theft – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Office building in Parañaque City raided, hundreds of employees arrested

February 22, 2025February 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in the City of Parañaque, a team of local law enforcers raided an office building in the Bay Area resulting in hundreds of suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) employees – including 146 foreigners – getting arrested, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Authorities arrested 453 illegal POGO employees in a raid in an office building in the Bay Area of Parañaque City on Thursday.

Operatives from the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime (DOJ OOC) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) enforced an arrest warrant against a Chinese national for fraud.

An Immigration Mission Order was also implemented as the subject is an employee of suspected POGO that has been under surveillance for the past months.

A total of 453 employees including 146 foreigners, mostly Chinese, were caught in front of their computers on the three floors of the building believed to be operating illegal offshore gaming and scamming activities.

“Dalawang taon na raw silang nag-o-operate and they never stopped. Galing daw sila ng ASEANA. Nung medyo uminit daw doon, lumipat daw sila dito,” PAOCC Spokesperson Director Winston Casio told GMA Integrated News.

Initial review of computer screens and interviews with Filipino employees revealed the different scams employed in the alleged POGO.

“Bawat floor, iba-ibang scam. Sa fifth floor at seventh floor, stock investment scam. Pero ang pinagkaiba dito sa seventh floor, may spamming na nagaganap using a Hong Kong mobile,” DOJ OOC Head Agent Innah Protacio-Ladislao said.

“Sa sixth floor is online betting scam. Particularly, target nila is Indian. Sa sixth floor, Filipino ang employees,” Protacio-Ladislao added.

Scripts for scamming were also found in workstations.

Authorities recovered hundreds of computers, laptops, smartphones, pre-registered SIM cards and other gadgets. The said items will be examined and will undergo digital forensics.

Based on information gathered, local authorities issued a closure order on the POGO after it was raided before.

It is now operating under a new name with a Mayor’s permit, business license and a barangay permit. These will form part of the investigation.

“Dapat kasi before they issue yung permits nila, yung sa barangay, yung sa city hall, dapat they do yung talagang religious inspection of the establishment,” PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said.

“Kung ang permit nila is entertainment, are they really indulging yung kumpanya nila sa entertainment? O baka naman scamming yan tulad ng nangyayari dito?” Cruz added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think the City Government is ignoring the presence of POGOs within its jurisdiction? Do you think the Parañaque City Government and barangays should be more careful with reviewing business applications and ensure that no new POGOs will sprout?

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Cybercrime complaints tripled in 2024, victims lost almost P200 million

February 11, 2025February 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Was there anyone in your local community who got scammed many times last year? Based on the findings of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), cybercrime complaints more than tripled in 2024 and victims lost almost P200 million as well, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Friday said there were a total of 10,004 cybercrime complaints filed with their office in 2024, more than three times the 3,317 complaints in 2023.

In a statement Friday, CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos said the total amount lost by cybercrime victims reached almost PHP198 million last year alone.

He attributed the exponential increase in the number of complaints to the growing awareness of the public on cybercrimes and their willingness to report.

“In previous years, people were not aware that they were being scammed and many were not also aware of where to file their complaints,” Ramos said.

Of the total, around 3,534 complaints, or 35 percent were consumer fraud, these include non-delivery of goods or services and fake advertisements.

On the other hand, there were 3,242 online fraud complaints, or 32 percent of the total. This includes financial fraud, impersonation, job scams, investment scams, and love scams.

Other types of complaints were unsolicited communication, illegal access, identity theft, sexual cybercrimes, phishing, and cyberlibel.

He added that GCash was the top wallet used by victims of consumer fraud, online fraud, and phishing, with a total loss of PHP76.49 million to its users.

Other financial platforms used by victims were BPI with PHP28.47 million losses, GoTyme with PHP15.38 million, and PayMaya with PHP13.99 million.

He called on victims of scams to call the government’s toll-free hotline at 1326.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you scammed in 2024? Do you think that banks and e-wallet companies should enhance security of their respective apps to protect their users from the cyber criminals and scammers? Do you personally know anyone who lost a lot of money because he or she got scammed while using GCash?

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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E-trike driver caught in Las Piñas City for motorcycle theft, crime partner still at large

November 6, 2024October 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, an electric tricycle (e-trike) driver was caught for the theft of a motorcycle while his partner-in-crime managed to escape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

An E-trike driver was arrested for vehicle theft, while his partner escaped condominium security on Monday, October 28.

Colonel Sandro Tafalla, the police chief of Las Piñas, announced that the suspect, known as “Joel,” 46 years old from Cuneta Avenue in Pasay City, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at the Coastal Plaza Condominium in Barangay Daniel Fajardo, Las Piñas City.

The victim referred to as “George,” 30 years old, reported that his gray-black Honda Click 125 was stolen by two individuals while parked at the Coastal Plaza Condominium.

Upon noticing his missing motorcycle, George reported it to the condominium security guards, Richard Ducrao and Winden Pasok.

The guards stopped the suspects trying to leave the premises with the motorcycle loaded onto the E-trike.

When asked for the motorcycle’s documentation, the suspects failed to provide it, leading one suspect to escape while Joel was caught by security.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Has there been a motorcycle theft in your local community 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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Man arrested in Parañaque City for stealing motorcycle and carrying a replica gun

October 31, 2024October 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a man who stole motorcycle was arrested by the police who in turn responded to a victim who sought their assistance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A drug suspect was arrested by patrolling members of the Parañaque city police Substation 2 on Sunday, October 20.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspect identified as alias “Oliver,” 33 ws arrested at around 1:10 a.m. along Roxas Boulevard, Southbound, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Investigation showed the victim, a female call center agent was seen by patrolling policemen who was frantically signaling for assistance.

The victim told police that she was threatened by the suspect with firearm and forcibly took her motorcycle.

The police said operatives from Substation 2 immediately responded and with the (victim’s) assistance was able to block and apprehended the fleeing suspect.

Recovered from the suspect were 20 grams of shabu worth P136,000, a replica .45 caliber pistol and the stolen motorcycle.

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 individuals who threaten people using replica guns and take away their possessions?

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 national arrested at NAIA Terminal 3 for stealing from judge inside the airplane

September 24, 2024September 18, 2024carlocarrasco

A Chinese national was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 for stealing the handbag and money that belong to a judge while inside the airplane, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A flight attended saw the said Chinese traveler stealing from the judge who was traveling with two lawyers.

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

A Chinese national was arrested after he was caught stealing from a female judge aboard a plane at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

In a statement, BI Officer-in-Charge Joel Anthony Viado identified the Chinese national as Lyu Shuming, 48, who was arrested at the NAIA Terminal 3 last Sept. 15. The BI did not identify the female judge.

“We will not allow these kinds of foreigners to victimize our kababayan,” Viado declared. Based on his statement, it can be presumed that the judge is a Filipino.

“The BI will continue to monitor the progress of this case, and blacklist any other members that might be found,” he added.

The BI said that Lyu, who was found to have a valid Philippine visa, was traveling with two other Chinese nationals identified as Xu Xianpu, 41, and Xie Xiaoyong, 54.

“All three have been recommended for inclusion in the BI’s blacklist,” the BI said as it noted that Xu and Xie were also suspected to be thieves and have been allowed to board an outbound flight.

The BI said the three Chinese nationals were transiting the Philippines from Malaysia to Hong Kong.

While aboard the plane, the BI said a flight attendant caught Lyu stealing a handbag and P63,000 in cash owned by a female judge who was traveling with two lawyers.

“He was said to have opened the overhead stowage bin to retrieve the bag owned by the judge,” it said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you encounter people stealing the belongings of others while riding the airplane? Do you think the arrested Chinese traveler knew that the judge was traveling with lots of money?

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

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Man arrested in Las Piñas City for robbery

July 23, 2024July 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested a man who staged a robbery hold-up at a convenient store in Barangay Talon Singko, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A call center agent was arrested by members of the Las Piñas City police Talon Substation for robbing a convenience store on Monday, July 15.

Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas police chief, reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of the suspect identified as alias Allan, 48.

Tafalla said alias Allan staged a robbery hold- up at a convenience store along Rainbow Village, San Antonio Street, Marcos Alvarez, Talon Singko, Las Piñas City at around 2:30 a.m.

According to the victim, identified as alias Daryl, 20, the suspect entered the store and pretended to be a customer.

The victim told the police that the suspect was requested to remove his helmet upon entering the store and instead of heeding the request, alias Allan drew out his firearm, a .9mm pistol, and declared the holdup. The cashier, at that time, was about to transfer the money inside their vault amounting to P67,314.

The suspect reportedly told the cashier “bilisan mo” (faster) during the heist and immediately left store. The suspect boarded his motorcycle going to the direction of Alabang-Zapote Road.

Tafalla said the quick response of members of the Talon Substation led to the arrest of the suspect at around 5:00 a.m. and the recovery of a sling bag where the .9mm pistol was placed loaded with nine ammunitions, 30 live ammunitions, one black holster and the stolen cash.

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 more similar robberies will happen in the stores 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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Online sellers arrested in Parañaque City for qualified theft

July 22, 2024July 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two individuals who engaged in selling online were arrested by the local police for qualified theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out that the suspects were found selling hair growth serum which were stolen from someone.

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

Two online sellers were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police for theft after they were found selling stolen hair growth serum on Tiktok last July 9.

Parañaque City police chief Col. Melvin Montante reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Zerimar, 29, manager and a resident of 8th Avenue, Caloocan City; and Raymark, 21, packer and a stay-in employee at Hosuku Inc. at a condominium located in Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Montante said the owner of Hosuku hair growth serum, alias Yuji, 29, a businessman and a resident of Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, discovered that his hair growth serum product was being sold at a Tiktok account called “Parktikal” for a cheaper price and was registered under the name of alias Jerick, reportedly the common-law husband of Zerimar.

He said the victim inspected his warehouse located at Lot 5A Street, Agueda Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Nino, Parañaque City at around 5:35 p.m. and discovered one box of his product containing 300 pieces of 30ml bottles of the hair growth serum worth P105,000 at the locker of Zerimar.

The victim told the police that prior to the inspection of his warehouse, he also saw Raymark bring the box of stolen items inside the locker of Zerimar who was her cousin.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could be thieves selling stolen products online while secretly residing 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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Amorsolo painting recovered by local authorities, suspects arrested

July 16, 2024July 15, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced that the stolen painting of national artist Fernando Amorsolo was recovered and arrested two suspects, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report. The painting was previously stolen from a museum in Silay City, Negros Oriental province. It has since been returned to the National Museum of the Philippine for assessment.

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

The stolen Fernando Amorsolo painting has been recovered, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented the recovered 1936 masterpiece of the national artist titled “Mango Harvesters,” which was snatched from the Hofileña Museum in Silay, City, Negros Occidental last week.

Santiago said an entrapment operation was hatched to catch people allegedly involved in the sale of the prized painting for P3.5 million, after receiving a tip from a certain “Atty. Ching.”

The entrapment operation was carried out on Thursday, July 11, at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, which resulted in the arrest of Ritz Chona Ching and Donecio Somaylo, who supposedly brought the stolen art for delivery.

Ching and Somaylo were brought for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice. They are facing a complaint for violating Presidential Decree 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think more should be done by museums to prevent thieves from stealing valuable artworks?

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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Woman arrested for theft in Las Piñas City

April 16, 2024April 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a woman who has been wanted for theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect, who has since been detained, was one of the Top 10 most wanted persons.

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

A 21-year-old woman wanted for theft was arrested by operatives of Las Piñas Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Station Intelligence Section (SIS) on Friday, April 5.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said Las Piñas police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported the arrest of alias Chin-Chin tagged as Top 10 most wanted person.

Tafalla said the police apprehended the suspect at around 3:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulunglua Unot, Las Piñas City by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Teodoro S. Carbonera of Las Piñas City Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 121 on January 31, 2024 for the service of sentence.

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 some members of your local community could be wanted by the police for crimes previously committed?

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

Scammers who pretended to be DBM personnel arrested by NBI

April 8, 2024March 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, scammers are almost everywhere. There are scammers who will send you direct electronic messages or call you with offers of job openings, promos, investment opportunities, subscriptions and the like. What caught my attention was the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) recent apprehension of scammers who posed as personnel of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested on Tuesday eight individuals pretending to be officials and employees of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in an entrapment operation in Mandaluyong City.

The DBM, in a news release Wednesday, said one of the suspects introduced herself to the complainant as an Undersecretary of the DBM supposedly in charge of the agency’s “special projects.”

The scammers promised the complainant, who is a project contractor, access to some PHP1.3 billion worth of government projects involving the construction of a dam.

The suspects assured the complainant that the project will be awarded to her once “grease money” was provided for the project’s “Blue Print” to initiate the processing of documents for the project award.

The illicit activity was uncovered after the contractor conducted an initial verification with the DBM.

After receiving and accommodating the complaint, the DBM sought the help of the NBI to carry out an entrapment operation where the suspects were arrested after accepting the PHP500,000 marked money.

“Mariin po nating kinokondena ang ganitong klaseng gawain. May proseso po tayong sinusunod na naaayon sa mga umiiral na batas (We strongly condemn this kind of activity. We have a process that is consistent with existing laws),” Budget Secretary Mina Pangandaman said.

She said the DBM is hoping that the incident will “send a strong statement to the public” that it will never tolerate fraudulent activities.

“Seryoso po ang DBM sa paglaban sa katiwalian gaya po ng ganitong mga gawain. Kaya naman po hinihikayat ko po ang taumbayan na agad magsumbong at i-report kung may mga mae-encounter sila na ganitong mga indibidwal (The DBM is serious about fighting corruption. That’s why I encourage the people to immediately report if they encounter scrupulous individuals),” Pangandaman 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 a lot more scammers out there pretending to be representatives or officials of government departments or corporations trying to deceive people over their money? Have you been scammed before?

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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