Southeast Asia – Page 83 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Almost 200 local and foreign workers rescued in Pampanga POGO raid

June 17, 2024June 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the province of Pampanga, elements of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Special Action Force (SAF) and the local police raided a Philippine Overseas Gaming Operator (POGO) resulting in the rescue of almost two hundred local and foreign workers, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Authorities rescued 187 foreign and Filipino workers in a raid at a Philippine Overseas Gaming Operator (POGO) center in Pampanga province on Tuesday night.

In a report on Wednesday, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said its members together with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Special Action Force and the local police carried out a search warrant operation against the Lucky South 99 compound along Friendship Highway in Angeles City.

The Malolos City Regional Trial Court Branch 14 issued the search warrant against the POGO over reports of human trafficking, torture and scam activities taking place within the establishment.

“Yung reports na nakuha sa atin, initial report for rescue was may mga tinotorture dito. Pinapalo ng mga baseball bat at pinagtatadiyakan dito. Meron tayong isang video na diumano babae na pinagsasayaw dito at pinagpapasahan ng mga bosses (The reports that we received, the initial report for rescue there are persons who are being tortured here. They are struck with a baseball bat and are being kicked. We also have a video allegedly showing a woman dancing and being abused by the bosses),” PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio said in a television interview.

Some 158 foreigners, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysians, Myanmar and Korean workers were rescued, together with 29 Filipinos.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that more POGOs around the nation should be investigated for potential criminal activities such as torture, prostitution, scamming and hacking? Do you believe it is high time for a nationwide ban on POGOs?

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

Two teenagers arrested in Las Piñas City for robbing pedestrian

June 14, 2024June 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, two teenagers were apprehended by the local police for robbing a pedestrian, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. One other suspect, however, remains at large and is now the subject of a manhunt.

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

Two teenagers were arrested by police Thursday morning, June 6, three hours after they robbed a pedestrian in Las Piñas City.

Las Piñas City police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported the arrest of the suspects identified as alias Gielyn and alias Nico, both 16 years old.

Tafalla said the third suspect identified as alias Rusty is now the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim, alias Nikkos, 19, sought police assistance from Las Pinas Police Zapote Substation after he was held up by the three suspects while walking near a gasoline station along C5 Extension in Barangay Manuyo Dos, Las Piñas City at around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6.

The victim claimed that he was confronted by the three suspects riding a motorcycle. One of them, who was armed with a pellet gun, forcibly took his personal belongings, cellular phone worth P21,800, and wallet containing P50 cash.

The police said the suspects were arrested during a follow-up operation conducted at around 5:30 a.m. at C5 Extnesion, Barangay Pulanglupa Uno, Las Piñas City.

Recovered from the arrested suspects were one pellet gun, one 13-inch kitchen knife, one black Yamaha Mio 125 motorcycle, and one OPPO cellular phone.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could be more teenagers in your city who could be engaging in criminal activities?

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

Muntinlupa City Government to prohibit all new construction on earthquake fault zones

June 14, 2024June 13, 2024carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa just announced that all new construction located on earthquake fault zones will be prohibited and already the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of City Ordinance 2024-174 are being drafted, 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 Muntinlupa City government will prohibit all new construction on earthquake fault zones in the city.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced this on June 13 as he led the meeting of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The Muntinlupa City government is drafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of City Ordinance 2024-174 or the Fault Zone Ordinance of 2024.

“Through this ordinance, we aim to ensure the safety of our constituents from earthquake risks by prohibiting construction in areas affected by the West Valley Fault and ground fissures,” said Biazon.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), “the West Valley Fault system is an imaginary line marking the area where the different fault systems are located underground and are actively moving from where a big earthquake may originate.”

The Valley Fault System “is an active fault system composed of two fault segments: the 10-km long East Valley Fault (EVF) in Rizal and the 100 km long West Valley Fault (WVF) that runs through different cities and towns of Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, and Laguna. The WVF can generate a large earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 or commonly known as ‘The Big One’ which poses threat to people, livelihood, buildings and infrastructures.”

In April, the Muntinlupa City Council passed the ordinance, which was signed by Biazon on April 16.

Under the ordinance, new construction will be barred on earthquake fault zones transected by the West Valley Fault and Fissure in Muntinlupa.

The identification of the no-build zones will be based on the 2015 Valley Fault Atlas published by the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which “shows an expanded reach and scope of these earthquake fault and fissures in Muntinlupa City.”

The Muntinlupa City Council passed Ordinance 2024-174 or the Fault Zone Ordinance of 2024, which was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 16.

“There are existing faults and fissures zones in City of Muntinlupa, which need to be effectively identified, zoned and delineated to promote the safety and provide guidance to the inhabitants of Muntinlupa City and the general public,” according to the ordinance.

The ordinance mandates that “permanent fault markers shall be installed for the purpose of awareness and preparedness following national and international standard roadside traffic designs and materials.”

It added that “buildings, structures, and other properties transected by the West Valley Fault and Fissures, as appearing in the Valley Fault Atlas published by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS), are considered dangerous and unsafe for human occupancy.”

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, do you agree with the City Government’s prohibition on all construction on earthquake fault zones? Is your local community located near an earthquake fault zone?

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

37 Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City over illegal retail

June 13, 2024June 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, immigration agents arrested almost forty Chinese nationals over alleged involvement in illegal retail, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday announced that it has arrested 37 Chinese nationals allegedly involved in illegal retail in Paranaque.

The BI said that the seven females and 30 males from Multinational Village were found to be illegally involved in food retail, groceries, and restaurants. They were arrested on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

“We received credible information about foreign nationals engaging in illegal retail activities, and our team acted swiftly to address these violations,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.

The Chinese nationals are detained at the BI’s facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa pending the resolution of their deportation cases.

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 Chinese nationals secretly committing crime or violating local regulations within the city? What do you think would stop Parañaque from being a hot spot of crime involving Chinese nationals? Are there lots of Chinese nationals living in your village by groups per household?

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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Las Piñas City Vice Mayor honors graduates at SM Southmall Events Hall

June 13, 2024June 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar appeared during the 7^th Commencement Exercises of the Las Piñas City National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus which was held at the SM Southmall Events Hall, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The Las Piñas City National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus held its 7th Commencement Exercises on Wednesday, May 29th, at the SM Southmall Events Hall. City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the occasion, celebrating the academic achievements of the graduating students.

*Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar spoke to the graduates at the SM Southmall Events Hall. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

The ceremony featured the awarding of the Mayor Nene Aguilar Academic Excellence Award, which Vice Mayor Aguilar personally presented to graduates who achieved academic distinction. This award, named in honor of the late Mayor Nene Aguilar, recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance in their studies.

During her address, Vice Mayor Aguilar congratulated the graduates for their hard work and perseverance. She emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for future success and encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence in their academic and personal lives.

A video message from Mayor Imelda Aguilar added to the celebratory spirit, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting and recognizing academic excellence.

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 delighted to see the Vice Mayor appear and speak during the graduation ceremony?

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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DOF considering selling government’s SLEX share

June 12, 2024June 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Finance (DOF) announced that it is considering selling the government’s share in South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Department of Finance (DOF) is considering selling the government’s stake in the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) by the end of this year.

Finance Undersecretary Catherine L. Fong told Manila Bulletin that the government’s ownership in SLEX is included among the assets slated for privatization in 2024.

However, Fong did not provide additional details when asked about the specific shares in SLEX that are being considered for sale.

The government currently holds a 20 percent stake in SMC SLEX Inc., the toll road operator, through the state-owned Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC).

SMC SLEX, formerly known as South Luzon Tollway Corp, operates as a unit of San Miguel Holdings Corp. and is a joint venture with PNCC.

Fong said that the Land Bank of the Philippines will conduct the valuation of the SLEX shares.

In 2006, SMC SLEX was granted a 30-year concession, set to expire on Feb. 1, 2036, to operate and manage SLEX, a major tollway in Luzon.

The proceeds from the sale will help achieve the Marcos administration’s target of generating P42.12 billion in non-tax revenues through privatization in 2024.

Apart from the SLEX shares, Fong said that the DOF is also set to sell the 2.2-hectare Mile Long property in Makati.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think selling the government’s stake in the SLEX will turn out good and sensible?

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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Chinese nationals arrested by immigration authorities in province

June 11, 2024June 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the province of Batangas, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested seven China nationals who were illegally working in a quarry and one of them was found to have been petitioned by a fake company, 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…

Immigration authorities arrested seven Chinese nationals found to be illegally working in a quarry in Batangas province on Wednesday.

In a news release Thursday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the operation was initially aimed at apprehending a certain Wang Zhenglai, 34, who has a working visa but was found to have been petitioned by a fake company.

However, officers from the BI’s Regional Intelligence Operations Unit and the Taysan Municipal Police Station also apprehended six other Chinese men found to be illegally working in the same area.

They were identified as Wang Shou Min, 67; Gao Zhengyao, 47; Wang Yongshang, 31; Song Ke Wei, 33; Cai Wenbi, 33; and Huang Hai Min, 39.

Out of the six other foreigners, five were found to have a 9(g) working visa but were petitioned by companies located in Quezon City while one was found to be working with a tourist visa.

Further investigation also showed that Wang Shou Min was the mining company’s “big boss” and the father of Zhenglai.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Norman Tansingco reiterated that working visas are both company-specific and station-specific.

“Foreign nationals who possess a working visa but found to be petitioned by fake companies or caught to be working in other locations may face deportation cases,” the BI chief added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese or other foreign nationals who could be illegally working on projects that are related with the Philippines’ natural resources? Do you think mainland China is trying to find way to infiltrate the mining, farming and irrigation sectors of the Philippines?

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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Muntinlupa City Mayor tells graduates to live life with integrity instead of wanting social media likes

June 11, 2024June 1, 2024carlocarrasco

During a graduation ceremony held recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon told the graduates to live life with integrity instead of wanting likes of social media, 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…

Amid the popularity of social media like Facebook and Instagram, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded graduates to live life with integrity and purpose beyond online validation.

“Live for others instead of for ‘likes.’ Think about how we can serve our families, communities, and fellow citizens,” he said in his speech to the Class of 2024.

He added, “Work hard to be a champion, not to chase clout. Strive for excellence and become champions in everything you do.”

Biazon attended the graduation and moving up ceremonies of more than 20,000 students in public elementary and high schools in Muntinlupa from May 29 to 31.

He acknowledged the importance of social media and noted that while likes are not inherently bad, they should not dictate people’s actions or compromise their values and principles.

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, do you strongly agree with Mayor Biazon’s advice to the graduates? Do you think that the Filipino youth has gotten too addicted by social media? Do you think that social media companies genuinely care about the mental health of teenagers among their many users?

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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Muntinlupa City Government 2023 revenues reach P4.63 billion

June 10, 2024June 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the Bureau of Local Government Finance under the Department of Finance (DOF) revealed that the revenues of the City Government reached P4.63 billion for the year 2023, 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 Muntinlupa City government earned P4.63 in revenues in 2023 to rank ninth among local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Bureau of Local Government Finance under the Department of Finance released the revenue data for NCR.

Muntinlupa generated P4.63 billion in revenue last year, marking a 13 percent increase in its Annual Revenue Income (ARI) from 2022.

“We are in a crucial period of pandemic recovery. The significant growth in our revenue is a positive sign that our economy is on the right track. This growth enables us to enhance public services and better support our community,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

He added, “We assure our constituents that every centavo is judiciously used to enhance social services and improve the quality of life for all Muntinlupeños.”

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, do you find the 2023 revenue surprising? Do you think the City Government is doing a good job financially?

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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John Chicano wins Powerman Malaysia 2024 elite male duathlon gold medal, teammates win medals for Philippines

June 10, 2024June 11, 2024carlocarrasco

UPDATED June 11, 2024 – Actual race distance clarified to me by John Chicano and verified with Powerman Malaysia’s website. The official distance of the Elite Male contest is 10 Km run – 60 Km bike – 10 Km run. The Manila Bulletin got the race distance wrong.

Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) multi-medalist John Chicano led the Philippines to the top of the Powerman Malaysia 2024 by winning the gold medal of the Elite Male contest yesterday which was an improvement over last year’s race, according to a Manila Bulletin sports news report. Chicano also has teammates who won medals as well. The official results can be viewed by clicking here.

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

John Chicano avenged his runner-up finish last year by capturing the gold medal in the 2024 Powerman Malaysia duathlon race in Dataran Putrajaya over the weekend.

Chicano, a double gold medalist at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, navigated the 10-kilometer run, 40km bike, 5km run endurance race with a time of 2 hours, 41 minutes and 48 seconds to beat teammate John Patrick Ciron and dethrone last year’s champion Moysan Malo of France.

Ciron settled for the silver medal with a time of 2:47:15, while Malo crossed the finish line a few seconds later with 2:47:34 to settle for the bronze medal.

After checking in the same time with Ciron in the first run leg, Chicano slowly pulled away in the bike leg and led by five minutes heading into the final run leg. He maintained his pace to finish two minutes faster than his previous time last year.

In the distaff side, Merry Joy Trupa bagged the bronze medal after clocking 3:19:17 behind gold medalist Rendy Williams of the United States, who timed 3:09:34, and hometown bet Esther Joy Hong Li Chen, who finished with 3:13:35 for the silver medal.

For the newcomers reading this, John Chicano is one of the nation’s finest multisports athletes as he won multiple medals in SEA Games contests (including the gold medal in men’s triathlon in the 2019 SEA Games) before as well as local contests (click here and here). To get to know Chicano better, read my feature article of him by clicking here.

For Philippine triathlon updates, click https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil

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