PNA – Page 6 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Wanted foreigner arrested in Las Piñas City

April 29, 2025April 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local law enforcers apprehended a 23-year-old Japanese national who has been wanted for a series of criminal acts that happened in Japan, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspect was described to be a member of a notorious gang and has overstayed in the Philippines for some time now.

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

Another member of the infamous “Luffy” gang, which is being linked to theft, fraud, extortion, and violent crimes in Japan, has been arrested in the Philippines.

Takuya Hoshino, 23, was arrested inside his residence in a subdivision in Las Piñas City on Tuesday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said in a news release on Wednesday.

Hoshino was the latest member of the notorious criminal gang arrested by the BI since last year, after their presence in the country was reported by the Japanese government.

“Like his colleagues in the syndicate whom we have earlier arrested, he, too, will be deported, blacklisted, and banned from re-entering the Philippines,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

Hoshino was detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending implementation of the deportation order that the bureau’s Board of Commissioners issued against him for being an undesirable alien.

According to BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) chief Rendel Ryan Sy, Hoshino is subject of an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Tokyo Summary Court on Sept. 15, 2022 after he was charged with theft in violation of the Japanese penal code.

The suspect and his cohorts allegedly stole ATM cards from unsuspecting elderly victims by impersonating law enforcement officers.

They were also accused of staging fake police investigations to dupe their victims into surrendering their bank cards.

Over 20 million yen, or more than USD141,000, in cash were reportedly siphoned off by the suspects through unauthorized withdrawals from the stolen cards.

A check on his travel record showed that Hoshino overstayed in the country for more than five years, as his last arrival was recorded on Oct. 30, 2019.

Viado said the arrest forms part of the government’s broader effort to protect national security and public safety, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border control and crack down on transnational crimes.

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 a lot more foreign gang members or fugitives who could be living in your local community?

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

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Passenger service fees in CAAP airports hiked

April 26, 2025April 23, 2025carlocarrasco

If you are traveling through an airport operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), prepare yourself as the passenger service charge has officially been raised since April 21, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

A higher passenger service charge (PSC) has been imposed in all airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) starting April 21.

“The increase, primarily adjusted based solely on inflation from 2015 to present, underwent the required public hearing with various stakeholders, as well as the necessary publication,” the aviation authority said in a news release late Monday.

It added that the adjustment supports CAAP’s efforts to enhance passenger experience and improve airport facilities and operations.

In Memorandum Circular 019-2025 signed on April 4, the PSC for international flights rose to PHP900 from PHP550.

From the PHP200 PSC for domestic flights, the rate will be PHP350 for international airports; PHP300 for principal class 1 airports; PHP200 for principal class 2 airports; and PHP100 for community airports. CAAP operates 44 commercial airports.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the hike of the passenger service charge at CAAP airports has been justified? How much did you pay recently at a CAAP-operated airport?

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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Immigration officials arrest Chinese fugitive in Parañaque City

April 21, 2025April 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) fugitive search unit apprehended a China national over drug trafficking charges, 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…

A Chinese national wanted in his country for drug trafficking charges has been arrested in Parañaque City, Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday.

In a news release, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Ouyang Shixing, 40, who was arrested inside his condominium unit by elements from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU).

“Ouyang is the subject of a red notice from the Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) which was issued last year after he was indicted for drug trafficking in violation of China’s criminal laws,” Viado said.

He said the suspect is also the subject of an arrest warrant issued in November 2023 by the public security bureau in Fuzhou City, Jiangxi, China.

Based on the information received by the BI, Ouyang conspired with another suspect on May 12, 2023 in purchasing methamphetamine from a drug supplier, and later sold the substance to a buyer who paid them 70,000 yuan or nearly USD10,000.

Ouyang then took a train to Hong Kong on Aug. 2 of the same year and absconded with the money by fleeing to the Philippines.

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 there could be more foreign fugitives hiding in your local community right now? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive city for fugitives to hide in?

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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Eight EPD cops charged over illegal operation in Las Piñas City

April 16, 2025April 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) got charged over a rogue police operation in which P85 million was stolen from a Chinese businessman, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

State prosecutors found probable cause to charge eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) who allegedly stole PHP85 million from a Chinese trader in an unauthorized police operation in Las Piñas City.

In a statement on Friday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said the Office of the City Prosecutor filed before the court on Thursday a complaint of kidnapping and two counts of robbery against the eight suspects, who are members of the EPD’s District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).

These cases stemmed from an operation where the eight officers served a bogus arrest warrant against the victim on April 2.

The victim and the relatives claimed that the cops shut down their closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, forcibly opened their vaults, and took away the money in pesos, US dollars, and Malaysian ringgit; jewelry; gadgets, and other personal belongings worth PHP85 million.

“Let me be clear – the NCRPO does not shield any wrongdoing. I will not condone any misdeed perpetrated by any member of NCRPO and I will ensure the filing of airtight cases against police scalawags,” Aberin said.

“We will closely monitor the progress of these criminal cases and we shall ensure that the administrative investigation will result in their dismissal from the service, based on evidence and due process of law.”

Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo earlier said the sacked DSOU commander, Maj. Emerson Coballes, was tagged as AWOL (absent without official leave) after he did not comply with a return to work order from the NCRPO.

Coballes did not report for duty after the NCRPO found out that the raid on the house of the Chinese businessman was intended to rob him, as the foreigner did not fit the description of the man in the arrest warrant.

Aberin said the complaint against Coballes is set for preliminary investigation on April 22 and 29.

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 other crooked cops out there who might organize a rogue operation against your household 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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P28.5 million in illegal drugs seized and one suspect killed in Parañaque City

April 15, 2025April 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, a buy-bust operation organized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) resulted in the seizure of illegal substances worth more than P28 million, three suspects apprehended and one suspect killed, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The operation turned out violent as a few PDEA agents got harmed.

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

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP28.5 million during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of one suspect and the arrest of three others.

In a statement Thursday, the anti-narcotics body said the suspects, with aliases Lala, Allan, and Binny, were nabbed during the operation in Barangay San Antonio at about 5 p.m.

Another suspect, alias Sady, was killed while four PDEA agents were wounded in the ensuing gunfight.

Seized from the operation were 4.2 kg. of suspected shabu, a vehicle, mobile phones, buy-bust money, identification cards, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, ammunition, and several documents.

The arrested suspects will face charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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 criminals involved with illegal drugs are infiltrating your local community?

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

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Philippines unemployment rate down in February 2025

April 14, 2025April 9, 2025carlocarrasco

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed recently that the unemployment rate of the Philippines fell down to 3.8% this past February from 4.3% the previous month, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The country’s unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in three months, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

In a briefing on Tuesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said preliminary results of the latest Labor Force Survey showed that the unemployment rate further declined to 3.8 percent in February this year from 4.3 percent the previous month. It was the lowest rate since the 3.1 percent recorded in December last year.

Mapa said the number of unemployed Filipinos declined to 1.94 million from 2.16 million in January this year.

Employment rate on the other hand, rose to 96.2 percent in February this year from 95.7 percent the previous month.

Mapa said the number of employed Filipinos went up to 49.15 million, higher than the 48.49 million and 48.95 million recorded in January this year and in February 2024, respectively.

Industries which recorded the largest increase in employment include accommodation and food service (+377,000), fishing and aquaculture (+365,000), public administration and defense (+330,000), construction (+258,000), and other service activities (+232,000).

Mapa said preparations for the midterm elections and summer holidays helped increase employment in accommodation and food service and other service activities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be more than enough job opportunities for the unemployed throughout the year? Do you think the Philippine economy will grow strongly to sustain new job creation until the end of 2025?

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 inflation rate lands at 1.8% in March 2025

April 10, 2025April 4, 2025carlocarrasco

The inflation rate of the Philippines settled at 1.8% for the month of March this year based on the latest details released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), according to the news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The confirmed inflation rate was the lowest since June 2020.

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

Inflation rate in March 2025 settled at 1.8 percent, marking a nearly five-year low, mainly due to slower price increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly lower prices of rice.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said in a press briefing Friday that last month’s inflation was lower than the rate in February 2025 at 2.1 percent and the 3.7 percent in March 2024. PSA data showed that the inflation last month was the lowest since June 2020.

The PSA attributed the slower pace of price increases in March 2025 to the easing of food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation at 2.2 percent from 2.6 percent a month ago. Mapa said this commodity group shared 50.2 percent to the downtrend in inflation.

In particular, cereals and cereal products recorded a deflation, or decrease in prices, of 5.2 percent last month from a deflation of 3 percent in February 2025.

This commodity group includes rice, which recorded negative inflation for the past three months: -2.3 percent in January, -8.4 percent in February, and -7.7 percent in March.

Mapa said that since the Executive Order 62 took effect in July 2024, which reduced the tariff on imported rice, prices of the staple have substantially declined.

“Kung i-compare natin noong—say, base natin noong July 2024, kung saan nagsimula ‘yong reduction sa tariff, bumaba na rin substantially ‘yong presyo ng bigas per kilo [If we compare it to—(let’s) say, based on July 2024, when the tariff reduction started, the price of rice per kilogram has substantially decreased],” he said.

Citing PSA data, Mapa said comparing the prices from July 2024 to March 2025, average price reduction for regular milled rice was at PHP4.90, or from PHP51.11 per kilo to PHP46.09 per kilo.

Well milled rice also declined in the same period by PHP4.19 per kg., or from PHP56.44 per kg. to PHP52.25 per kg., and by PHP2.60 per kg. for special rice, or from PHP64.75 per kg. to PHP62.15 per kg., the national statistician added.

Aside from food and non-food beverages, inflation in transport group recorded -1.1 percent in March 2025 from -0.2 percent in February 2025.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the inflation rate of the country settled at less than 2% for the month of March 2025? Do you think inflation will remain stable for the next six months?

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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Troublesome Russian streamer to stay in country to be formally charged

April 9, 2025April 8, 2025carlocarrasco

The troublesome Russian streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy won’t be leaving the Philippines any time soon as he will be formally charged for what he committed in public recently, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). He was presented to the media in the presence of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

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

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will have to stay longer in the country to face criminal charges for harassing and insulting Filipinos for content.

Remulla said Zdorovetskiy will not be deported until such time that a final verdict is handed down by a Philippine court.

“Babala na rin ito (This is also a warning). People have to take responsibility for the content they create. It is not a license to shame or to hurt or to besmirch anyone,” Remulla said in a press conference in Quezon City.

Remulla said the Russian, arrested April 2 in Pasay, is under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration “as an undesirable alien and a flight risk.”

At least five criminal charges were filed against Zdorevetskiy, including a case in Boracay Island where he allegedly insulted a windsurfing instructor.

“He has been making vlogs and making money out of disrespecting people. But not in our own land. We will not allow him to insult and disrespect any Filipino,” Remulla said.

During the press briefing, the moderator had to remind the Russian to behave after he was seen murmuring and making gestures apparently aimed at the DILG chief. Remulla said he heard Zdorevetskiy cursing at him.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the way the local authorities are handling Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will send a strong message to troublesome foreign streamers that they will be held accountable if they harass locals while staying in the Philippines? Do you think Congress should pass new laws to deal with problematic vloggers and live streamers? Should the national government be more active in dealing with streaming platforms whose account holders include troublesome streamers and vloggers? Do you think the government Russia will do something about the arrested Vitaly Zdorovetskiy?

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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Several Chinese nationals arrested by NBI inside Ayala Alabang Village, firearms seized

April 4, 2025April 3, 2025carlocarrasco

With the support of the local community, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested twelve Chinese nationals in three houses inside Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City, and seized varied firearms, ammunition and equipment, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The National Bureau of Investigation- National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) on Wednesday said it has arrested 12 Chinese nationals in Muntinlupa City for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

In a news release, the NBI said the foreigners were nabbed in an operation conducted Monday evening to Tuesday morning in three residential houses in in Ayala Alabang Village by virtue of search warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court of Muntinlupa City.

The NBI operatives, together with representatives from the barangay, homeowners’ association and village security personnel, searched the premises and seized five pistols, along with magazines and ammunition in the first location; four pistols with magazines and ammunition, two taser guns, three bulletproof vests, tactical knives, and handcuffs on the second; and one pistol with a magazine and ammunition and tactical gear for pistols on the third.

Various identification cards belonging to individuals named Yi Wan, Wang Zenghui, Yichun Liu, Zhou Chenchen, Zhang Yu, Xiu Zhang, Zhang Qi Ja, Wang Zenghui and Wang Weibin were also seized.

The NBI said four vehicles were also impounded for verification after the owners failed to present the necessary documents.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals living here in the Philippines armed with guns and other deadly weapons? How do you think the suspects acquired the firearms and ammunition in the first place? Do you think the arrested Chinese nationals were plotting a violent takeover of the community? Do you think violent crimes involving Chinese nationals in other cities could be connected with the suspects?

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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Japanese leisure services firm to invest P2.5 billion in the Philippines

March 19, 2025March 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Koshidaka Holdings, a leisure services firm based in Japan, will be investing P2.5 billion in the Philippines and plans to launch its first store this year, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This development is related with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) recent meetings with corporations in Japan. Kodaka Holdings has more than six hundred outlets in Japan and the Philippines is a key part of its planned expansion in Southeast Asia.

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

Japanese leisure services firm Koshidaka Holdings Co. Ltd. will be investing PHP2.5 billion in the country, with its first store set to open this year, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.

In a virtual briefing Tuesday, Roque said Koshidaka is aggressive on its plans to expand in the country to bring its karaoke business and onsen-style (hot spring) spas as well as opening women’s fitness studios in Philippine malls.

The Japanese firm is scouting for 30 locations to establish its business here before growing to 100 sites nationwide.

Koshidaka is one of the 13 firms and business organizations that Roque met during her recent visit in Tokyo as a follow-through of the agency’s investment missions in Japan.

These firms include Nidec Corp., Ibiden Co., Ltd., Etoile Kaito & Co., Inc, Adastria Co., Ltd., Sumitomo, Fujifilm Holdings Corp., Chodai Co., Ltd. Taiheiyo Cement Corp., Fast Retailing, JR East, and Koshidaka Holdings Co., Ltd as well Keizai Doyukai and Keidanren.

“We also check on their plans, what their plans are in our country for expansion and also for growth,” Roque said.

Earlier, Koshidaka announced that it would establish a Philippine subsidiary to offer a new style of karaoke entertainment.

Koshidaka said its expansion in the Philippines is a key initiative in its Southeast Asia growth strategy, with the country’s large market and economic development.

“Aside from the entertainment, they also want to open a gym that’s really just focused on women all over the country, and they also want to focus on creating Japanese onsen in the malls or in different areas that are of interest to them,” Roque said.

“So they’re actually coming first quarter this year to really explore the different locations where they can open.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you find Koshidaka Holdings’ karaoke and onsen-style spas interesting? Have you tried any of Koshidaka Holdings’ businesses in Japan before?

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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