant development brings our real GDP growth to 6.0 percent for the first half of the year, keeping us on track to achieve our target growth rate of 6 to 7 percent for 2024,” said Balisacan.

He said the economy would need to grow by at least 6 percent in the second half to attain the lower end of the target for 2024.

Balisacan assured that the government would ensure the benefits of economic growth would be shared equitably.

“President Marcos began his 2024 State of the Nation Address with one of our most urgent priorities: the government will continue its push for food security by managing food inflation with appropriate supply-side measures,” he said.

He said the government was committed to utilizing strategic trade policy to augment insufficient domestic food supplies to meet rising demand.

The government will also expedite the rollout of social protection programs for the poor and vulnerable sectors, including enhancements to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Food Stamp Program and the 4Ps Program.

Aside from these, the government will also focus on raising agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ incomes and competitiveness.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough momentum to achieve a growth rate of at least 6.5% for the entire 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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Arrest warrant against suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo anticipated

August 9, 2024August 7, 2024carlocarrasco

A warrant of arrest against suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo is expected to be issued as the human trafficking case was submitted for resolution by the Department of Justice (DOJ) which is related with her non-participation in recent investigations, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be remembered that Guo’s fingerprints matched those who Guo Hua Ping.

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

A senator is expecting that a warrant of arrest will soon be issued against suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo after her human trafficking case was submitted for resolution by the Department of Justice (DOJ) following her non-appearance in the preliminary investigations.

Being submitted for resolution, the case will now be decided by prosecutors on whether to lodge it before the courts on the basis solely of the complainant’s allegations, according to the DOJ.

“Since she did not personally show up nor file her counter affidavit, she will mostly like be liable for human trafficking which is a non-bailable offense,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian told reporters in a Viber message.

“A warrant of arrest will ensue on this particular case,” he added.

Gatchalian earlier advised Guo to appear and address the various cases against her, including human trafficking, birth certificate cancellation, and disobedience to summons.

The Senate issued an arrest order against Guo last July 11 after failing to attend two hearings related to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub raided in her municipality before the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

She also failed to attend the three hearings on the human trafficking cases filed before the DOJ.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the anticipated issuance of the warrant of arrest will compel suspended mayor Guo to come out from hiding and turn herself in? Do you wish that the warrant of arrest will be issued within the next two weeks?

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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PNP warns public about receiving phone calls from scammers pretending to be bank employees

August 1, 2024July 25, 2024carlocarrasco

Have you been receive phone calls from people who claim they are contacting you on behalf of a bank? Be extra careful because scammers have been acting as bank employees while calling up people in order to steal their money. Already the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public about such callers as they arrested several scammers in Cavite, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group on Thursday cautioned anew the public, especially the elderly, from falling to fraudulent phone calls from those pretending to be bank employees.

The ACG issued the warning after nine suspects allegedly engaged in ‘vishing’ (voice phishing) scams and target bank depositors were nabbed in Cavite province on Wednesday night.

ACG chief Brig. Gen. Ronnie Cariaga said the arrest was made during the service of warrants to search, seize and examine computer data (WSSECD) against April Joy Espino,34, for violation of Section 4 (b) (2) or Computer-related Fraud under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“In telephone calls, these individuals pretended to be bank employees, deceitfully obtaining money from the victims’ bank accounts,” Cariaga said in a statement.

He said the arrest was carried out after an eight-month investigation, case build-up, and surveillance on the suspects which stemmed from complaints from dozens of victims.

Seized during the operation were registered SIM cards, information and communication technology (ICT) devices, bank documents, and scripts used when calling the victims.

Among the bank documents were assorted bank accounts and credit card account records containing various personal information.

Cariaga has called for the cooperation of financial institutions in the investigation to strengthen the evidence, prepare for filing the case, and expedite the process.

“The PNP ACG will also reach out to the victims identified in the gathered evidence to assist them in filing a complaint,” he said.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, ACG Cyber Response Unit chief Col. Jay Guillermo said the suspects siphoned millions from the accounts of their victims.

“So roughly nasa PHP40 million na yang nakuha nila (They got roughly PHP40 million) from the time we investigate from November up to now,” Guillermo said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did someone claiming to be working for a bank call you recently? Do you think banks should do more to inform their clients about their policies with regards to phone calls?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) tells foreigners they will face deportation by joining political rallies

July 31, 2024July 23, 2024carlocarrasco

In an attempt to reiterate that visitors from overseas do not have the same rights and privileges as Filipino citizens, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded foreigners that engaging in political rallies are strictly prohibited and they will face deportation if they commit it, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday issued a stern reminder to foreigners that engaging in political activities is strictly prohibited under Philippine law.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said there were past incidents of foreign nationals deported for participating in protests and mass actions. He said visitors do not have the same rights and privileges possessed by Filipino citizens.

“We are issuing this reminder to prevent any recurrence of incidents where we had to deport foreign protesters. Joining political demonstrations is a blatant display of disrespect towards the country’s authorities and constitutes meddling in our internal affairs as a sovereign nation,” the BI chief said in a statement.

The BI chief issued the warning hours before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.

In 2013, Dutch citizen Thomas van Beersum was deported when he joined a political protest and taunted a crying policeman, while Canadian student Kim Chatillon-Miller was sent home for participating in an anti-SONA demonstration.

In 2018, Zimbabwean national Tawanda Chandiwana, American Adam Thomas Shaw and Malawian national Miracle Osman were ordered to leave the country for their involvement in leftist activities.

“Follow our laws. It is straightforward and clear. Foreign visitors are prohibited from participating in political demonstrations. We welcome your stay in the Philippines, but we expect you to respect our government and our laws,” Tansingco added.

If found guilty of “joining, supporting, contributing, or involving themselves in whatever manner in any rally, assembly, or gathering,” the BI will blacklist the foreigners.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newest action by the immigration authorities will deter incoming foreign visitors from participating in political activities here in the Philippines? Do you think the Leftists here in the Philippines having been luring foreigners to help their cause in political rallies around the country? Do you think Islamo-Leftist activists overseas plan to come into the Philippines to organize political rallies and spark destabilization efforts against the government? Do you consider Black Lives Matter, Just Stop Oil and pro-Hamas activists as undesirable aliens for 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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