Anyone who gets caught selling or buying votes in connection with the National and Local elections this year will get into trouble as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently issued a resolution monitoring such activities and warrantless arrests will be allowed, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA. Some parts in boldface…
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued a resolution allowing law enforcement to arrest vote buyers and sellers without a warrant if they are caught in the act.
According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras,” Resolution No. 11104 will expand the authority of the poll body’s Committee on Kontra-Bigay” to monitor vote buying and selling in Eleksyon 2025.
The resolution allows a law enforcer to make a warrantless arrest if he or she witnessed an act or attempt to commit election offenses.
“Any law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, arrest a person when, in his or her presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit the election offense of vote-buying and vote-selling or act constituting ASR (abuse of state resources),” the resolution read.
The arrested individual will be brought to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, the materials used in vote buying or selling will be under the custody of the police.
“The money or any other goods of value, sample ballots and any other campaign materials used for vote-buying and vote-selling, and ASR, shall be immediately seized and taken into custody by the apprehending law enforcement officer,” the resolution added.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newest resolution by the COMELEC will be effective in preserving the integrity of the national and local elections scheduled for May 2025? Do you think the inclusion of warrantless arrests will deter the buyers and sellers of votes?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested three “Akyat Bahay” gang members who broke into a house along El Grande Avenue and robbed it of valuables, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened within the jurisdiction of Barangay BF International-CAA and the suspects were caught hiding in the house ceiling.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Three members of “Akyat Bahay” gang were caught by members of the Las Piñas City Police hiding in the ceiling of the house they robbed of valuable items on Jan. 7.
Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as alias “Anthony,” 24; alias “Andrei,” 21; and alias “Paul,” 19, all residents of Parañaque City.
They were apprehended at around 3:00 p.m. at a house on El Grande Avenue in Barangay BF International/CAA Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said the victim, identified as alias “Ernesto,”67, visited his house and discovered that it was ransacked, prompting him to immediately report the incident to the police.
He said the suspects were found hiding in the ceiling of the house of the victim during the investigation by responding policemen, village security personnel and barangay officials.
The victim claimed that his 42-inch Sony flat-screen TV worth P60,000, a 43-inch Devant flat-screen TV worth P50,000, and a Mac computer valued at P100,000 were stolen and not recovered. Tafalla said an air conditioning unit worth P70,000 was recovered at the scene.
He said the suspects also damaged a circuit breaker worth P120,000.00, the ceiling worth P50,000, and floor tiles and sliding door each valued at P50,000.
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? Was there an Akyat Bahay incident that happened in your local community over the past six months? Do you own a home that got robbed?
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
Very recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers composed of the police, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a corporate facility and arrested hundreds of people suspected of engaging in online scams and violating immigration laws, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
More than 400 individuals allegedly engaged in online scams were arrested by law enforcement agencies in Parañaque City on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena said the Parañaque City Police rendered assistance to the joint operation conducted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Abrugena said the 400 individuals, composed of foreign nationals and Filipinos, were arrested at around 4:00 p.m. in two units of a corporate center on Asiana Avenue in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
He said the operation was conducted as part of a BI mission order targeting foreign nationals involved in illegal activities in the country.
The SPD chief said the arrested persons were engaged in various unlawful activities, including operating online scams and violating immigration laws.
Abrugena said the arrested persons, including one alias “Liang,” are now (under) investigation. They were brought to the BI facility for documentation and legal action.
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 convinced that a lot of foreigners who were previously employed by POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are secretly hiding in your city doing further illegal activities like online scamming?
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
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the local police apprehended a tricycle driver and a machine operator who were caught possessing firecrackers which was a violation of City Ordinance No. 14-092, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested a tricycle driver and a machine operator who were caught in possession of firecrackers in Muntinlupa.
The two were arrested for violation of City Ordinance No. 14-092, which 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.”
The suspects were identified as Vince, 26, a tricycle driver and Marvin, 30, a machine operator, who were caught by the Muntinlupa Police during an anti-criminality operation in Block 47, Soldiers Hills Village, Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa.
During the operation, the police confiscated 100 pieces of Kwitis, seven bundles of small luces, 20 pieces of whistle bomb, three small Batibot fountains, five small silver fountains, two bell orchid fountains, and three small fountains. The total estimated value of the seized items is P3,830.
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, are you happy that the police apprehended the violators of the local ordinance? Do you consider firecrackers dangerous and a waste of money? Do you think the City Government and the police did a good job making the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the city peaceful?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, a wanted man from Quezon province was arrested in BF Homes over his alleged involvement in online child sexual exploitation activities, according to a Philippine Star news report. The local law enforcers were armed with a warrant for his arrest which was issued by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge in Quezon province.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Philippine Star. Some parts in boldface…
A 59-year-old building contractor, known by the alias “Anthony,” was arrested at B.F. Homes in Parañaque City last Thursday for his involvement in online child sexual exploitation activities.
Operatives from the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) and the District Intelligence Division of the Southern Police District (SPD) served the warrant of arrest against the accused around 5 p.m. that day.
The arrest was made in connection with charges under the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.
SPD director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang confirmed that the arrest stemmed from a pending warrant for violations of Sections 4(M) and 4(A) of the law.
The warrant was issued by Julius Francis Galvez, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 96, Catanauan, Quezon on Dec. 12.
The accused faces a recommended bail of P200,000 for one charge, while the other remains non-bailable.
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 more wanted people from the provinces who could be present in your local community within the city?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police arrested a Chinese national who was carrying illegal substances and a firearm replica, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened in Barangay Tambo.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese national was arrested by the Parañaque City Police for illegal possession of drugs and a replica gun on Friday, Dec. 13.
Southern Police District (SPD) director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang identified the suspect as “Yuanbo,” 30. He was arrested by the Tambo Police Substation on D. Macapagal Boulevard in Barangay Tambo.
Yang said operatives from Tambo Police Substation were conducting routine patrol when they spotted the suspect on board an illegally parked white Toyota Vios.
Upon approaching the car, Yuanbo rudely instructed the officers to go away. This prompted them to ask for the suspect’s driver’s license and vehicle registration which he has none.
While inspecting Yuanbo’s car, the policemen recovered an airsoft gun between the driver and passenger seat of the vehicle as well as 11 grams of shabu worth P74,800 and a block of marijuana leaves worth P120,000.
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 about the presence of Chinese nationals carrying firearms (replica or actual guns) and illegal substances within the jurisdiction of the city?
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
Very recently in the city of Parañaque, a group of armed men mostly disguised as personnel of the police entered a residential community and managed to kidnap a foreign national who was described as a “boss” of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO), according to a GMA Network news report. The kidnapping was captured on camera.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA Network. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese man suspected to be a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) boss was kidnapped by men posing as police in Parañaque City.
In Jun Veneracion’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” six armed men came out of a van, which was parked in front of the house that the victim was renting.
Most of the armed men wore shirts and vests with the word “police” on the back.
CCTV footage showed that the armed men approached the security guard, disarmed him and approached another person.
A few minutes later, two men held the victim as he went outside his house in handcuffs.
“Ito po ayan na po si [censored] sinakay nila sa Hiace at tuloy tuloy na po yan. Pumasok po sila around 3:20 [p.m.] at lumabas around 3:50 [p.m.] siguro. Around 30 minutes sila sa loob ng village,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Eric Angustia, assistant chief of police for administration of the Parañque City Police Station.
(The victim was boarded into the Hiace. The armed men went into the village at 3:20 p.m. and came out around 3:50 p.m. They were there for about 30 minutes.)
The Parañque City Police Station said the armed men disguised themselves as police to kidnap the victim.
“Ayon sa security guard sa Gate 1, nagpakilala sila na mga pulis at may operation sa loob magsi-serve ng isang warrant of arrest. Nagpanggap lang ito na mga pulis para mabilis makapasok,” Angustia said.
(According to the security guard of Gate 1, the armed men introduced themselves as police and said they would serve an arrest warrant to the victim. They disguised themselves as policemen to easily enter the village.)
The whereabouts and wellbeing of the victim are still unknown.
Upon investigation, the police found that one of the suspects was a former security guard of the subdivision. A witness saw him talking to the victim’s two guards near his house days before the crime.
“Lumalabas po sa imbestigasyon na kasabwat sila sa insidente kaya inaaresto natin sila yung dalawa,” Angustia said.
(The investigation revealed that they were accomplices in the incident so we arrested them.)
The victim’s guards will be facing kidnapping charges along with seven other suspects who remain subjects of police manhunt. The suspects refused to give comments and said they would talk to their lawyers first.
According to the investigation, the victim is a businessman and is considered a POGO boss in Parañaque. The police are still looking for the mastermind of the kidnapping, who, until now, is not asking for a ransom.
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 your local community could someday get infiltrated by armed kidnappers pretending to be police officers or government agents and get away with criminal acts? When was the last time a kidnapping incident happened inside your village? How reliable are your village security guards?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local police arrested a foreign national for illegally possessing a firearm and committing a grave threat, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recovered from the suspect was an air gun revolver, 25 air gun pellets and some live ammunition.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A Japanese national was arrested for grave threat and violation of RA 10501 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Las Piñas City Police Chief Col. Sandro Tafalla said the suspect, identified as alias “Yasuhiko,” 62, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said Yasuhiko was arrested after a 20 year-old motorcycle rider filed a complaint against him for poking a gun at him during a heated argument for refusing to bring him home in Parañaque City.
He said the victim sought police assistance from patrolling policemen along Naga Road, Las Piñas City which led to the arrest of the suspect.
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? Were there any gun-related incidents that happened within your local community over the past thirty days?
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
On the afternoon of December 8, 2024 along Concha Cruz Drive in BF Homes subdivision, the Concha Cruz Drive Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) had its Christmas fellowship that brought its legitimate members, guests and the heroes of the community together.
The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship was more than just a social gathering as it symbolized the truth that the homeowners’ association (HOA) and its residents need each other so that cooperation, unity and progress could be achieved. At the same time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and security guards of Praise Security and Investigation Agency, Inc. were called the community heroes for their essential contributions to the peace and security of the local community.
There were also several officials from the City Government of Parañaque who attended and interacted with the community members.
Indeed, under the current board of directors (BOD) of the CCDHAI led by its president Luis Isidro Bersamin, the Concha Cruz Drive community progressed over the past two years as it has turned more peaceful, more stable and the value of properties have soared along the way.
“You have seen our community has turned active and we are connecting with each other. Hopefully, we could do more next year,” CCDHAI president Bersamin said. “You may have noticed that our community has turned peaceful. I am happy to see the positive changes in our local community as we worked hard for these to happen.”
CCDHAI president Luis Isidro Bersamin delivering his remarks to the members and guests.
Bersamin also noted the increase in the number of legitimate members who responded to the invitations to be more involved in the association’s activities. His remarks drew cheers from the directors, the members and the guests (including Barangay BF Homes chairman Jeremy Marquez, Parañaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante, Parañaque City Councilor Bong Benzon with wife Sheila Benzon, and Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez’s legal counsel Atty. Rommel Frias).
Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez speaking during the fellowship.
“I admire your community’s activeness. I saw how your association is involved not only with the federation but also with our barangay. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank your president for helping the barangay when we have programs from the national government to take part in,” Barangay BF Chairman Jeremy Marquez stated in his short speech.
Parañaque City Councilor Bong Benzon addressed the CCDHAI community as his wife Sheila looked on. (photo source – CCDHAI)
The Parañaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante. (photo source – CCDHAI)
Other important figures who made it to the Christmas fellowship include Parañaque City Mayor Olivarez’s HOA consultant Marilu Glorioso, City Councilors Rico Golez, Beng Amurao, Jet Frias, Raffy Apiong Dela Peña and former City Councilors Wahoo Sotto and Jean Yllana. They each admired the CCDHAI for the progress and reforms achieved over the past two years.
The group of CCDHAI people and guests. Seated (Left to Right) were director Grace Morales, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, Parañaque City Councilor Rico Golez, this writer, City Councilor Beng Amurao and homeowner/member Nisa Moletti. Standing (L to R) were director Seth Bersamin, Seanma Bersamin, Sidong Bersamin, director Carlos Jamora and director Ryan Samia. (photo source – CCDHAI)
An indoor group selfie shot taken by director Carlos Jamora (foreground). Standing (L to R) were HOA consultant to Parañaque Mayor Olivarez Marilu Glorioso, director Grace Morales, this writer/blogger, Merle de Asis, Atty. Rommel Frias with his wife, Nikki Bersamin, Samito Bersamin, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, City Councilor Jet Frias, Atty. Jon Jamora and Ann Lopez. (photo source – CCDHAI)
The CCDHAI and the guests – including elements of the Philippine National Police and local security guards who are the community heroes – went to enjoy delicious meals, and socialize with one another. Adding zest to the fellowship was the release of Christmas prizes and all of the guests were able to pick something they desired before heading home.
“The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship proves that community participation in the HOA’s events benefits the homeowners, especially when the local government unit (LGU) steps in to help them with their needs. The best benefit of all, homeowners and the LGU officers get to know each other in a spirit of camaraderie,” director Grace Morales stated.
CCDHAI director and host Grace Morales gave the attendees an update about their association’s activities.
About CCDHAI
The Concha Cruz Drive community and the guests together. (photo credit – CCDHAI)
The Concha Cruz Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) was founded in 2014. Its local community (composed of 67 households) includes specific parts of both Parañaque City and Las Piñas City.
The current BOD of CCDHAI include Luis Isidro Bersamin as President, and Alexis Sanchez as Vice President. Other members of the board include directors Seth Bersamin, Jaime Calaqui, Carlos Miguel Jamora, Grace Morales and Ryan Samia.
To contact the CCDHAI, call 85425277 or send email to ccdhainc@gmail.com
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
The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently announced that crime all over the nation dropped by over 9% for the period of January to November 2024, 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…
Crimes in the country dropped by more than 9 percent in the past 11 months, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, said a total of 34,684 crime incidents were logged from Jan. 1 to Nov. 29 this year, a 9.43 percent decline from 38,294 incidents in the same period last year.
She said this data breaks the trend of soaring crime incidents during the “Ber” months, where there is an increase in mobility and economic activities.
Fajardo said the PNP aims to sustain these gains with intensified anti-criminality efforts, particularly the implementation of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, with the aid of force multipliers and the public.
She said police visibility would be intensified in public places and churches, especially when the nine-day Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses) starts on Dec. 16.
Aside from the holiday season, Fajardo said the police force is also beefing up security preparations for next year’s midterm elections.
Potential election areas of concern will undergo validation by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council which includes the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and election officers.
Under the Comelec’s classification of election hotspots, areas under the red category are considered in a critical situation while those under orange have confirmed “presence of armed groups and organized movements outside the law.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel safer in relation to what the PNP announced? Have there been lesser crime incidents that happened in your local community this year?
Author Carlo Carrasco 