PNA.gov.ph – Page 21 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Metro Manila Council (MMC) regulations on the use of electric tricycles (e-trikes) will include fines and penalties

February 24, 2024February 23, 2024carlocarrasco

As the proliferation of electric tricycles (e-trikes) continues, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) announced that a resolution on regulating the use of the said electric vehicles will be released and it will include fines and penalties, 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 Metro Manila Council is set to release a resolution regulating the use of electric motor vehicles, especially along major thoroughfares.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Director Victor Nuñez of the Traffic Enforcement Group said Friday that the resolution, up for discussion and approval next week, would include fines and penalties imposed on e-motor vehicle users.

Nuñez said the resolution would reconcile the policies of local government units (LGUs) on e-trikes with those of the national government.

“Nag-TWG [Technical Working Group] meeting kami last week at halos lahat in unison gusto magkaroon ng tamang regulasyon dito, kasama ang DOTr [Department of Transportation], LTO [Land Transportation Office], LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board],” he said in a Bagong Pilipinas briefing aired over People’s Television.

Nuñez said there is an existing LTO circular in 2021 outlining the guidelines on the regulation of e-bikes but without corresponding penalties for violations.

“Nakalagay lang kung saan pwede dumaan pero sa hindi pwede dumaan, kapag dumaan sila wala naman concrete penalty na nakalagay (Only the roads they are allowed to pass are included but it does not indicate penalties or fines). ‘Yun po ang problema kasi (There goes the problem). There’s no definitive fine for them,” he said.

“But now with the recent initiatives magkakaroon po ng fines and penalties at mas na-enhance namin ‘yung regulation pertaining to e-trikes, kuliglig and tricycles kasi ‘di lang po e-trikes nakikita natin sa national roads, pati mga tricycles din (We will include the fines and penalties as we enhance the regulation pertaining to e-trikes and even tricycles),” he said.

Several Metro Manila LGUs have existing ordinances on the regulation of e-trikes even before the pandemic, Nuñez said.

“Kinonsider namin ang mga provisions nila dito. Meron kasing LGUs na wala pa at ngayon pa lang gagawa after mailabas ang Metro Manila Council resolution. They will base their ordinances on that (We took into consideration their provisions on this. There are LGUs that have no [resolution] on this yet and said they would pattern theirs after the Metro Manila Council resolution has been released),” Nuñez said.

Several social media posts have raised concerns over the proliferation of e-bikes, with some seen driving along national highways without protective gears.

Such vehicles, including tricycles, are not allowed to ply major roads and national highways as they pose hazard to other motorists.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the local authorities will come up with a concrete regulation of the use of e-trikes? Are e-trikes in your city making the flow of traffic worse? Have there been minors driving e-trikes in your local community? Did you spot any abusive e-trike drivers on the local roads lately? When was the last time you saw someone drive an e-trike along the national highway?

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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BI reminds travelers that eTravel registration is free of charge and they should avoid scammers

February 22, 2024February 15, 2024carlocarrasco

With renewed focus on the safety of travelers in mind, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that registration with the eTravel system (electronic travel declaration system) is free of charge and people should avoid scammers who have been targeting travelers using fake websites, 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 Wednesday warned travelers against scammers purportedly charging fees for the electronic travel declaration system or eTravel.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco clarified that registration in the eTravel platform is free of charge, thus travelers should be wary of unscrupulous elements who charges fees from passengers via fake websites.

“The eTravel registration process is absolutely free of charge. We, therefore, advise the traveling public to register only in the government’s official website at https://etravel.gov.ph,” he said in a statement.

Fees allegedly collected from the passengers amount to between PHP3,000 to PHP5,000 when converted to peso as the fees charged by the scammers are usually in US dollars.

The BI chief urged the public to beware of the such fraudulent websites or entities which require any form of online payment.

Likewise, he asked them to report to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via its website at https://cicc.gov.ph/report/.

Tansingco issued the warning following reports of passengers at the airports who claim they have already registered in the eTravel platform and “paid” the supposed fees that were charged to them.

BI officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have reported instances of many passengers who were surprised when informed that they have to register in the eTravel as the digital QR code they presented could not be accessed in the system.

“It is only when they encounter our officers at the airport that these passengers would realize they have been duped by these fraudsters and scammers in the internet,” he added.

The eTravel was launched earlier this year, and serves as the single data collection platform for arriving and departing passengers. It establishes an integrated border control, health surveillance and economic data analysis.

It is a joint project of the agency with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

The project abolished the paper-based arrival and departure cards, as well as the quarantine form.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Does this latest development make you feel safer to be online? If you had traveled overseas and came back home within the past six months, how was your experience registering with the eTravel system? Did you encounter any scammer online?

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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Cybercrime cases nationwide fell down almost 25% in January 2024

February 20, 2024February 13, 2024carlocarrasco

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced recently that the number of cybercrime cases nationwide fell down by almost 25% during the month of January 2024 in comparison to January 2023 specifically, 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…

Cybercrime cases in the country dropped by 24.72 percent in January, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

In a statement, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said 1,458 cases were logged last month from 1,937 cases in the same month in 2023.

He said the downturn shows significant progress in the ongoing battle against cyber threats and the continuous implementation of cybercrime preventive measures.

These measures include sustaining strong partnerships and collaboration with public and private stakeholders, providing cyber safety tips, engaging in media interviews, hosting informative broadcasts, distributing educational materials, and conducting lectures and seminars which greatly contributed to the overall reduction in cybercrime incidents, Hernia added.

“The PNP ACG urges the community to fearlessly report any instances of cybercrime or file complaints against these perpetrators. By doing so, we can effectively apprehend these offenders and put an end to their illicit activities, thereby preventing others from becoming victims of cybercrime,” Hernia said.

Meanwhile, the PNP-ACG warned parents anew to monitor the social media accounts of their children to protect them against sex predators.

On Monday, ACG operatives arrested a 45-year-old man for blackmailing a female minor using her nude photos. Both the suspect and the victim’s identities were withheld.

“Our team engaged in the suspect in the conversation which led to the entrapment in Paco, Manila,” Guillermo said.

The nude photos, PNP-ACG Cyber Response Unit chief Col. Jay Guillermo said, were used by the suspect in attempting to force the minor to a meet-up.

It all started when the victim accepted the suspect’s friend request, after he helped her pay for the burial expenses of her brother-in-law.

Guillermo said the suspect started to chat with the victim and lured her into sending nude photos in exchange for a brand-new cellular phone and money.

The victim told her elder sister about the incident, who sought the assistance of the PNP-ACG when the suspect started blackmailing her.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Does this latest development make you feel safer to be online? Do you know anyone in your household who got victimized by some cyber-criminal? Do you think the PNP has what it takes to fight cybercrime that is enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI)?

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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Local governments and national government agencies discuss regulating use of e-bikes and unregistered electronic vehicles

February 20, 2024February 16, 2024carlocarrasco

With more electric bikes (e-bikes) adding more traffic problems on national roads and highways in recent times, several local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the national government formally met to discuss regulating the use of e-bikes and the other electronic vehicles that remain unregistered, 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…

Several national government agencies and local government units (LGU) on Thursday began discussions on regulating the use of e-bikes and other unregistered electronic vehicles (e-vehicles) nationwide.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) between officials of the MMDA, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and traffic heads of LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR).

During the meeting, MMDA acting chair Don Artes said the proliferation of e-vehicles has become a “cause concern.”

“The LGUs have laid down their concerns, existing ordinances, regulations, and programs concerning e-vehicles. These will be reconciled with the policies of the national government,” Artes said.

Vendors of e-vehicles, he said, often cite that, unlike regular motor vehicles, e-vehicles are neither required to be registered nor need a license to operate.

“When these e-vehicle users violate the law, how can we issue a traffic violation ticket if the users do not possess a license? We also cannot charge the vehicle owners because they are not registered,” he said.

In addition to being a “grave risk” to their drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians, he said e-vehicles also slow down the flow of traffic.

Many of their drivers have also been monitored to be minors, do not wear helmets or other protective gear, and some use their e-vehicles in the middle of highways.

“We will consolidate and harmonize all existing rules and regulations, as well as ongoing programs of the LGUs and even national government concerning e-vehicles to make it comprehensive. This will also cover not just Metro Manila but nationwide,” he said.

Metro Manila LGUs have been asked to submit a list of their ordinances regarding the regulation of e-vehicles, particularly those used for commercial purposes.

“We will take a second look at the suggestions of the LGUs and propose the appropriate measures to regulate the use of e-vehicles in major thoroughfares,” he said.

In addition, LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III said e-trikes are also a concern of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program (PUVMP) as these compete with legitimate PUVs in getting passengers.

“We are coordinating with the MMDA and LTO to apprehend these units that do not have franchises to operate as PUVs,” Guadiz said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you consider e-bikes and e-trikes a growing problem to traffic at major roads? Do you thinks laws should be made to prevent e-trikes from competing with the legitimate public utility vehicles when it comes to offering public transportation services? Should there be a law to prevent minors from driving e-bikes and e-trikes on all public roads nationwide?

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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DTI intensifies scrutiny of online sellers who engaged with offering mystery boxes to customers

February 16, 2024February 8, 2024carlocarrasco

If you are fond of ordering items online, better stay away from those mystery boxes offered to you because the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is closely watching online sellers offering those things, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its scrutiny of online sellers, particularly those offering mystery boxes or parcels, to ensure consumer protection and uphold fair trade practices.

In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon Wednesday, DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said all online shops selling mystery items are subject to stringent verification procedures requiring them to provide evidence regarding the sourcing of the items they offer on their platforms.

Nograles said sellers must substantiate the items’ origin, demonstrating that they have acquired them through legal means. This could include proof of purchase from valid auctions or confirmation that the items were legally obtained from sources such as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) or through legitimate means like through abandoned parcels or “balikbayan” boxes.

“Kailangan iyong online seller ay makapagbigay ng ganoong ebidensiya; ngayon kung hindi, puwede natin siyang ipa-takedown doon sa platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms and kapag ni-request po ng DTI, napapakiusapan po natin na tini-takedown iyong mga seller na ganito at nang hindi po makabiktima ng mga consumers natin (The online seller needs to provide such evidence; now if not, we can have them taken down from the platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms, and when requested by the DTI, we ask them to have such sellers taken down so that they cannot victimize consumers),” she said.

Nograles said the DTI is regularly monitoring online stores.

Some items inside mystery boxes or parcels are illegally sourced, such as stolen products from warehouses, which is against the Anti-Fencing Law, the DTI official said.

The Anti-Fencing Law prohibits the selling of stolen goods or items obtained through illicit means. Both sellers and buyers can be charged if these items were stolen.

The DTI’s move to tighten regulations on online sellers aims to safeguard consumers from potentially fraudulent or unsafe products while also promoting transparency and accountability within the e-commerce sector, Nograles said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that mystery boxes are harmful to consumers who are often looking for the best deals online? Do you think that items placed inside mystery boxes may have been stolen or smuggled? How many times have you availed of mystery boxes offers online?

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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DILG tells local governments to strictly enforce ban on tricycles and pedicabs on national roads and highways

February 14, 2024February 6, 2024carlocarrasco

In response to the recorded numbers of accidents involving tricycles and pedicabs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) told local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on such vehicles on national roads and highways, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded anew local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on pedicabs and tricycles on national roads and highways.

“It is unfortunate that many LGUs have not been strictly implementing such regulations which often result in traffic congestion and accidents,” DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a statement.

This came after a tricycle was hit by a passenger bus plying the national highway in Labo, Camarines Norte on Feb. 4.

Abalos said that while tricycles and pedicabs provide accessible and affordable modes of transportation, the safety of drivers, passengers and road users are of utmost importance.

The DILG chief, however, emphasized that in cases where there are no alternative routes available and as a last resort, LGUs through their respective Sanggunian (councils) may issue an exception.

This is in compliance with the Land Transportation Office’s Memorandum Circular 94-199 issued 1994, which sets the guidelines on the devolution of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s franchising power over tricycles-for-hire to LGUs, pursuant to the Local Government Code.

The DILG in 2020 issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-036 prohibiting tricycles, pedicabs and motorized pedicabs from operating on national highways.

It also recently released MC 2023-195 urging all local chief executives to reorganize or reconvene their Tricycle Task Force (TTF) to update their Tricycle Route Plan (TRP) that would include penal provisions for violators.

Based on data from the Metro Manila Accident and Reporting System, Abalos said 2,829 road accidents involving bicycles, e-bikes and pedicabs were logged in 2022 alone, which is aside from 2,241 road accidents involving tricycles.

On Monday, the municipal government of San Mateo in Rizal province started apprehending e-bikes, tricycles and pedicabs plying national roads.

For further insight, posted below are images of DILG’s Memorandum Circular 2023-195.

Below is the PDF copy of the MC 2023-195 available for viewing and download.

dilg-memocircular-2023127_451c87933c Download

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that the rise of tricycles, pedicabs and electric bikes (e-bikes) on national roads and highways are the direct result of the local government’s negligence? Do you think your local government made a secret pact or deal with the operators of pedicabs, tricycles and e-bikes which granted them freedom to travel along national roads and highways? Do you think that e-bikes and electric tricycles (e-trikes) were designed to be safe and stable?

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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Overstaying South African national apprehended by immigration agents in province

February 13, 2024February 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) located and arrested a South African national in the province of Albay for overstaying in the country by at least a few years, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Immigration authorities arrested an overstaying South African national in Albay province.

In a news release Monday, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said operatives from the regional intelligence operations unit nabbed Benjamin Michael Theron in an operation along Sikatuna Street, Brgy. 13 Ilawod West, Legazpi City on Jan. 24.

The foreigner was the subject of a mission order issued by the BI chief after receiving a complaint from Theron’s former partner, saying he was causing disturbance in the community.

A check on Theron’s records showed he has been in the country since 2018 and is already overstaying after his visa expired in 2021.

Another foreign national who presented himself as Theron’s employer, attempted to interfere with the operations but eventually yielded after seeing the mission order against the suspect.

BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said any individual who conceal, harbor, employ or give comfort to overstaying foreign nationals may face sanctions for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which prohibits harboring of illegal aliens.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that there could be overstaying foreigners living within your local community? Do you think the BI is doing a good job locating and arresting illegal aliens?

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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Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA) revived

February 12, 2024February 3, 2024carlocarrasco

In what is clearly another effort to emphasize tourism in the Philippines and encourage stakeholders to be more active, the national government announced the revival of the Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA) which will recognize achievements and achievers in tourism, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The national government is set to recognize the country’s outstanding travel stakeholders through the revival of the Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA) this year.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the 2024 PTA, which is envisioned to become the “highest and most prestigious citation” in the Philippine tourism sector.

Tourism Secretary Frasco said the PTA will recognize hotels, resorts, destinations, local government units, tourism front-liners, homestays, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) venues, and other tourism stakeholders who continue to promote sustainable travel and the Filipino brand of service excellence, among others.

“It is important for us to give these awards and recognition because it encourages the continuous increase in quality of tourism services. It fosters excellence in ensuring the services to our tourists as well as encourages healthy competition among our destinations,” she said in an interview during the PTA launch at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay on Friday.

The inaugural PTA will have two major categories this year: the Philippine Tourism Pillar Awards and the Philippine Tourism Industry Awards.

The Philippine Tourism Pillars Awards will be accorded to pioneers and institutions who have made noteworthy contributions to the rise of tourism in the country.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Tourism Industry Awards will be a periodic national recognition program for both the private and public sectors involved in the development and promotion of Philippine tourism.

The application details for both recognitions may be accessed at https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/philippine-tourism-awards-3/.

Application for the Tourism Pillars Awards is until March 8 while submission for the Tourism Industry Awards will be accepted until March 30.

Application is free of charge, the DOT said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the tourism industry of the Philippines has more than enough participants and tourism-oriented activities to justify the holding of the PTA? If you are managing a tourism-related business, how important are awards for you?

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 wins big at the 2024 ASEAN Tourism Awards thanks to three cities and many stakeholders

February 10, 2024February 3, 2024carlocarrasco

In the 2024 edition of the ASEAN Tourism Awards held recently in Laos, the Philippines won big as three cities and more than twenty stakeholders won honors, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Three cities and 21 tourism stakeholders from the Philippines have been recognized during the 2024 ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards in Vientiane, Laos.

The awarding ceremony was one of the activities in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 which ran from Jan. 22 to 27, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said in a news release on Wednesday.

The cities of Baguio in Benguet, Ilagan in Isabela, and Tabuk in Kalinga were awarded as the ASEAN Clean Tourist City, the Department of Tourism

According to ASEAN Tourism Standards, these are the areas where the flow of visitors and where cultural, natural and/or man-made attractions exist.

Prime Properties Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Club Paradise Palawan, Bohol Beach Club, Seda Nuvali, and The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay won the ASEAN Green Hotel Award.

This citation is given to hotel industry players whose operations are based on the achievement of sustainable tourism through environment-friendly principles, human resource development, resource consumption reduction, and local community involvement.

About 15 Philippine venues were given the ASEAN Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition (MICE) Venue Awards granted to physical spaces with quality facilities and impressive services, designed and provided for MICE activities with purposes for meetings, exhibitions, and events.

The major criteria for the awards encompass the standards of physical aspects, venue management, and people working within venues that competitively meet the requirements of MICE travelers. It is divided into three categories: room, exhibition venue, and event venue category.

Properties Bai Hotel Cebu, Clark Marriott Hotel, Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa, Seda Hotel Nuvali won the meeting room category; World Trade Center Metro Manila (Manila Exposition Complex), SMX Convention Center Manila, Cordillera Convention Hall by Baguio Country Club, Isabela Convention Center (ICON), and Iloilo Convention Center won the exhibition hall category; and Palacio del Sur by Marcian Group, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu, Infinity Garden by Baguio Country Club, CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa by Modern Asia, Inc. were named as the winners for the event venue category.

Meantime, Palawan-based property Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort was named as a lead partner for “Enchanting Gastronomical Sabang Delights, Beach Forest and Caves” under the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the winners made not only significant revenue contributions but also employed millions of Filipinos.

“These achievements reflect not only the excellence and dedication that you have put in with the development of tourism but also contribute significantly to the overall advancement and sustainability of the ASEAN tourism industry,” she said.

A total of 192 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards were given to the member countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you delighted with the many awards the Philippines won at the ASEAN Tourism Awards? If you are running a local business that benefits from the inflow of tourists, does this development encourage you to move your business deeper into the tourism industry? Do you consider the Philippines more competitive with its Southeast Asian neighbors when it comes to tourism?

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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Chinese nationals arrested by immigration officials for visa violations

February 9, 2024February 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the province, agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three Chinese nationals for visa-related violations, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday reported the recent arrest of three foreigners in Ligao City, Albay for visa violations.

In a statement, BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the case originated from the information from the Bureau’s Legazpi District Office against Chinese nationals Li Xiaodong, Shi Jiazhu, and Shi Yushuang, who were arrested last Jan. 24 for violating the limitations and conditions of their visas.

Verification of their records revealed that the foreigners, who initially underwent biometrics scanning for health reasons, were actually employed in different Metro Manila companies, which is clear violation of their visa limitations.

The foreigners were found by the intelligence agents to be working at a hardware and merchandise companies despite their visas.

“Our intelligence efforts, combined with effective operations, ensure that visa violators are identified and apprehended promptly. This operation underscores the importance of strict adherence to visa conditions,” Manahan said.

The three were transported to the BI Main Office in Intramuros in Manila for proper booking procedures, medical examinations, and legal disposition.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be even more Chinese nationals here in the Philippines engaging in illegal activities? Are happy that immigration officials arrested the foreigners for violating their visa limitations and conditions?

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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