Southeast Asia – Page 86 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Lady who scammed senior citizens at ATMs arrested

May 28, 2024May 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in Batangas, police officers arrested a lady for allegedly stealing money from senior citizens at automated teller machines (ATMs), according to a GMA Network news report. As it turned out, the arrested suspect scammed victims in multiple locations and she was previously arrested for the same crime. The suspect’s tactics include the pretentious assistance of senior citizens at ATMs and using glue on keypads of the machines.

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

A woman dubbed the “Glue Lady” was arrested for allegedly stealing money from senior citizens withdrawing from ATM Machines.

According to a 24 Oras report by John Consulta on Friday, the woman was arrested in an operation in Lipa, Batangas.

“Ang modus niya ay kunwari aalalayan niya ang mga matatanda para makapagwithdraw. Yun pala, gagamit siya ng glue at pag umalis na yung biktima, siya na ang magwiwithdraw ng pera,” said PNP PRO4A Regional Director Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas.

(Her ploy is that she pretends to assist senior citizens in withdrawing. All along, she uses glue and withdraws money when the victim leaves.)

Based on police reports, the suspect puts glue on the ATM keypad so that it appears broken.

When the suspect persuades the victim to ask for help from the guards, she removes the glue and withdraws from the account.

The suspect was able to scam victims in Rizal, Batangas, and other areas outside of CALABARZON. She had previous arrests for the same crime five years ago.

“Ngayon ay naisilbi na ang 9 na warrant of arrests, may paparating na 9 pa, ang isa doon ay non bailable. Importanteng nahuli na natin siya para di na siya makaperwisyo,” added Lucas.

(We have now served nine warrants of arrests, and nine more are coming with one non-bailable case. It’s a good thing that we have apprehended her so that she can’t trouble anyone else)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you know anyone who got scammed by the apprehended suspect? Did you notice suspicious people standing near you whenever you visit an ATM to withdraw cash?

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

Nuclear power is key to preventing power shortages in the Philippines

May 24, 2024May 13, 2024carlocarrasco

If the Philippines is to keep growing economically in the long-term, it needs to have abundant energy and that makes nuclear power essential (for related posts, click here, here, here and here). That being said, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) recently stated that nuclear power can prevent power shortages in the country, 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 Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), on Tuesday, May 7, said nuclear energy sources can help prevent energy shortages in the Philippines due to its “capacity factor” and “energy density.”

In a PTV interview, PNRI Executive Director Carlo Arcilla said nuclear power has two factors—energy density and capacity.

Energy density means that even a tiny amount of nuclear fuel, about the size of a finger, contains an incredible amount of energy, he said.

“If you had several tons of coal, it’s that powerful. It’s a very, very concentrated power,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Arcilla cited the second factor, “capacity factor,” explaining that the availability of a nuclear plant is approximately 90 percent of the time.

“When you’re running a nuclear plant, it’s reliably available about 90 percent of the time, regardless of the weather,” he said.

He further explained this by citing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as an example, along with other power plants built in the 1980s.

“Similar plants in Slovenia, South Korea, and Brazil have been in operation for 40 years and are even being relicensed for another 20 years,” he said.

“These plants can run for an impressive 18 months straight without needing to refuel. The amount of fuel they require is roughly equivalent to what you’d put in a jeep, and they keep running continuously,” he added.

The PNRI official then emphasized that nuclear energy production produces no emissions, including no carbon dioxide. The cost of running such a plant is estimated to be around 30 million dollars.

If that were compared to a coal plant running for 18 months at 620 megawatts (MW), it would be the same.

“The amount of coal needed would fill 50 Panamax ships. Each Panamax ship carries 50,000 tons. That’s 50 of them. Not to mention the CO2 (carbon dioxide). The cost of importing that coal would be around 800 million US dollars,” he explained

The PNRI is a research and development institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Furthermore, Arcilla pointed out that even though nuclear power plants are initially costly to build, they have a lifespan of up to 80 years.

“America, for example, has 94 operating nuclear plants, average age, 60 years. Supplying 20 percent of America’s energy. Many of them don’t even know they have nuclear,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power is the key to ensuring abundant amounts of energy that the Philippines will need to for economic growth as well as the needs of the people? Are members of your local community still living with a fear of nuclear power?

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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Philippines achieves 5.7% economic growth in 1st quarter of 2024

May 23, 2024May 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently it was confirmed that the economy of the Philippines grew by 5.7% in the first quarter of 2024 which is noticeably lower than what was achieved in the same time period a year ago, 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…

The Philippine economy grew by 5.7 percent in the first quarter of the year, surpassing other major economies in the region.

In a briefing on Thursday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the economic growth during the quarter was higher than the 5.5 percent seen in the last quarter of 2023.

Mapa said, however, it was lower than the 6.4 percent economic growth seen in the first quarter of last year.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted that the Philippine economy continues to demonstrate resilience and growth despite the domestic and external headwinds.

“Despite our challenges on both domestic and international fronts, our economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth. This performance retains the country’s position as a leading force among Asia’s emerging economies,” he said.

Balisacan said the first quarter Philippine gross domestic product growth rate is about the same as Vietnam’s, and surpassed other major economies such as China at 5.3 percent, Indonesia at 5.1 percent, and Malaysia at 3.9 percent.

All major economic indicators which include agriculture, forestry, and fishing; industry; and services posted year-on-year growth in the first quarter at 0.4 percent, 5.1 percent, and 6.9 percent.

Household final consumption expenditure and government final consumption expenditure posted lower growth rates at 4.6 percent and 1.7 percent from a year ago’s 6.4 percent and 6.2 percent.

Balisacan said the slowdown in household spending was due to the elevated prices of major food items and the heat wave.

“Meanwhile, government spending also slowed down, primarily due to the sliding of a large amount of expenditure to April this year, whereas the government made such spending in March last year,” he said.

Gross capital formation also posted a lower growth of 1.3 percent from 12.8 percent last year, while imports of goods and services also slowed to 2.3 percent from 4.2 percent.

Growth of exports of goods and services, however, accelerated to 7.5 percent from 1.1 percent in the first quarter of 2023. Balisacan said the growth in exports was mainly driven by the recovery in the exports of electronics products.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national economy will be able to grow at least 6% in each of the next three quarters? Is it possible that the intense summer heat will make 2nd quarter economic growth smaller?

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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Newest women’s crisis center of Las Piñas inaugurated in Barangay Talon Dos

May 22, 2024May 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, City Government officials led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar graced the inauguration of the newest women’s crisis center located in Barangay Talon Dos, according to the local government’s social media post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post of May 9, 2024. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas has inaugurated a new Women’s Crisis Center in Sta. Cecilia Village, Barangay Talon Dos, providing essential services to women aged 18-59 who face gender-based violence. The center, which opened its doors on May 8th with City Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar in attendance, aims to support up to 40 women with temporary shelter and rehabilitation services.

This initiative responds to a rising number of violence cases against women in the area, attributed to increased awareness of women’s rights. The facility offers a comprehensive range of services designed to promote healing and recovery, including counseling, legal assistance, and livelihood training.

In addition to serving as a protective haven, the center functions as a Livelihood Center, aligning with Mayor Aguilar’s focus on enhancing economic opportunities for women through skill development. The diverse programs aim to empower women to rebuild their lives and achieve economic independence.

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 wish to see another women’s crisis center get built and launched in your local community someday?

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 Mayor reacts towards discovery of cops who turned out to be working as bodyguards for Chinese nationals

May 22, 2024May 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, an incident took place inside Ayala Alabang Village which eventually led to the discovery that two members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) turned out to be working as bodyguards for Chinese nationals and drew a reaction from Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon expressed disgust against some police officers who moonlight as bodyguards for Chinese nationals amid the controversy over their presence in the country.

Biazon reacted to the arrest of two members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who engaged in a fistfight in the posh Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa.

They were identified by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) as Police Corporal George Rojo Mabuti, 30, and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez, 30, who were arrested by Muntinlupa Police on May 18.

The NCRPO said the two provided VIP security to a Chinese national involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

Biazon commended the Muntinlupa Police for their immediate action.

“I commend the Muntinlupa Police which immediately responded to the scene and faithfully performed their duty in arresting the culprits,” he said.

However, the mayor said that some police officers work as bodyguards for Chinese nationals.

“It is sad that in the light of the controversy surrounding the presence of Chinese nationals in the country, personnel from the PNP engage in illegal moonlighting as bodyguards. I expect the PNP leadership to do what is right and what is called for by law,” said Biazon.

According to the NCRPO, at about 3:15 p.m. on May 18, a security guard of Ayala Alabang Village who was on patrol saw a fistfight between the two and sought the help from the Ayala-Alabang Police Sub-Station 5 (SS5).

Mabuti fled and sought refuge in one of residences in the village which caused panic and alarm among the residents of the house.

Personnel from the Ayala-Alabang Police SS5 arrested and brought the two to the Muntinlupa City Police Station.

Operatives from the Muntinlupa Police discovered that the two SAF personnel were based in Mindanao.

Mabuti is presently assigned at the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga and Valdez is assigned at the 55th Special Action Company Zamboanga.

The police said they were moonlighting as VIP security to a POGO personality. The two police officers said they are not rendering their official duties with their respective units, the NCRPO said.

Lieutenant Riza Soledad of the Muntinlupa Police said Mabuti and Valdez are currently under their custody and underwent inquest proceedings before the prosecutor’s office for the complaint of alarms and scandals.

They will also face administrative penalties for neglect of duty and misconduct for moonlighting and unauthorized provision of VIP security, the NCRPO added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned that there could be more police officers or even barangay tanods who could be secretly working as bodyguards of Chinese nationals or 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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Muntinlupa City Government wins Gawad Edukampyon award

May 21, 2024May 8, 2024carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa recently won a prestigious award (Gawad Edukampyon) in the field of education among highly urbanized cities (HUC), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, Gawad Edukampyon is a nationwide program launched by REX Education in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of the Interior, and Local Government and Early Childhood Care and Development Council.

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

The Muntinlupa City government won the Gawad Edukampyon award in the highly urbanized city category for its efforts in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).

Muntinlupa won the award for its Supplementary Programs on Early Stimulation and Promotion of Proper Health and Nutrition. This involved a wide range of initiatives, including feeding program, health services, sports activities, educational support, and social services for families.

The city also caters to the needs of parents through the Family Support Program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and Parent Congress.

“Patuloy ang City Government of Muntinlupa sa pagsulong ng mahusay na childhood care services para sa mga kabataang Muntinlupeño. Gusto natin lahat ng mga bata sa Muntinlupa ay malusog, nakakapag-aral at may mabuting asal (The City Government of Muntinlupa continues to advocate great childcare services for our young Muntinlupeño. We want all children in Muntinlupa to be healthy, go to school and have good manners),” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

He added, “Maraming salamat sa ECED Muntinlupa, led by Ms. Jenny Mercado, sa pangunguna sa ating mga programa for childhood development (Thank you to ECED Muntinlupa, led by Ms. Jenny Mercado, for leading our programs for childhood development).”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you happy with the Gawad Edukampyon award the city government won?

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 Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for kidnapping, qualified trafficking and other charges

May 20, 2024May 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)’s National Capital Region field unit raided a house in Multinational Village and arrested ten Chinese nationals who allegedly kidnapped seven Filipinos, according to a Philippine Star news report.

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

Ten Chinese nationals who allegedly kidnapped seven Filipinos were arrested in Parañaque on Thursday.

The suspects, seven men and three women, were apprehended by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)’s National Capital Region field unit during a raid on a house in Multinational Village, Barangay Moonwalk at around 4:50 a.m.

Col. Jean Fajardo, the chief information officer of the Philippine National Police, said the rescue operation was based on information from one of the victims, a house helper, who alleged that they were held against their will by the suspects for three days.

Acting on the information, CIDG operatives and security guards of the village went into the house and arrested the suspects. Seven Filipinos were rescued in the operation.

Fajardo said the victims were being forced by the foreigners to engage in activities such as love scams and cryptocurrency fraud.

Police seized two firearms and assorted bullets, 17 cell phones, five desktop computers, three laptop computers, passports and identification cards.

The suspects are facing criminal charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, qualified trafficking in persons, illegal gambling, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and violation of Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act.

Let me end this piece 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 of Chinese nationals living in other villages around the city who could be secretly committing crimes of kidnapping, human trafficking and the like? Are there any groups of Chinese nationals who could be living in households in your 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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BIR softens approach on social media influencers

May 17, 2024May 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that it would soften is approach on social media influencers, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

In reference to the Revenue Memorandum Circular 97-2021 issued by the BIR, social media influencers are defined as those who derive their income from the following sources: YouTube Partner Program; sponsored social and blog posts; display advertising; becoming a brand representative/ambassador; affiliate marketing; co-creating product lines; promoting own products; photo and video sales; digital courses, subscriptions, e-books; and podcasts and webinars.

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

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. is opting to take a “soft” approach on influencers, giving them a chance to cooperate and comply first with the tax agency’s regulations.

When asked by reporters if the agency is currently working on possible cases to be filed against non-compliant social media personalities, the BIR chief said: “Not yet. I don’t want to file a case yet because I want to take a soft approach first.”

“We may do an audit, but we won’t file a case yet. As long as they are willing to comply, we will help them (to comply),” Lumagui said.

During the previous administration in 2021, the BIR started cracking down on social media influencers and probed an initial 250 individuals to check their tax compliance. Some major online personalities, however, deactivated their accounts after the release of a related circular during the said year.

Lumagui said he has extended his invitation to the association of these social media personalities to sit down and discuss with them their concerns and how the industry can be more tax compliant.

“We would just like to educate them on their obligation,” the BIR chief said.

Lumagui also said he has been in touch with individual influencers who are correctly paying their taxes, and asked them to encourage their colleagues to do the same.

According to Revenue Memorandum Circular 97-2021, social media influencers should pay income tax and percentage tax or, if applicable, the value-added tax, as mandated under the National Internal Revenue Code and other existing laws.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this latest move by the BIR will encourage social media influencers to come out and cooperate?

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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Wanted man arrested in Parañaque City for statutory rape

May 16, 2024May 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a man who has been wanted for statutory rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers had a warrant of arrest for the suspect who also turned to be the 6^th most wanted person in the city.

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

A man wanted for statutory rape was arrested by members of the Parañaque police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) early Friday, May 3.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect was identified as Jomari “Joms” Alano, 28.

Based on the report submitted to Parañaque Police Chief Col. Reycon Garduque, the suspect tagged as the Top 6 wanted person, was arrested at around 3:30 a.m. in Barangay Sto. Nino, Parañaque City.

Garduque said the suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro of Parañaque City Family Court, Branch 10 on November 13, 2023 with no bail recommended.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that rape is still a major form of crime in the city? Do you know anyone in your local community who had been raped in Parañaque over the past six months?

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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Swimming Lessons at Tropical Palace Resort Hotel to start on June 10, 2024

May 16, 2024May 6, 2024carlocarrasco

The Swimming Lessons 2024 program at Tropical Palace Resort Hotel in BF International, Las Piñas City will begin on June 10, 2024, and already enrollment is ongoing.

The swimming lessons will be taught by coach Alec Dequiña who has over twelve years’ experience in coaching and was an NCAA medalist.

*The main swimming pool at Tropical Palace Resort Hotel.*

*The swimming pool for younger and shorter swimmers.*

Courses offered for those who are interested to learn swimming are as follows: Basic (6-years-old and older) with schedule of 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM; Advance (6-years-old and older) with schedule of 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM; and Toddlers (4-years-old) with schedule of 8:45 to 9:45 AM.

Basic course enrollment fee is at P5,500. Advance course enrollment fee is also at P5,500. Toddlers course enrollment fee is at P6,000.

*This is the exterior of the Tropical Palace Resort Hotel facility. To visit the swimming pools, you will have to enter the office and pass through inside.*

For the precise location of Tropical Palace Resort Hotel’s swimming pools, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/qHxdSmeANvk5m4Fa7

For more information, call Tropical Palace Resort Hotel at landline numbers 8825-1011 and 8825-1012.

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