Southeast Asia – Page 41 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Six foreigners and local bodyguard arrested in Subic for alleged spying operations

March 30, 2025March 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended six foreigners and their local bodyguard in Subic, Zambales, for allegedly conducting surveillance and reconnaissance activities, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The foreign suspects were all from China and several pieces of evidence were collected by the law enforcers.

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

Authorities have arrested six foreign nationals and their Filipino bodyguard suspected of engaging in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in Grande Island in Subic, Zambales.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, NBI officials led by spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin presented to the media the six Chinese suspects as well as the equipment recovered from them.

They were identified as He Peng, alias Nan Ke; Xu Xining; Ye Tianwu, alias Qui Feng/Quing Fe; Ye XIaocan; Dick Ang; and Su Anlong.

The NBI said its Cybercrime Division received a letter on March 17 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Military Intelligence Unit regarding foreign nationals suspected of carrying out covert ISR operations on critical infrastructures within Central Luzon.

“Notably, Grande Island, located within Subic Bay approximately 56 kilometers north of Manila Bay, has attracted attention as foreign nationals have reportedly been conducting surveillance activities there. Intelligence report from the AFP revealed that six individuals on the island were closely monitored for engaging in deemed suspicious activities, involving a collection of sensitive data related to ‘Critical Infrastructure’ or data affecting national defense within the area,” the NBI said in a statement.

The NBI said the individuals were occupying the island under the guise of recreational fishers, frequently lingering at the wharves.

Witnesses reported that the group was using hi-tech drones in the guise of transporting fishing bait to conduct surveillance on naval assets, including those from local forces and allied nations, passing through Grande Island.

“Due to its contiguity and strategic location, the island allows the group to monitor naval assets entering and exiting Subic Bay during maritime patrols or joint naval exercises in the West Philippine Sea,” the NBI said.

On March 19, NBI agents led by Director Jaime Santiago, together with the AFP Intelligence Units and SBMA law enforcers, arrived at the target location to implement the warrant of arrest and carry out a hot pursuit operation which also yielded photographs and documents of Philippine and US naval assets.

Electronic gadgets containing surveillance photos and videos were also seized together with fake documents and identification cards.

Their Filipino bodyguard, Melvin Aguillon, was also arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm.

On March 21, the arrested suspects were presented for inquest proceeding before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Bataan for violations of Commonwealth Act No. 616 (Espionage Law); Articles 172 (Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents) and 178 (Using Fictitious Name and Concealing True Name) of the Revised Penal Code; Republic Act (RA) No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act); and the election gun ban.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the foreign suspects were Chinese nationals?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Aguilar-led Green Team of Las Piñas City to continue legacy of past Mayor in this year’s election

March 30, 2025March 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the campaign team (locally referred to as the Green Team) led by the incumbent Aguilars had its opening salvo for the local elections and vowed to continue the legacy of the late Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The mentioned legacy is in reference to free education and medical services.

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

Las Piñas City’s Green Team vowed to continue the legacy of former Mayor Nene Aguilar of giving free education and medical services to residents during a kick off campaign rally held at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Barangay Pilar, Las Pin̈as City on Friday, March 28.

The Green Team was led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar who will be running for city mayor, current city Mayor Imelda Aguilar who will be running for vice mayor, and former Councilor Mark Antony Santos for congressman.

Running for councilors for District I are Alelee Aguilar, Atty. Zardi Abellera, Brian Bayog, Robert Cristobal , Marlon Rosales and Macmac Santos. For District II, those running for councilors are Engr. Henry Medina, Lester Aranda, Luigi Casimiro, Tito Martinez, Macky Saito, and Euan Toralballa.

Aguilar said the city government had been implementing the 5K program- Kalusugan, Kaalaman, Kaayusan, Kabuhayan, and Kinabukasan for the benefit of city residents.

She said the 5K program offers free services in lying-in clinics, free burial, hospitalization through a green card program worth P30,000, and yearly check-up at Hi-Precision.

The vice mayor said two laboratory testing centers were built during the administration of her mother to ensure that residents will receive free laboratory tests.

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? Have you been satisfied with the public service rendered by the City Government under the leadership of Mayor Imelda Aguilar for the past several years? Do you think Vice Mayor April Aguilar will make a solid Mayor? Do you intend to vote straight for the Green Team this May?

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

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Candidate for Mayor launches bid with promise to make Las Piñas a progressive and modern city

March 30, 2025March 29, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, former City Councilor Carlo Aguilar launched his election campaign for the office of Mayor with a promise to make the city both modern and progressive, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, Aguilar is s the nephew of former senator and business tycoon Manny Villar and is running under the banner of the Nacionalista Party (NP). He filed his candidacy for Mayor months ago.

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

Las Piñas mayoral aspirant Carlo Aguilar officially launched his campaign on Friday, March 28, vowing to transform Las Piñas into a progressive and modern city.

Aguilar detailed his vision for a “New Las Piñas,” a stark contrast to what he described as “Last Piñas,” lamenting that the city has been left behind in terms of infrastructure, economic development, and quality of public services compared to other Metro Manila cities during his campaign rally held at San Ezekiel Moreno Parish Church along C5 Extension in barangay Pulanglupa Uno.

The campaign kickoff was attended by all local candidates under the Nacionalista Party including party chairman Cynthia Villar who is running for the city’s lone seat in Congress.

In his speech, Aguilar underscored the urgent need for a leadership shift in Las Piñas, stating that the city’s decline in competitiveness, urban planning, and basic services has made life increasingly difficult for residents.

“We were once a leading city, but today, we are lagging. Roads remain congested, economic growth is stagnant, and our services have not improved. It’s time for a new Las Piñas. We need leadership that listens, leadership that acts, and leadership that puts the people first.” Aguilar said.

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? Do you think new leadership at the City Government is needed to truly modernize the city and make it progressive? If the local elections were held today, would you be voting for Carlo Aguilar for Mayor? Do you consider Las Piñas a less competitive city compared with other Metro Manila cities?

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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750 residents of Barangay Talon Singko fed by Las Piñas City’s Auxiliary Feeding Program

March 29, 2025March 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, seven hundred and fifty residents – mostly children – of Barangay Talon Singko were served with food when the local auxiliary feeding program (AKA Kusina ng Las Piñas) took place in the local community, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas conducted another auxiliary feeding program on Wednesday, March 12 at the Emmaus Village in Talon Singko benefiting 750 individuals, primarily children. This initiative is part of the Kusina ng Las Piñas program, which aims to provide nutritious meals to communities in need.

During the event, beneficiaries received Pork Mechado Rice Toppings and bottled water, prepared with the assistance of nutritionist-dietitians and Barangay Nutrition Scholars. Volunteers from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also assisted in the distribution as part of the observance of Fire Prevention Month.

The feeding program was facilitated by the Las Piñas City Nutrition Office, led by OIC City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Julio P. Javier II, in coordination with barangay nutrition officers and workers.

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 there many children in your local community who want the City Government’s feeding program to be held at their 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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Do you miss watching movies at Commercenter?

March 28, 2025March 25, 2025carlocarrasco

For those of you who have been missing out on developments here in Alabang, Commercenter officially closed down their cinemas (4 screens) on March 15, 2025 fulfilling their announcement (click here and here) They did, however, announce that something new will materialize but there are no details as to what that might be.

During one of my recent visits at the high-end shopping mall in Filinvest City, I noticed that the 2^nd floor path leading to what used to be the cinemas was sealed shut which you can see in the video below.

For the newcomers reading this, Commercenter’s cinemas operated for a little over ten years starting in the 2^nd half of 2014. The cinemas had 4 screens and each screen had a sitting capacity of over 100 seats. Outside of the screens, the ticket desk and the concessionaire were right beside each other. Having seen a lot of movies at Commercenter, I can say that watching films inside the cinemas was often comfortable, convenient and pleasant.

As many of us know, the COVID-19 pandemic really hit the cinemas industry of the nation very hard as other types of businesses also went down. The nationwide shutdown of movie theaters caused by government pandemic restrictions really hurt not only the cinema operators but also their employees. When the restrictions were eased, cinemas around the country gradually reopened and for a time moviegoers had to wear face masks when watching movies. When I saw The Batman in Commercenter in March 2022, me and others had to wear face masks because they were required.

A post-pandemic economic recovery happened here in the Philippines but it looks like the cinemas industry has yet to achieve the pre-pandemic numbers of moviegoers. That being said, I can only speculate that the rise of ticket prices, the preference of locals to watch new movies by streaming, and the rise of varied operating expenses probably contributed to the closure of cinemas not only in Commercenter but also those in Festival Mall.

With regards to inflation, the rise of ticket prices at Commercenter during the post-pandemic persion were noticeable. I paid P320 for The Batman in March 2022 and P380 for Sound of Freedom in September 2023 at Commercenter. Before the mall closed down its cinemas, foreign movie tickets were being sold at P400 each. Clearly, there were unfavorable economic forces that happened.

Without the cinemas, Commercenter lost entertainment value. I remember back in 2015 when a lot of people formed long lines to watch Jurassic World which also explained why the mall’s basement parking almost reached full capacity. There were also busy weekends for blockbusters films like Wonder Woman, Avengers: Endgame, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Mad Max: Fury Road and others right there.

Before the closure of the cinemas happened, this movie poster of the 2025 Superman movie (directed by James Gunn) was displayed inside Commercenter. The film is set to open in cinemas worldwide this July and Commercenter’s cinemas have been closed since March 15. The display of this movie poster is pointless now.

Before the pandemic struck, Commercenter was a fun place for moviegoers and I personally know friends based outside of Muntinlupa City who came to the said mall for movies. That means Commercenter really had a unique attraction that made it competitive with Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall when it comes to attracting people who love movies. At the same time, the mall has nice places where visitors can have meals or coffee after watching a film.

Of course, the cinemas of Commercenter are no more and we can only remember the old days of fun-filled moviegoing at its cinemas through pictures, social media posts and collected movie tickets.

In my honest opinion, watching movies in Alabang will never be the same.

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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

Deed of exchange for Festival Mall signed

March 28, 2025March 20, 2025carlocarrasco

Festival Mall – the popular shopping mall in Filinvest City in Alabang – is now fully owned by Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) as the deed of exchange with Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) has been formally signed recently, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Previously it was reported that the value of the transfer of ownership was worth over P6 billion.

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

FILINVEST REIT CORP. (FILRT) has executed a deed of exchange with its parent company and sponsor, Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), for the transfer of ownership of Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The two companies executed the memorandum of agreement and the deed of exchange on March 5 as part of a P6.26-billion property-for-share swap transaction, FILRT said in a regulatory filing on Thursday.

Under the transaction, FILRT will issue 1.63 billion shares at P3.85 each to FLI in exchange for the ownership of the 121,862-square-meter (sq.m.) main mall of Festival Mall. The addition of Festival Mall will increase FILRT’s total gross leasable area by 37% to 452,310 sq.m.

The deal expands FILRT’s portfolio into the retail mall segment. Previously, its portfolio consisted of 17 office buildings and 2.9 hectares of land leased to the owner and operator of Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay.

Following the addition of Festival Mall, FILRT’s portfolio mix will comprise 67% offices, 6% hospitality, and 27% retail.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you hope to see improvements or expansion projects at Festival Mall now that it has a new owner? Do you think FILRT will come up with new office buildings in close proximity to Festival Mall within the next ten years?

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

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

BSP says inflation could accelerate in the 2nd half of 2025

March 27, 2025March 18, 2025carlocarrasco

In its monetary report recently released, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) stated that inflation could exceed the 2% to 4% target in the 2^nd of half of this year mainly pointing to base effects from easing commodity price pressures, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) said inflation could overshoot the 2-4% target range in the second half of this year amid base effects.

In its latest Monetary Policy report, the central bank said annual inflation is likely to settle within the 2-4% target band from this year to 2026 amid declining rice prices.

“However, inflation could exceed the target range in the latter part of 2025, primarily due to base effects from easing commodity price pressures in the corresponding period of 2024,” it said.

“Inflation is then projected to move closer to the midpoint of the target range in 2026, supported by an expected moderation in global commodity prices,” it added.

The BSP’s baseline forecasts for inflation are at 3.5% for 2025 to 2026. Accounting for risks, inflation could reach 3.7% in 2026.

In February, the consumer price index (CPI) sharply slowed to 2.1%, bringing headline inflation to 2.5% in the first two months.

For this year, inflationary pressures could come from “higher global oil and non-oil prices, peso depreciation, and recent above-expectation inflation readings,” the BSP said.

However, inflation could breach the 2-4% target range if crude oil prices rise, it said.

BSP estimates show that if crude oil prices average above $100 per barrel, inflation could hit 4.1% this year and 4.8% next year.

Based on the latest Development Budget Coordination Committee macroeconomic assumptions, Dubai crude oil is seen to range from $60 to $80 per barrel this year.

However, the BSP reiterated that risks to the inflation outlook have remained “broadly balanced.”

“Upside risks include potential increases in electricity rates, transport charges, and pork prices,” it said.

According to the BSP’s risk matrix, there is a high probability for a rise in pork prices and a low probability for elevated transport and electricity costs.

“Conversely, the main downside risk stems from the spillover effects of lower tariffs on imported rice to domestic rice prices.”

Rice inflation further decreased to 4.9% in February from the 2.3% drop in January. This was the lowest rice inflation print since the 5.7% contraction in April 2020.

Rice prices are seen to decline further after the Agriculture department declared a food security emergency on rice, as well as lowered the maximum suggested retail price of 5% broken imported rice.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation in the Philippines will accelerate in the 2^nd half of this year? If you are running a business, how far can you go when it comes to maintaining the current prices of your good and services when inflation kicks 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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Finance Secretary confident with 6% Philippine economic growth this year

March 27, 2025March 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto expressed during an interview with Bloomberg TV that the Philippine economy will grow by at least 6% this year and mentioned factors like continued infrastructure spending, low unemployment, the cutting of interest rates and more, 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…

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said he is confident that Philippine economic growth would hit at least 6 percent this year.

In an interview with Bloomberg TV on Wednesday, Recto said he is banking on more interest rate cuts, infrastructure spending, and election-related spending to boost economic growth.

“We’re pretty confident that we would hit at least a 6 percent growth. The World Bank, the IMF (International Monetary Fund), and many other institutions are saying that we’re on track to 6 percent. Our macroeconomic fundamentals are very good,” said Recto.

“Unemployment is down. The middle class is growing. We’re investing more than 5 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) in infrastructure. We have elections also right now, and during elections, there’s more spending, so we’re pretty confident we hit at the very least 6 percent this year.

He said with inflation settling within the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target range, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has room to further reduce policy rates, which in turn, would boost consumer spending.

“Equally important, I suppose, is the reduction of interest rates. It would appear that, because inflation has been controlled in the Philippines and the inflation today is something like 2.5 percent, there is room for a rate cut in our next (meeting) so we’re in an easing cycle. It’s a high probability that we could do a rate cut also for in our next meeting,” he said.

The Monetary Board of the BSP has so far cut rates by 75 basis points last year. Recto said he is hoping that the BSP Monetary Board would deliver a 50 to 75 basis point cut this year.

“Hopefully, at the minimum 50 and probably 75 basis points, for the year that will help propel growth, consumption, and investments moving forward,” he said, adding that the rate cuts would boost economic growth by at least half a percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will grow by at least 6% by the end of this year? Do you think Recto’s interview will convince foreign investors to invest in the Philippines this year?

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

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850 children of Barangay Talon Tres fed by Las Piñas City’s Auxiliary Feeding Program

March 26, 2025March 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, eight hundred and fifty children of Barangay Talon Tres were served with food when the local auxiliary feeding program (referred to as Kusina ng Las Piñas) took place in the local community, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the feeding.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas organized an auxiliary feeding program on Wednesday, March 5, at the Talampas Compound and Paramount Village in Talon Tres, benefiting 850 children. This initiative aimed to provide nutritious meals to residents in need as part of the city’s continuous public service efforts.

During the event, beneficiaries received Pork Picadillo rice toppings along with bottled water, prepared under the supervision of nutritionist-dietitians and Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The feeding program is part of the Kusina ng Las Piñas initiative, which ensures accessible and well-balanced meals for communities across the city.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar personally led the activity, engaging with the beneficiaries and emphasizing the city’s commitment to health and nutrition programs. The Las Piñas City Nutrition Office, headed by OIC City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Julio P. Javier II, facilitated the event in collaboration with barangay nutrition officers and workers.

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 there many children in your local community who wish that the feeding program of the City Government will arrive and serve them?

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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Man from Iloilo arrested in Parañaque City over rape charge

March 25, 2025March 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a man from Iloilo who is wanted for rape and has been hiding for some time, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The Parañaque police officers executed the arrest in coordination with the police station operatives of Maasin, Iloilo.

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

A rape suspect in Maasin, Iloilo who went into hiding for two years was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police during the conduct of manhunt operation against wanted person on Saturday, March 15.

The Southern Police District identified the suspect as alias “Joebert,” 47, a construction worker and a resident of Makati City. He was arrested at Roxas Boulevard (Service) Road, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

According to the police report, Joebert, who was listed as Top 4 most wanted person at the provincial level, was spotted by members of the Baclaran Police Substation, leading to his arrest in coordination with the Maasin Police Station Intelligence Operatives.

The police said Joebert was arrested by warrant of arrest issued by Judge Gemalyn Faunillo Tarol, of Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 76, Janiuay, Iloilo on September 26, 2023, with no bail recommended for two counts of Violation of Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.

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 wanted persons from the provinces hiding in the city?

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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