Tag: Tarlac

COMELEC may file election-related offense case against suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo following matching fingerprints with Guo Hua Ping

COMELEC may file election-related offense case against suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo following matching fingerprints with Guo Hua Ping

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The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that may file an election-related offense case against the controversial suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo following the recent findings that her fingerprints matched those of Guo Hua Ping, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that Guo has already been charged for alleged human trafficking and has also been expelled by a political party.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Sunday it may file an election-related offense case against suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo following the findings that she and Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping have matching fingerprints.

Comelec chairman George Garcia said that the poll body may file charges “motu proprio” or on its own against Guo based on misrepresentation.

Based on Guo’s Certificate of Candidacy (COC) when she ran as mayor of the Tarlac municipality in the 2022 elections, she signed a declaration that she is a Filipino citizen, and that she is not a permanent resident of or an immigrant to a foreign country.

“Ang isang taong ‘yan ay pupwedeng humarap ng election offense na may three to five years na imprisonment. At the same time, pwedeng maharap ng kasong perjury o…dahil nagsinungaling nga sa isang pinanumpaan na dokumento, kasong falsification [of public document],” Garcia said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.

(That person may face an election offense with three to five years imprisonment. At the same time, she may face a case of perjury or falsification of public documents because she lied when she signed a sworn document.)

The poll chairman also pointed out that the country’s laws are applicable to anyone, whether they are Filipinos or foreigners. He also said that a government official may still face a criminal case even after getting elected.

“Kahit ang isang taong tumakbo ay hindi nafile-an ng kasong disqualification o kanselasyon ng kanyang candidacy, hindi nangangahulugan na siya ay pupwede nang malibre o ma-abswelto sa kahit na anong obligasyon o responsibilidad lalo pa’t ito’y kasong kriminal, lalo na ‘yung tinatawag na misrepresentation,” Garcia added.

(Even if a case of disqualification or cancellation of candidacy was not filed against a person running for election, it does not mean that s/he can be absolved from any obligation or responsibility, especially a criminal case like misrepresentation.)

The Comelec earlier submitted to the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality the COC and Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) of Guo.

According to her COC, the 37-year old Guo declared Tarlac, Tarlac as her place of birth.

Guo also stated in her COC that on the day before the May 9 elections, she has been living in the Philippines for 35 years and two months and she has been living in the municipality of Bamban, Tarlac for 18 years and two months.

However, Senator Risa Hontiveros, as confirmed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), revealed that the embattled mayor and Guo Hua Ping are the same person following finding that they have matching fingerprints.

The NBI also showed a picture of another woman with the name Alice Leal Guo who had the same information as the suspended mayor.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think mayor Alice Guo and Guo Hua Ping are one and the same person based on the matching fingerprints?

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

Batangas City Council approves resolution to ban POGOs

Batangas City Council approves resolution to ban POGOs

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Over in the province of Batangas, the City Council of Batangas recently approved a resolution for the banning of the application and operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within their jurisdiction, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Batangas City Council has approved a resolution banning the application and operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the city.

The decision was made during a regular session on Monday, June 24, 2024.

The move came in light of issues and an ongoing Senate investigation into POGOs in Bamban, Tarlac, which allegedly involved the local government unit (LGU) there.

“Saying it is with regard to the issue at Bamban, Tarlac na investigation ng Senate sa POGO involving the LGU. It would give assurance din sa mga Batangueno na hindi dapat matakot sa mga POGO activities dito sa Batangas City,” Nestor Dimacuha, chairman of the Committee on Laws and Rules, said.

For Mary Jane Ante, a 39-year-old helper at a small eatery in Batangas City, the ban brings great relief. Despite knowing that POGOs could provide many jobs, she prefers not to have foreign operators in the country due to safety concerns.

“Baka sumakop sila sa Pilipinas. Dito na lang, ayos din para Pilipino na lang ang magtatrabaho sa atin at wala na ‘yung mga taga-ibang bansa,” Ante said.

“Hindi naman talaga maganda ang sugal talaga sa pang araw-araw, kasi nakakaperwisyo yan ng pamilya. Hindi ako pabor sa ganoon. Huwag na lang pumasok dito ang POGO para walang ma-perwisyo,” Arnel Montalbo, a printing shop owner, added.

The resolution cites that POGOs tarnish the dignity of the LGU, leaving no room for such operations in the city. It also serves as a warning to businesses operating secretly as POGOs, despite having business permits.

The council will request the mayor to revoke permits of establishments found to be operating illegally as POGOs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the City Council of Batangas did the right move? Do you think more local government units (LGUs) around the country should approve legislation banning 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

Ombudsman rejects Bamban mayor Alice Guo’s bid versus suspension order

Ombudsman rejects Bamban mayor Alice Guo’s bid versus suspension order

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The bid of the controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo to lift the preventive suspension has officially been rejected by the Office of the Ombudsman, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Office of the Ombudsman has junked Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo’s bid to lift the six-month preventive suspension slapped against her over her alleged links to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her jurisdiction.

The Ombudsman resolution dated June 21 said it is standing by its preliminary findings that there are sufficient grounds to hold that the evidence against Guo and the other respondents are strong.

Aside from Guo, also suspended by the Ombudsman were Bamban Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) officer Edwin Campo and Municipal Legal Officer Adden Sigua.

The Ombudsman suspended the three in May to keep them from interfering in the investigation following the complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which is accusing them of committing grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

In its resolution signed by Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, there is evidence that Guo has business interest in Baofu Land Development Inc., owner of the land where the raided POGO was located. It said this was shown by a Tarlac Electric Cooperative Inc Statement of Account dated March 8, 2024 under Guo’s name that was seized during the March 13, 2024 raid in the Baofu compound for alleged human trafficking and serious illegal detention.

The Ombudsman also cited documents showing that Baofu and the POGO, Zun Yuan, operated their respective businesses with permits processed by the BPLO and issued by Guo, as well as documents showing that Sigua knew and had prior acquaintances with Guo since he was the one who notarized each of the Deed of Absolute Sale covering the eight parcels of land that Guo bought that later on became the compound.

“This Office only deems it prudent to preventively suspend respondents Guo, Campo and Sigua given their undeniable hand in the operation of Baofu and Zun Yuan,” the Ombudsman said.

“After due consideration of the factual circumstances of the instant case, this Office finds no compelling reason to reconsider and lift the Order of preventive suspension of respondents Guo, Campo and Sigua while the case against them is pending adjudication,” it added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that mayor Guo is involved with the POGO crime activities mentioned? Do you think that the raided Bamban POGO could be linked with the scam hub in Parañaque?

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

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

Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo expelled by political party

Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo expelled by political party

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The controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo has officially been expelled by the political party she joined in 2023 – the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), 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…

The Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) has expelled Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, adding to the woes of the controversial local chief executive.

Guo is currently serving an Ombudsman-ordered six-month suspension, which started May 31, and faces human trafficking charges filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

In a letter signed by NPC chair Vicente Sotto III on June 22 and addressed to Tarlac Governor Susan Yap who petitioned the removal, Guo is ordered removed from the roster of members.

Party secretary general Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs and head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, will implement the order and inform Guo of her removal from NPC.

“The NPC will not tolerate any unlawful acts or any appearance of impropriety by its members that will undermine the principle of our party,” read the NPC letter, released to the media on Sunday.

On Friday, the PAOCC and PNP-CIDG filed a qualified human trafficking complaint against Guo, former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, 12 officers and incorporators of three companies, and Guo’s alleged business partners Huang Zhiyang, Zhang Ruijin and Baoying Li before the Department of Justice.

The case against Guo and the others stemmed from the raid at the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban in March.

Huang is a fugitive in China, while Zhang and Baoying are allegedly involved in a major money laundering case in Singapore.

An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against Guo and the other respondents may be out next week.

Previously, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it would look into Guo and the names and entities connected with her.

“Due process will be followed. If the income declared with the BIR does not match the value of the properties amassed during the same taxable years, criminal cases for tax evasion will be filed. The same charges can be filed against conspirators and the corporate officers of the companies used to amass such wealth,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.

Guo, Municipal Business Permits and Licensing Office’s Edwin Ocampo and municipal legal office Adenn Sigua are suspended due to “strong evidence showing their guilt” on the charges of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and gross neglect of duty.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the NPC did the right move by expelling mayor Guo? Do you think this development will spark a wave of member integrity checking by all existing political parties here in 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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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

Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others charged for alleged human trafficking

Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others charged for alleged human trafficking

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The controversial and suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo along with others were formally charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged human trafficking in connection with the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Tarlac, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

In complaints filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ), Guo, former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, and 12 officers and incorporators were charged with violation of Sections 4 and 6 of Republic Act (RA) 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by RA 10364, as further amended by RA 11862.

Among the respondents are Guo’s alleged business partner Huang Zhiyang, who is a fugitive in China, and Zhang Ruijin and Baoying Li, two individuals who are involved in the biggest money laundering case in Singapore.

Guo was also referred to as “a.k.a Guo Hua Ping” in the complaint.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the camps of Guo and Cunanan but they have yet to reply as of posting time.

Evidence – The complainants are the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

“Lumabas na mga ebidensya dito tulad ng fact na siya ang nag apply doon sa dating [letter of no objection] from the local government. Lumabas din ang kanyang involvement doon sa lesser company,” Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking chairperson and Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty said in a briefing.

(There is evidence such as the fact that she applied the letter of no objection from the local government. Her involvement in the lesser company was also noted.)

“At kasama rin yung ibang ebidensya diyan katulad nung pangalan niya na lumulutang sa mga sabi-sabing document na nahanap sa POGO compound,” he added.

(There is also other evidence such as her name appearing in many documents in the POGO compound.)

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Benjamin Samson said authorities believe that Cunanan is part of a “grand conspiracy.”

“We discovered that the Zun Yuan operation actually started with one corporation which was Baofu, and then another corporation was created. All these three corporations, we believe that they are part of a grand conspiracy to commit labor trafficking,” Samson said.

“In one of the corporations, we found a document wherein the name of Mr. Dennis Cunanan appeared. After piecing together the pieces of evidence, we concluded and we decided that he is part of the grand conspiracy to commit labor trafficking,” he added.

Earlier, Senator Risa Hontiveros showed documents where Cunanan had introduced himself as the “authorized representative” for the Hong Sheng POGO in Bamban and the Lucky South POGO in Porac.

Other Complaints – According to Ty, the DOJ is now processing the Immigration Lookout Bulletin against Guo, which may be issued next week.

“Hindi naman natin matatanggi na kahit sinong makasuhan ng kriminal ay may flight risk, lalo na kung may resources ito mangibang bansa. Ngunit ito naman kay Mayor Guo, hopefully, no hindi naman siya lilipad dahil siya mismo at ang kanyang mga representatives ang nag sabi na nais niyang harapin ang mga alegasyon laban sa kanya,” he said.

(Anyone charged with a crime is a flight risk, especially if he they have resources to go abroad. Hopefully, she will not leave as her representatives said that he wants to face the allegations against him.)

Aside from this, Ty said Guo cannot travel without a travel authority as a public official.

Ty said that “there is a possibility” that other complaints may be filed against Guo and others.

POGO – Guo was placed under investigation for her alleged links to the 10-hectare POGO compound that was raided in March for alleged illegal activities that include crypto and love scams.

Earlier in June, the Department of the Interior and Local Government filed graft charges against Guo with the Office of the Ombudsman, prompting it to suspend her for up to six months.

Guo’s identity as a Filipino is also under question before the Senate.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has questioned whether Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping is Guo after he presented records from the Board of Investments of the Guo family’s application for a Special Investors Resident Visa.

The documents showed Guo Hua Ping entered the Philippines on January 12, 2003 when she was still 13 years old and her registered mother is Lin Wenyi, the same woman who was alleged to be the mayor’s mother.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the mayor of Bamban is indeed connected or responsible with the human trafficking that happened at the raided Bamban POGO? Are you concerned that there could be a POGO operating in your locality and criminal activities are being done secretly? If there is a POGO in your locality, did you notice a rise in crime incidents?

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

Ombudsman suspends controversial Bamban mayor Alice Guo

Ombudsman suspends controversial Bamban mayor Alice Guo

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Remember the raid of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac? Since that happened, the incumbent Bamban mayor Alice Guo became the subject of the senate investigation as there were documents found that linked her with the raided POGO. Now a controversial figure, Guo officially suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for up to six months, according to a GMA Network news report. Two other local government officials were suspended as well.

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

The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two other local government officials for up to six months.

This development came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed graft complaints against Guo over her reported involvement with a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her locality.

According to the DILG, the complaints were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman on May 24 and stemmed from the issuance of a permit to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. despite the company failing to complete the requirements and having an expired license from the Philippine  Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).

“Given [the] respondents’ power and authority, there is a strong probability that they may influence witnesses or tamper with any evidence material to the case,” the Ombudsman said in a nine-page order.

Other than Guo, others ordered suspended were Business Permit and Licensing Officer Edwin Ocampo and Municipal Legal Officer Adenn Sigua.

On March 13, authorities raided a 10-hectare area operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc. and found several devices said to be linked to POGO operations. Over 600 Filipinos and foreigners were rescued during the raid.

The complex was previously raided in 2023 when it was operated by Hongsheng Technology Inc., which is now being linked to Guo as she applied for the letter of no objection for the complex’s license to operate.

“The foregoing considered, this Office finds sufficient grounds to preventively suspend Alice Guo, Edwin Ocampo and Adenn Sigua considering: that, there is strong evidence showing their guilt; that the charges against them involves grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best Interest of the service, and gross neglect of duty which may warrant their removal from the service,” the Ombudsman said.

“Their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them,” the Ombudsman added.

Guo, whose nationality as a Filipino is being questioned by lawmakers, was also found to be the incorporator of Baofu Land  Development Inc., which owns the land where the complex — home to over  36 buildings, a swimming pool, and luxury cars — is located.

Guo has denied links to the POGO operation.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the suspension of mayor Guo will turn out helpful as the quest for answers continues? Do you think the national government will make adjustments that will restrict POGOs? Do you think mayor Guo is a spy of mainland China? Do you think that the scam hub in Parañaque is linked with the controversial Bamban POGO?

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

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

Controversial Bamban POGO linked with scam hub in Parañaque City?

Controversial Bamban POGO linked with scam hub in Parañaque City?

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Local authorities are investigating if the scam hub in Parañaque City is connected with the controversial raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that Senator Sherwin Gatchalian already called for a probe as he received complaints from residents of a particular Parañaque village.

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

Authorities are looking into the possibility that the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac is connected to a recent human trafficking and online scamming bust in a village in Parañaque City.

According to a “24 Oras” report by Mav Gonzales on Wednesday, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) believes the 10 Chinese and the Filipino bodyguard arrested in the police operations may have escaped from the recently raided Bamban POGO hub.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who had called for a probe into the incident following complaints filed by the residents of the village, agreed with Pagcor.

“Itong mga sindikato umiikot lang sila (These syndicates just switch around),” he said.

The raid was launched on May 2 following complaints from homeowners, who said that the structures violated their 3-story regulations. They also said this was not the first raid connected to POGO inside their village.

“When we saw Bamban, the structures were so similar…the process of applying for stickers, IDs, and also constructions. Some are using already local identification, passports, birth certificates, driver’s license, postal ID [and] all these things. They can’t even speak Tagalog,” said a homeowner.

Below is the related GMA news video as well as a UNTV news video for you to watch. Multinational Village was specifically mentioned as the location of the recent raid.

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 Chinese nationals committing illegal activities while doing business in the city? Is your village filled with Chinese nationals and new business establishments that were set up to cater to them? How many foreigners and local residents in your village are working in a POGO? Do you think the scam hub in Parañaque is linked with the controversial Bamban POGO as PAGCOR believes?

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Luxury cars, villas, tunnels and more found inside raided POGO in Tarlac

Luxury cars, villas, tunnels and more found inside raided POGO in Tarlac

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As I was browsing news of national interest, I came upon a news report by GMA Network related to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in the municipality of Bamban, Tarlac province that was already raided by local authorities. Beyond the raid, the authorities uncovered luxury cars, villas and even tunnels inside the facility.

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

A swimming pool, several tunnels and luxury cars were among the discoveries inside a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub that was allegedly used for illegal activities by scammers in Bamban, Tarlac.

In an exclusive report from Saleema Refran on 24 Oras, the 10-hectare Zun Yuan Technology complex that was raided by a joint team of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had more than just offices and dormitories.

There were also villas that were reportedly reserved for high ranking officials and VIPs as well as an (Olympic)-sized swimming pool.

Aside from allegations of scams, human trafficking and illegal detention, the compound was also hiding other secrets.

There is a network of tunnels underneath the villas. Authorities said the tunnels led outside the compound.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said the underground passageways might have been used by other suspects to make good their escape.

“Posible kasi na yung mga nakatakas ay dumaan po sa underground tunnels. Mayroon kasing open na mga gates doon sa ibang tunnels pwedeng doon sila nagtakasan.

(It’s possible those who escaped underground. There were open gates in some of the tunnels.)

Inside the villas were expensive furniture and appliances. There were also safety vaults in several rooms. Outside were parked several SUVs and luxury cars.

The massive compound is located beside the Bamban Municipal Hall.

Casio said Bamban town officials should have been more vigilant when it allowed the establishment of the amusement and gaming hub in 2020.

“Lahat po ng POGO, lahat ng (internet gaming license) operators kinakailangan po magkaroon niyan ng Letter of No Objection galing sa city council. Dapat bago nag release ng LONO yung munisipyo dinouble, di lang double, triple o quadruple check kasi nga nakita natin yung mga ebidensya ng scamming dito sa loob,” he said.

The Department of Justice is also investigating the case.

Prior to the March raid, the compound was also raided last February this year due to allegations of a cryptocurrency scam when it was licensed under the Hongsheng Gaming technology.

Posted below is the related news video of GMA.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the remaining POGOs here in the Philippines could be engaging in illegal activities and added to criminal activities in local communities near their facilities?

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

SEA Games medalists Casares and Alcoseba dominate 2022 National Duathlon Championships at New Clark City

SEA Games medalists Casares and Alcoseba dominate 2022 National Duathlon Championships at New Clark City

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This past weekend, the 2022 National Duathlon Championships (NDC) took place at New Clark City and ultimately Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) medalists Fer Casares and Raven Faith Alcoseba won the sprint distance (5 kilometer run – 20 KM bike – 2.5 Km run) elite titles respectively, according to a post-event news report published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), HOKA, Filinvest New Clark City, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Fissan and Fitbar with Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), New Clark City and the local government of Capas, Tarlac as the venue partners, attracted hundreds of registered participants locally as well as some from overseas. It is also part of the selection process of choosing athletes who will compete in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia (for references, click here and here). Casares and Alcoseba, who are members of the national team, are among the top triathletes of Southeast Asia. Casares is the SEA Games gold medalist in men’s triathlon and Alcoseba the SEA Games bronze medalist in women’s triathlon.

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

Filipino-Spanish Fernando Jose Casares lived up to expectations after ruling the sprint distance men’s elite category of the 2022 National Duathlon Championships at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac on Sunday.

Born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games gold medalist Casares finished the 5,000(run)-20,000-(bike)-2.500(run) race in 58 minutes and 3 seconds to beat fellow national athlete John Chicano Leerams of Olongapo City (58.09) and promising duathlete Maynard Pecson of Baguio City (58.13).

“I’m glad I had a good performance here,” said the 26-year-old Casares, whose mother is from Valenzuela City. He got his dual citizenship in 2018.

Casares had competed at the World Games in Alabama, USA last July. He also won the mixed relay gold medal with Chicano, Kim Mangrobang, Clair Adorna at the 2019 Manila SEA Games.

In the women’s category, Cebuana Raven Faith Alcoseba clocked 1 hour, 6 minutes and 32 seconds to claim the gold medal.

“The course was challenging, I’m happy to win,” said the 20-year-old civil engineering student from De La Salle University. She debuted in the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games with a bronze medal in triathlon.

The 5-foot-2 Alcoseba, who hails from Talisay in Cebu, defeated Singaporean Louisa Middleditch (1:07.10) and Merry Joy Trupa of Tarlac City (1:08.50).

Matthew Justine Hermosa, also a native of Talisay, registered 1:01.46 to pocket the gold medal in the junior elite men’s category of the tournament organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) headed by Tom Carrasco Jr.

Irienold Reig Jr. of Batasan Hills in Quezon City took the silver medal with a time of 1:02.40 while Aidan Reed Mercado, a grade 12 student from Muntinlupa National High School, settled for the bronze medal with a time of 1:03.24.

The top three winners in the junior women’s elite category were Jena Valdez (1:11.35), Lady Samantha Jhunace (1:11.39) and Sophia Kyra Capistrano (1:14.49).

Meanwhile, Bases Conversion and Development Authority Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Group Arrey Perez appreciated the feedback from the participants of the race supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

“They are happy that the event was held here. The set up was very nice. The venue was really world-class,” said Perez, who served as mayor of the 2019 SEA Games Athletes Village inside the New Clark City Sports Complex.

In addition to the above post-race report, Abante also has its own report published in Tagalog.

For race results and other post-race updates about the NDC, visit the TRAP Facebook page as well as the event’s page at RaceYa.fit. The event was streamed live on race day and you can watch the FB stream by clicking https://fb.watch/hd94zg257H/?mibextid=RUbZ1f

For future multisport events from the TRAP, watch out for the 2023 season opener of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series set for January 29, 2023 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

SCTEX toll rates increase

SCTEX toll rates increase

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If you are planning to visit Subic Bay, Tarlac Province or Clark via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), you will have to set aside more money for traveling as the toll rates will be raised tomorrow already, according to details in a recent GMA Network news report. This is the result of the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) approval of the toll rate adjustment for SCTEX.

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

Motorists plying the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) may need to brace themselves against higher fees after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) approved the toll rate adjustment, operator North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation said Saturday.

In a statement, NLEX Corp. said the TRB authorized the implementation of an additional P0.78 per kilometer for motorists using the SCTEX.

The adjusted toll rates will take effect starting June 1, 2022.

Under the new toll matrix, motorists with Class 1 vehicles traveling between Mabalacat City to Tarlac will be charged an additional P31.00.

Those with Class 2 vehicles traveling on the same route will pay an additional P61.00 while motorists with Class 3 vehicles will pay an additional P92.00.

Meanwhile, an additional P49.00, P98.00, and P147.00 will be charged on motorists using Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles, respectively, traveling between Mabalacat City and Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan which is near the Subic Freeport.

NLEX Corp. said the toll hike followed regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review. The increase also confirmed the periodic rate adjustments due in 2017.

“To support the public utility buses (PUBs) cope with the adjustment, they will be provided toll subsidies and allow them to continue to enjoy the old rates for the next three months,” the company said.

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority is the builder and owner of the four-lane 93.7 kilometer SCTEX. The construction was partly funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

SCTEX opened to the public in 2008 and the management, operations and maintenance was privatized and awarded to NLEX Corp. in 2015.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about the approved toll rate adjustment for SCTEX? Does this discourage you from using the SCTEX to visit Subic Bay or Clark or other places connected to the said expressway?

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 Subic Bay related articles, read my Gourmet Garage Subic feature, my Xtremely Xpresso feature and articles about the 2022 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) here, here and here.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/