Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar issued a warning to the public about a solicitation scam for a beauty pageant involving a fake endorsement, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Eerily, this development shared common elements with what happened in Muntinlupa lately.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar warned city residents against a solicitation scam using a fake endorsement for the “Miss Amazing Philippines’ 2023” beauty pageant.
Aguilar said the endorsement using her fake signature states that a certain Rovic Macariolla, a resident of Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City and a president of Gender and Development was being authorized by her office to solicit to the public to support the city’s candidate for “Miss Amazing Philippines’ 2023” beauty pageant.
She said the local police, under the supervision of Col. Jaime Santos, was already alerted and ordered to arrest the suspect.
The mayor urged the public to call the local police hotline numbers at 0998-5987928/0947-4622859 or at (02) 8832-6422/8808-7395/8525-8403 once approached by 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? Are you concerned that scammers pretending to have endorsements of local officials could be pouncing on potential victims in your local community? Has anyone approached you and tried to solicit money from you for a beauty pageant?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Did anyone in Muntinlupa City approach you and tried to solicit funds for a beauty pageant? There is a scam happening locally and no less than the Mayor and Congressman of Muntinlupa warned the public about it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi and Mayor Ruffy Biazon warned the public of a solicitation scam using a fake endorsement letter for a beauty pageant.
In a Facebook post, Fresnedi said a fake endorsement letter indicating that it came from his office was being used to solicit from business establishments for the “Miss Amazing Philippines” beauty pageant in exchange for a five percent discount when they renew their business permits.
The fake endorsement letter certified that a certain Rovic Macariola from Barangay Putatan appeared on Sept. 15 in Fresnedi’s office “with the purpose of seeking permission for the introduction and fulfillment of the candidate requirements for the competition of ‘Miss Amazing Philippines 2023’ pageant.”
“The public is hereby warned that Rovic P. Macariola did not appear on the 15th day of September 2023 and sought permission from this Office relative to the requirements for the competition of ‘Miss Amazing Philippines’ 2023 pageant,” Fresnedi said in a statement.
He added, “Further, Atty. Miguelito Rueda-Gozos who allegedly approved the Certificate of Appearance as a lawyer holding position as a mere Administrative Aide II is not connected with the Office of the House of Representatives of the Lone District of Muntinlupa.”
Fresnedi said the letterhead used in the fake endorsement letter “pertains to the City Government of Muntinlupa and not to the Lone District and the signature of the undersigned in the Certificate of Appearance was forged.”
He said, “the public is hereby advised that the Office of Representative Jaime R. Fresnedi did not issue the Certificate of Appearance and that they should not transact with Rovic P. Macariola who made the foregoing false representations in order to solicit donations for the alleged beauty pageant.”
Biazon said this is a scam and the city government does not ask money or donation in exchange for a discount.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Did someone approach you and tried to solicit funds from you for a special event or activity? Do you think there could be more solicitation scams happening within the city right now?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in Parañaque City, agents of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shut down a consultancy firm for illegal recruitment, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). There were also local police officers and barangay officials present during the closure.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down another consultancy firm found to be offering fake jobs overseas.
On Thursday, DMW Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, together with Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, head of the DMW’s Licensing and Adjudication Services cluster, Assistant Secretary Francis de Guzman, and lawyer Geraldine Mendez, Chief of the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), raided the office of RTM Maritime Consultancy Services Corp. at the 2nd floor of the J & P Building along Ninoy Aquino Avenue in Santo Niño, Paranaque City.
They were assisted by the Parañaque City police and the officials from Barangay Sto. Niño.
Cacdac said the DMW received several emails early this year complaining about the RTM Maritime Consultancy agency.
He cited victims “Ernesto” and “Dindo” who sent separate emails to the department narrating their experience.
Cacdac said “Ernesto” was promised by RTM a job as Chief Cook onboard a container vessel in Dubai with a monthly salary of USD900 (PHP51,300).
“Ernesto” was asked to pay by the consultancy firm a total of PHP105,000 as consultancy fees for finding him an overseas job.
Meanwhile, “Dindo” applied for the position of Engine Cadet with a promised monthly salary of USD350, or approximately PHP20,000, and was asked by RTM to pay a consultancy fee of PHP140,000 for the job placement.
Both “Ernesto” and “Dindo” applied for their alleged jobs in the first quarter of 2023.
However, several months have passed but they have not been deployed yet despite having paid the consultancy fee, and so they decided to file their complaints with the DMW.
The DMW conducted initial surveillance operations of RTM’s activities in March while a follow-up surveillance operation was undertaken in June to bolster the case against the agency.
Cacdac said RTM does not have a valid license or accreditation from the department.
He said RTM received and processed applications and referred these to its partner manning agency, and collected consultation fees ranging from PHP105,000 to as much as PHP140,000 from their applicants who were promised fake jobs as seafarers in Dubai, despite a no placement fee policy for seafarers.
RTM officers and personnel will be charged with illegal recruitment, the DMW said.
The DMW is also urging other victims of RTM Maritime Consultancy Corp. to visit the MWPB so they may be assisted in filing their complaints and cases against the illegal recruitment agency.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you anyone who got victimized by the Parañaque consultancy firm that got shut down? Do you believe there could be more scammers operating in Parañaque?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in Las Piñas City, the City Government issued a public warning to local residents about individuals who have been pretending to be employees of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and acts of extortion that were detected, 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…
The Las Piñas City government is warning the public against individuals posing as employees of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and unlawfully extorting money from applicants.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar released the advisory after receiving several reports of “unscrupulous activity” involving individuals posing as BPLO employees who are allegedly extorting money from applicants in exchange for faster processing of their permits.
Aguilar said the city government is also coordinating with the police to apprehend individuals posing as BPLO employees.
She emphasized that those who will be apprehended for falsely posing as any city government employee will face legal repercussions.
Authentic or legal employees of the BPLO and the city government carries valid IDs, according to their assigned offices, complete with a photo, name, position and signature, the mayor added.
Aguilar told the public to verify the identity of the individuals they interact with by asking for proper identification and contacting their designated offices.
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? Did you encounter someone who claims to be working for the city’s BPLO? Are you concerned that there could be more scammers posing as authority figures in 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon told the public to be aware of scammers who defraud them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It should be noted that scammers are using new tactics (example: the usurpation of authority) to fool people and take something away from them, especially now that the Christmas season is ongoing.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon warned the public against scammers who are using his name or those of officials of the city government to defraud people.
“Binabalaan ko po ang publiko na mag-ingat, lalo na ngayong panahon ng Pasko, may mga scammers o mga nananamantala (I warn the public to be careful, especially this Christmas season, against scammers or those who take advantage),” he said.
On Dec. 15, he said, several people went to the Muntinlupa City hall to report scamming incidents.
A scammer who pretended to be Biazon called one business establishment in Muntinlupa and reserved its venue for six hours and even ordered food. The establishment eventually found out it was a scam.
Other residents received text messages from people who also pretended to be Biazon and asked them to send cell phone loads.
“Nakakatawa nga, Mayor Biazon nanghihingi ng load (It is funny, Mayor Biazon asking for load),” he said.
Some restaurants also received orders from people who pretended to be the mayor. One restaurant even recorded one phone call of the scammer.
“Wag basta basta maniniwala sa mga natatanggap na tawag at nagpapakilala bilang Mayor Biazon o opisyal ng Pamahalaang Lungsod, lalo pa kung mukha itong kahina-hinala (Don’t believe easily when you get phone calls and say they are Mayor Biazon or official of the city government, especially when it appears to be suspicious),” the mayor warned.
He added, “Nakakalungkot dahil kahit panahon ng Kapaskuhan ay walang pinalalampas ang mga scammer na ito. Mag-ingat po tayong lahat (It is saddening that because it is the Christmas season, these scammers will not miss any opportunity. Please be careful).”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Did you encounter any scammers online or in person this Christmas season? If you are running business eager to make money during the Christmas season, have you developed a strategy to determine if there are scammers among your customers?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The arrest of foreign fugitives in Parañaque City (for reference, click here, here and here) has been going on for some time now. Recently, a fugitive from South Korea was arrested in Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque which, according to a Manila Standard news report, happened on September 21, 2022 and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) only confirmed it and talked about it lately. The report described the place of arrest as “BF Tahanan Village” which is a loose reference to Tahanan Village.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday announced the arrest of a South Korean fugitive wanted by authorities in Seoul for involvement in a multi-million telecommunications fraud case.
In a report to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU) identified the fugitive as 33-year-old Lee Won Ho, who was arrested last Sept. 21 at his residence in BF Tahanan Village, Parañaque City.
The FSU operatives who arrested Lee were armed with a warrant of deportation issued pursuant to a summary deportation order that the bureau’s board of commissioners issued against the Korean in four years ago.
Tansingco said Lee will be deported immediately and that the latter was already placed in the immigration blacklist to prevent him from re-entering the country.
“He is an undesirable alien whose presence here poses a serious risk to public interest,” Tansingco said. “Thus, he should be perpetually barred from entering the Philippines.”
BI-FSU acting chief Rendell Ryan Sy said the Korean was issued an arrest warrant by the Incheon district court in Seoul, Korea where he was indicted for Fraud and that the latter’s passport was already revoked.
Lee was tagged as a high-ranking member of the so-called Minju Family, a big-time telecom fraud syndicate allegedly operating in Manila.
Sy said the syndicate is suspected of having defrauded over USD21 million from their Korean victims based overseas.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Parañaque City resident, what can you say about this latest crime-related news? Do you think that Parañaque still has lots of foreign fugitives living somewhere among the many villages or private subdivisions? Are you concerned that a foreign fugitive could be living next door to you?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA Network news report with content translated into English. Some parts in boldface…
(A) scammer cleaned the mobile wallet containing the (donations) for the 63-year-old street sweeper who was run over in Parañaque recently, according to the victim’s son this Tuesday.
In an interview with Unang Balita, Jade (Bacus) said that the scammer got as much as P76,000 from the donation for her mother, Doreen Bacus, who is currently being treated at the hospital.
“All donations to GCAsh have been scammed,” said Jade.
He added that the scammer pretended to be a representative of a charity that wanted to help his mother.
“Because it happened so fast. The woman spoke so well. (She) said (she) would help, (she) said (she) was from a charity. Besides, (she) said (she) watched mom’s video so they want to help,” said Jade.
The family has already reported the incident to the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police.
It can be recalled that Doreen was hit and rolled by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) recently while sweeping the street at the corner of Elizarde and Aguirre Avenue in Barangay BF Homes.
In the CCTV footage, the arrival of the SUV driven by Raymond Sapirain can be seen and directly collided with the victim and rolled over. The SUV did not stop and the victim was left lying on the side of the road.
According to the police, security guards of the subdivision intercepted the driver and took him to the police.
The street sweeper suffered head and ear injuries, according to (her) son.
“The one on (her) head opened because the one on (her) head was sewn there. Besides, the one in (her) ear was removed, so now is (her) schedule for (her) ear to be closed and put in an artificial ear,” said Jade.
The above report ended stating that the victim’s son already talked to the apprehended driver. For additional insight, watch this related GMA news video.
If there is anything to be learned from the newest incident that happened, better do your donation drive independently complete with total control to yourselves. Never share passwords nor direct access into your accounts with others outside of your inner circle. If you will seek charitable assistance at all, you better make sure that such charities that approach you are credible because online scammers here in the Philippines are many and they are always persistent with their wicked intentions. Scammers are also known to be actors who will pounce on the helpless, the ignorant and the desperate.
With these incidents being so disturbing and depressing, I would like to encourage you readers to take time out and pray for the healing of victims who got hurt, and also pray for the souls of the victims who got killed as well as their families who are dealing with the loss. Pray to the Lord wholeheartedly and with unwavering faith. You can start with certain scriptures from the Holy Bible posted below.
For the victims who got hurt and are struggling to recover…
When they are sick, lying upon their bed of suffering, God will restore them. He will raise them up again and restore them back to health.
Psalms 41:3 (TPT)
I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
John 14:25-27 (MSG)
For the victims who died and their respective families who are in pain…
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Two foreigners wanted by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for a transnational crime related to telecommunications were arrested by law enforcers in the city of Parañaque, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The Manila Bulletin also has its own report of the same development. The suspects are now under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Police officers have arrested two South Korean nationals wanted for telecommunications fraud in their home country in Parañaque City.
In a statement Friday, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said suspects Juyeon Lee and Seungyeol Lim were arrested by members of the Anti-Transnational Crimes Unit and Intelligence Division of South Korea and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents in an operation at the BF Homes on Thursday night.
The suspects have a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for transnational crime.
Lee and Lim are members of a phone scam syndicate operating in the Philippines from 2015 to 2016 which preys on victims by posing as bank officials or sellers of a call center in Manila.
The suspects worked for the syndicate from February to July 2016 and were able to defraud a total of 2.8 billion Korean won (around PHP115 million) by performing the illegal activity.
Lee is an underboss of the “Majun Family” who operates voice phishing call centers in several luxury offices in Metro Manila defrauding a total of US$3.7 million (around PHP210 million) from 215 victims in just six months.
Currently, the syndicate has defrauded an approximate amount of US$21 million (around PHP1.1 billion) from its victims.
As to where the arrests happened, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
He said the suspects were nabbed by virtue of a “Red Notice” from the International Police Organization (INTERPOL) implemented by the CIDG’s Anti-Transnational Crimes Unit and Intelligence Division, Bureau of Immigration, and Korean Desk in BF Homes and MHFDS Village, respectively, at 6 p.m.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this report? Do you think that Parañaque will remain a hot spot for foreign fugitives taking refuge far away from their country where they are wanted for crimes? Do you think that much work has to be done before the reported phone scam syndicate operating here in the Philippines will be fully stopped? Are you a victim of the suspects mentioned in the report?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Are you a victim of an investment scam? Recently in the City of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested an investment scam suspect who allegedly deceived someone into investing over one million Pesos into a poultry business that failed to materialize, the Manila Bulletin reported.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
A man who allegedly duped a person to invest P1.5 million in a poultry business that did not materialize has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Paranaque City.
In a statement, the NBI identified the suspect as John D. Bombita who was arrested last July 4 by agents of the NBI’s Bulacan District Office (NBI-BULDO) at a coffee shop. Seized from Bombita was the P200,000 entrapment money he received from his victim.
“Subject Bombita was presented for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for estafa under the Revised Penal Code,” the NBI said
It said the complainant met Bombita in March 2020 when an offer was made to invest P1.5 million in a poultry farm to be set up in Talugtug, Nueva Ecija. The suspect introduced to the complainant Ramil Bautista, the alleged project manager.
The complainant, the NBI said, was assured that the poultry business would be operational in six months after the payment of P1.5 million to Bombita. The complainant paid the full amount in tranches, it said.
“Seven months later, Subject Bombita called an emergency meeting with the investors and introduced a certain Ulysses F. Barcial as the new person in charge of the project because Ramil Bautista took away the money intended for the Poultry project and assured the investors that the Poultry project will move forward. On May 22, 2021, a ground breaking ceremony was conducted to show that the construction of the poultry will still push through,” the NBI said.
“Sometime in April 2022, Subject Bombita called the complainant and asked for P100,000 for the payment of building permit of the three (3) Poultry Vent Tunnel. The complainant told the subjects that he can only pay P50,000. After a month, the complainant was informed that the payment for the building permit was increased to P200,000. The complainant was threatened that if he failed to pay the said amount his investment of P1.5 million will be forfeited,” it said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? Has anyone out there tried to convince you to pour a lot of their money into a project or venture that lacked credibility?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The wave of crime involving Chinese nationals in Parañaque City continued (to understand the trend click here, here, here, here and here) as the Manila Bulletin reported that twelve Chinese were apprehended in the said city recently over credit card fraud.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Twelve Chinese nationals allegedly involved in credit card fraud were arrested by police in Barangay Moonwalk, Paranaque City on Friday afternoon.
Southern Police District (SPD) director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg identified the arrested suspects as Ma Juan,24; Chen Bung Hui,34; Zheng Shi Feng,27; Li Zhu Xing,26; Wa Zhen,30; Tong Chao Yun,29; Ji Qing Laz,22;Li Ling Yu Q,32; Yang Shu Qi,23; Yu Zin,32; Wang Shen,20 and Li Wei,2, all staying in Paranaque City.
Macaraeg said the suspects were apprehended at about 5:45 p.m. at 50 Matthews St., Multinational Village, Barangay Moonwalk.
Armed with a search issued by Judge Noemi Balitaan of Paranaque Regional Trial Court Branch 258, the cops raided the suspects’ place after receiving reports about the foreigners’ involvement in the credit card racket.
The SPD chief said the police operatives caught the suspects operating an online gambling.
Police recovered from the suspects laptop computers, cellular phones, dongles, point of sale machine, and blank card.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think makes Parañaque City a hot spot in South Metro Manila for crimes involving nationals from China? Did a Chinese national cheat you over your money when you did business with him or her locally? Do you believe that there are still a lot of Chinese nationals living in Parañaque doing illegal activities like credit card fraud, email scam and forms of crime?
When you hear the words Parañaque Renaissance, is crime often the first thing to enter in your mind?
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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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 