Southeast Asia – Page 47 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Armed construction worker arrested in Parañaque City for illegal sale of fire arms and possession of illegal drugs

April 4, 2025March 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, an armed construction worker was apprehended by local police officers for the possession of illegal drugs and illegal sale of firearms, 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…

A construction worker was arrested by members of the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) of the Southern Police District for his involvement in the illegal sale of firearms and possession of P204,000 worth of shabu on March 26.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as alias “Edmon,” 26. He was arrested at around 5:30 p.m. at a gasoline station in Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City

The police said members of the SPD-DSOU, in coordination with the Intelligence Section of the District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB) and the Parañaque City Police, conducted a buy-bust operation for the arrest of the suspect after a tip from an informant about his involvement in the illegal sale of firearms in Parañaque City and nearby areas.

Recovered from Edmon were one .38 caliber revolver loaded with live ammunition, one .22 caliber revolver, two pieces of .38 caliber live ammunition, one blue Vivo mobile phone, one P1,000 bill used as marked money, and a brown paper bag labeled “The Bistro Group” where the firearms were placed.

The police operatives were also able to recover from Edmon 30 grams of shabu worth P204,000.

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 that there could be more people engaged in the illegal selling of firearms within 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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More than 500 residents of Barangay Talon Tres served by Las Piñas City’s Health and Wellness Caravan

April 3, 2025March 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over five hundred residents of Barangay Talon Tres got served with varied health services when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the activity.

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

The Las Piñas City Health Office continued its commitment to accessible healthcare through another leg of the Health and Wellness Caravan held on Thursday, March 20, at the DFCAM-CLP Covered Court in Talon Tres. The event catered to over 500 residents, offering them a wide range of medical and wellness services free of charge.

Beneficiaries availed of medical consultations, blood pressure monitoring, ECG, cholesterol and blood sugar testing, dental care, mobile birth registration, and assistance with PhilHealth registration and Green Card applications. Nutritional counseling, massages, and free medicines were also made available on site to ensure holistic support for participants.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the activity, together with City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina, who expressed their continued support for the city’s health initiatives. They also spent time with attendees to highlight the importance of maintaining personal well-being through regular check-ups and early medical attention.

City Health Officer Dr. Juliana Gonzalez stressed the ongoing significance of the caravan, noting how it provides direct access to essential healthcare services in barangays.

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? How many people in your local community want the Health and Wellness Caravan to be held?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) relieves seven personnel for suspected illegal activities

April 3, 2025March 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Over suspicion of engaging in illegal activities, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently relieved seven of its personnel from their posts, 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…

Seven personnel of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) suspected to be involved in illegal activities have been relieved from their posts.

In a statement Wednesday, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate corruption and strengthen border security.

He said the relieved personnel, assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 3, are under investigation following reports linking them to the illegal departure of trafficking victims repatriated on March 25.

If found to have assisted the victims, these employees would face charges before the Department of Justice.

Based on BI records, the victims arrived in Manila on board a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand after being rescued by the Philippine government from online scamming syndicates in Myanmar.

While tighter measures are in place, Viado acknowledged the growing challenge of intercepting trafficking victims at airports, as many now come from well-off backgrounds and pose as legitimate tourists.

The BI chief also reported that a total of 1,093 victims of human trafficking were intercepted in 2024. These victims were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for investigation and filing of cases against their recruiters.

Apart from pretending to be regular tourists, he warned that trafficking syndicates continue to exploit backdoor routes in an attempt to bypass stricter immigration controls.

Earlier this month, the BI reported the repatriation of three trafficking victims from Cambodia after being forced to work in a scam hub.

Investigations revealed they had no official record of departure, having been reportedly smuggled out via small boats from Jolo, Sulu, to Sabah, Malaysia.

The victims admitted that their passports were later stamped with fake Philippine departure marks before they traveled to Cambodia through Malaysia and Thailand.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more personnel of the Bureau of Immigration who are engaged in illegal activities that the national authorities have yet to find? Do you think that the syndicates behind human trafficking are a threat to national security?

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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IRR of Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists signed

April 1, 2025March 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Philippines officially became a VAT-free destination for foreign tourists as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12079 (Value-Added Tax Refund for Non-Resident Tourists) has been signed, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be noted that the Republic Act was signed into law last December.

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

Government officials signed on Monday the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 12079 or the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists.

In a statement, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the IRR was signed by Secretary Ralph Recto, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Marissa Cabreros.

It was witnessed by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go.

RA 12079 aims to boost tourism and encourage more foreign tourists to shop and spend more in the Philippines, thereby bolstering economic growth.

Under the IRR, non-resident tourists or foreign passport holders may apply for a VAT refund for locally purchased goods from accredited stores that are equivalent to at least PHP3,000.

The goods must be physically taken out of the Philippines by the tourist as accompanied baggage within 60 days from the date of purchase.

The VAT refund applies only to retail and tangible goods, such as clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other goods intended for personal use.

“With a multiplier effect of 1.97, every 100 pesos spent by a tourist generates 197 pesos in economic output. Imagine that. Halos doble ang balik sa ekonomiya (The return to the economy is almost double),” Recto said.

“And more money spent by foreign tourists means more businesses created, more Filipino workers hired, more jobs provided, higher incomes for our people and more revenues for the government to collect. That’s the simple formula for growth,” he added.

Recto cited the importance of effective executive to unlock the law’s full potential.

He said the country must establish a fully functional VAT refund system and a surge in inbound tourism.

“We want more tourists to come — and we want them to stay longer, spend bigger, and transact with convenience,” he said.

Heeding President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call, Recto vowed to ensure that the VAT refund process is simple, accessible and culturally inclusive.

“From our end at the Department of Finance, we aim to deliver a VAT refund system that is world-class, modern, and built on the principles of transparency, efficiency and ease,” he said.

The IRR mandates the DOF to engage the services of reputable and internationally recognized VAT refund operators to provide end-to-end solutions to the government. Such refunds may be made electronically or in cash to enhance the ease of doing business.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Now the IRR of the VAT refund for foreign tourists has officially been signed, do you expect positive impact on Philippine tourism to happen this year? Do you think a lot of tourists overseas have been waiting for the Philippines to establish the VAT refund for foreign tourists?

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 minors rescued by NBI in Parañaque City, suspects apprehended

April 1, 2025March 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) rescued several minors and arrested two suspects for offering the said minors to clients in exchange for money, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Eleven minors, aged 14 to 16, who were allegedly being sexually exploited were rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Human Trafficking Division in Parañaque City.

According to a 24 Oras report by John Consulta on Thursday, two suspects, believed to be pimps, were arrested for allegedly offering the minors to clients for P2,000. The suspects reportedly lured the minors into their services, bringing them to public establishments or restaurants, where customers could choose from among them.

Tensions escalated during the operation when some of the minors attempted to flee, but they were rescued by authorities. The transactions were reportedly carried out through messaging apps and text messages. The minors were promised free snacks and a “good time”, only to later be coerced into providing sexual favors.

“They would be tricked into libre ng merienda and a good time. And later on after the fact of the sexual favor, bibigay na yung bayad. Niloloko and then later on they would be tricked into going out with the customer. Nakakabahala ito dahil unang-una minors ang binibenta dito. Hindi lang na very public na ‘yung pangyayari kung saan-saan,” said NBI spokesperson Regional Director Ferdinand Lavin.

They are currently under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to undergo counseling.

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 a lot more human traffickers and pimps doing illegal operations? Do you consider human trafficking a serious problem 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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Almost 700 residents of Barangay Pilar served by Las Piñas City’s Health and Wellness Caravan

March 31, 2025March 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, around seven hundred residents of Barangay Pilar availed of varied health services when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the activity.

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

Another successful Health and Wellness Caravan was conducted by the City Health Office at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Pilar on Thursday, March 14, serving nearly 700 residents. The initiative, part of the city’s continuous efforts to deliver accessible healthcare services to Las Piñeros, was attended by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, who personally oversaw the event.

The caravan provided several free medical services, including general medical consultations, vital signs assessment, dental services, ECG, X-ray, laboratory testing, nutrition counseling, Green Card registration and assistance, mobile birth registration, distribution of free medicines, vaccination for senior citizens, and therapeutic massage sessions.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar expressed her gratitude for the continuous support from the community, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring that accessible and comprehensive healthcare services reach every Las Piñas resident.

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? Has the City Government organized the Health and Wellness Caravan in your local community lately?

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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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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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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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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