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Hundreds of volunteers in Muntinlupa City conduct cleanup drive against dengue

June 25, 2024June 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, hundreds of volunteers from the City Government, agencies and the private sector organized a cleanup activity against dengue, 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…

More than 500 volunteers from the Muntinlupa City Government, partner agencies, and private companies conducted a simultaneous cleanup activity to prevent the spread of dengue.

Under the “Dengue, ‘Di Pwede!” campaign, they collected over 110 sacks of solid waste from streets, canals, and creeks all over the city.

Officials from the Muntinlupa City Health Office conducted a lecture before the cleanup activity to provide information on ways to avoid dengue and what to do in case one gets sick.

From Jan. 1 to June 3 this year, the CHO recorded 80 dengue cases in Muntinlupa with zero deaths compared to 81 during the same period last year.

Barangays Alabang and Cupang had the highest cases with 17 each, followed by Putatan (13), Poblacion (11), Bayanan (9), Tunasan (8), Buli (3), Sucat (2) and Ayala Alabang (0).

Cupang had the highest dengue attack rate at 2.9 per 10,000 population

Volunteers signed up under the Make Your City Proud (MYCP) campaign, a program of the city government that encourages community members to participate in various activities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the volunteer effort versus dengue is helpful?

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

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo expelled by political party

June 24, 2024carlocarrasco

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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Better than Streaming: Do you have Cloak & Dagger (1984) 4K Blu-ray in your collection?

June 24, 2024December 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs!

Decades ago, I saw on home video Cloak & Dagger (1984) which turned out to be an entertaining film to watch as I was already playing games on Atari 2600 and the arcades. After replaying by chance on cable TV years later, I finally bought myself the 4K Blu-ray and it sure was fun to watch it all over again. Check out my retro movie review of it by clicking here.

*The front of my copy of Cloak & Dagger (1984) 4K Blu-ray.*

*The rear with the details that can be read.*

For the newcomers reading this, Cloak & Dagger (1984) is a movie that involved then video game giant Atari in the creative process. The movie’s plot is not based on Atari’s arcade game of the same name (previously titled as Agent X).

Cloak & Dagger (1984) its own original plot of espionage about a young boy Davey (played by Henry Thomas, the star of Steven Spielberg’s E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial) who witnesses a murder and receives an Atari 5200 cartridge of the game Cloak & Dagger that contains something very important. This in turn makes him a target of armed henchmen who won’t stop until they get him. Due to his reputation of being too playful and living with his wild imagination as a spy, people don’t believe Davey’s claim of witnessing a murder. This film happens to be inspired by the short story “The Boy Cried Murder” written by Cornell Woolrich.

*Cloak & Dagger in arcade form. Atari released it in the form of an arcade conversion kit aimed at arcade machines of certain games of its competitors.*

The Cloak & Dagger arcade game can be played on your game console with the Atari 50 collection software (over 100 games). This screenshot I captured while playing it on my Xbox Series X console running Atari 50.

A few weeks ago, my copy of the Cloak & Dagger 4K Blu-ray arrived and it came with two discs: One 4K Blu-ray disc which contained the movie in native 4K (scanned in UHD from the 35mm film) resolution of 3840 x 2160p. The other disc has the same movie in HD (1920 x 1080p) plus the extra stuff which can provide viewers and Cloak & Dagger fans a good amount of important content which will help them learn what the video game elements in the film are, what inspired its creative process and why the film is very unique by today’s standards. There is also an informative new interview with Henry Thomas.

Since then, I saw Cloak & Dagger in 4K twice on my Xbox Series X and its 1080p version on a standalone Blu-ray disc player. Cloak & Dagger in 4K looks better than ever as the picture quality is better, images look sharper and clearer, the colors are vibrant, the small visual details (which were not visible in lower resolution before) are more noticeable now, and film grain structure has been preserved intact!

*The two discs. The one on the right is Cloak & Dagger in 4K.*

As for the story itself, I still find it engaging and enjoyable to watch from start to finish. Cloak & Dagger is clearly a production of its time as it carries clear Cold War references – the Soviet Union and Iran are the evil forces told in very subtle fashion – as well as video game elements and brands (note: ColecoVision even appeared in this Atari-influenced movie) that dominated America’s console gaming market long before PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox arrived. For a movie aimed at parents and children, this one has really intense violence as it involves shooting and even some elements of terrorism.

Ultimately, I got a lot of enjoyment from my Cloak & Dagger (1984) 4K Blu-ray and I highly recommend it to Cloak & Dagger fans, gamers, physical media collectors and anyone who loves watching movies in the comfort of home. Cloak & Dagger (1984) is a very unique and fun movie that Hollywood does not make anymore. You really should see it.

In case you are interested or if you have made up your mind, you can order a copy of Cloak & Dagger (1984) 4K Blu-ray by clicking here.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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Cop arrested in Parañaque City

June 24, 2024June 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a cop was arrested by elements of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives as a result of a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay BF Homes, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives on Sunday arrested a cop in a drug buy-bust operation in Parañaque City.

NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. identified the suspect as Cpl. Neil Bagunu, 31, presently assigned at the National Police Training Institute (NPTI).

He was arrested in Purok-2 Formost Street in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City after receiving the marked and boodle money from a poseur buyer as payment for shabu at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

Nartatez said the operatives seized drug paraphernalia worth PHP136,000 and a .45- caliber pistol.

The cop, he said, was brought to the Paranaque Police Station to face criminal and administrative charges.

He said over 500 policemen in Metro Manila have been dismissed from the service as part of the NCRPO’s internal cleansing since July last year.

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 police officers secretly engaging in illegal activities 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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Suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others charged for alleged human trafficking

June 22, 2024June 21, 2024carlocarrasco

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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A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #257 (1984)

June 21, 2024July 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1984 to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics universe through a tale of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series.

In my previous retro review, Puma was introduced and quickly made an impact on the plot that connects the Rose with Spider-Man (who foiled the Rose’s criminal operation with the help of Black Cat). Puma is not a one-dimensional villain as he is quite principled. Ultimately, issue #256 served as an entertaining build-up of the conflict between Spider-Man and Puma.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #257, published in 1984 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Tom DeFalco and drawn by Ron Frenz.

Early story

The story begins on top of a building in New York City. Puma grabs the head of the helpless Spider-Man (who just suffered the dislocation of his arm and endured the pain of shoving it back into place before eventually succumbing to the intense pain). He does not strike immediately as he finds the act of eliminating the webslinger almost too easy and he remembers the Rose promised him of a worthy foe.

Just as Puma starts his move to kill Spidey, Black Cat suddenly strikes him out of nowhere. Puma quickly recovers his balance and tells Black Cat to go away. Suddenly, Puma notices something in her. Using his heightened senses, he sees Black Cat’s aura then jumps at her. He quickly realizes he miscalculated with his movement and finds himself overshooting her. In a desperate attempt, Puma grabs a pipe but it quickly broke and causes him to slide on the rooftop and hit the edge.

As Puma picks himself up, the roof beneath him gives in and he falls down…

Quality

*Spider-Man’s 2nd encounter with Puma is action-packed and fun to read. Pay close attention to the details.*

There is no doubt that the story of this comic book is pretty much a big pay-off to the build-up of the previous issue. Not only that, the creative team continued to gradually develop Puma not only as a formidable foe of Spider-Man but also as a sensible and believable new addition to the Marvel Comics universe of the time.

Here, you will see Spider-Man in a truly vulnerable state which symbolically shows that wearing the alien costume has its limits when it comes to protecting and enhancing him. As seen in the final pages of issue #256, Spider-Man struggles a lot physically and, for the first time ever, struggles to command the symbiote (not realizing it is organic and has its own intelligence). With Spidey in a serious physical disadvantage, you will see Black Cat getting a nice share of the spotlight. Not only does she bravely face off with Puma, her concern for Spidey (note: she knows he is Peter Parker) intensifies in a very believable way. She still loves him but could not figure out why Peter prefers to live like a normal person when he could dedicate himself on being a hero every day as Spider-Man.

As for Puma, the creative team developed him even further both in his animalistic form and in his civilian identity as the head of Fireheart Enterprises. As the man Thomas Fireheart, he is a really intelligent man who analyzes a lot of details before making his next move. You will see more of his intellectual side as he deals with both his corporate affairs as well as his contracted service for the Rose (who in turn is serving the Kingpin).

The plot in this comic book is deeper and more elaborate. Without spoiling much, you will get to see the Puma-Rose-Kingpin connection and, more notably, you will see how complex and intense the situation becomes for Peter Parker when he encounters Puma for the 2^nd time. The story is very good, you just have to read it.

Conclusion

*Spider-Man, Black Cat and the alien costume.*

Like the previous issue, Amazing Spider-Man #257 (1984) is a great read but in the form of a great pay-off to the build-up that preceded it. The DeFalco-Frenz duo succeeded in developing the newcomer Puma into a significant Marvel Comics universe addition and their portrayal of an injured Spider-Man is very captivating. That being said, I encourage you all to pay close attention to the literary details revealed during the banter between Spidey and Puma which will resonate with you when you read the next issue.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #257 (1984) is highly recommended.

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Wanted person from province arrested in Parañaque City

June 21, 2024June 15, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a person from a province who has been wanted for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide got arrested by police officers in Barangay Moonwalk, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A man wanted for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide in Northern, Samar was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police’s Warrant and Subpoena Section on Friday, June 14.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as alias John, 34, was arrested at around 8:00 a.m. in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City.

The suspect, who was tagged as Top 4 wanted person in Samar for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, was arrested by members of the WSS who were conducting operations against wanted person.

The police said John was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Nilo Yu Dela Cruz of the Municipal Trial Court, Eighth Judicial Region, San Isidro, Northern Samar on May 14, 2024.

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 wanted persons or criminals from the provinces who could be hiding 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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Muntinlupa Mayor slams China Coast Guard for harming Philippine Navy personnel

June 21, 2024June 20, 2024carlocarrasco

Very recently, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon slammed China Coast Guard for harming personnel of the Philippine Navy who were on a resupply mission at sea and the incident was captured on video, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A Philippine seaman lost his finger as a result of a Chinese vessel ramming a Philippine rubber boat.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor and former representative Ruffy Biazon condemned the China Coast Guard for attacking and hurting Philippine Navy troops who were doing a humanitarian rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal in the Spratlys Island in Palawan on June 17.

“The only Coast Guard in the world that puts life at sea in danger,” Biazon posted on X.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said, “The China Coast Guard’s coercive, aggressive, and barbaric actions during the humanitarian rotation and resupply mission at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on June 17, resulted in severe damage to AFP vessels, including their communication and navigation equipment.”

As a result of the China Coast Guard’s attack, Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo’s finger was cut off when the Chinese vessel rammed a Philippine rubber boat.

In a statement, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that “the Chinese Coast Guard has no right or legal authority to interfere with our legitimate operations or damage our assets within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”

“This reckless and aggressive behavior has caused bodily harm and constitutes a blatant violation of international maritime law, Philippine sovereignty, and sovereign rights. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly denounces these actions, which not only infringe upon our maritime rights but also pose significant risks to regional stability. The AFP remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will collaborate with international partners to ensure and secure peace and stability across the West Philippine Sea and the Indo-Pacific Region,” he said.

Biazon said the China Coast Guard has been violating maritime regulations.

“They are invoking the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the best thing for them to do is file a formal complaint at the IMO [International Maritime Organization]. But of course, they won’t do that because they know they have been violating it themselves for a long time now,” he said.

He added, “In the hands of military or even coast guard, the bolos & knives are weapons. Using them against persons or property to cause injury or death or damage is an attack. Define ‘Armed attack/ now, in the context of the MDT [Mutual Defense Treaty].”

“Point to ponder : If CCG [China Coast Guard] has the audacity to board a PH RHIB (Philippine Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat],will they have the impunity to board a grounded PH LST [Philippine landing ship, tank]? I think the AFP should state as early as now that our soldiers won’t be restrained to fire weapons in defense if LS 57 [BRP Sierra Madre)] is forcibly boarded by foreign forces,” added Biazon.

Biazon called on senators and representatives to speak up about the latest attack on Philippine troops.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you agree with Mayor Biazon slamming China Coast Guard for harming Philippine Navy personnel at sea? What do you think will it take for the Philippines to push back against Chinese agresssion?

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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Additional visa requirement for Chinese tourists revealed by DFA

June 20, 2024June 13, 2024carlocarrasco

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Chinese tourists who intend to secure a temporary visitor’s visa for travel to the Philippines will have to come up with an additional requirement, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) released details on Thursday on the additional requirement for Chinese citizens applying for a temporary visitor’s visa.

The DFA said that Chinese nationals applying for a 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa at Philippine Foreign Service Posts will be required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates.

According to the DFA, the certificates must be registered for at least six months at the time of the visa application.

Those exempted from the visa requirement are Chinese citizens who are currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education—who will be required to submit proof of enrollment—and retirees over 55 years old.

Meanwhile, the department said other exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“The additional visa requirement is part of the DFA’s continuing efforts to enhance its visa policies and regulations for the safe and efficient entry of foreign visitors,” it said in a statement.

Last month, the DFA announced that the Philippines would tighten its visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid many fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo said on May 9 that the stricter visa requirements intend to “weed out” the “illegitimate and unsavory” tourists from the legitimate ones.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been involved in organized crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and fraud.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new requirement the DFA came up with will reduce the number of Chinese nationals who intend to commit crime while in the Philippines? Considering the recent conflicts between China and the Philippines at sea as well as the high number crimes committed by Chinese nationals in the Philippines, do you think the new requirement is justified? Do you think the new requirement will severely reduce the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country?

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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Around 1,000 young girls vaccinated for HPV in 3-day Las Piñas City vaccination drive

June 20, 2024June 20, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, around one thousand young girls got vaccinated for HPV during the 3-day vaccination drive at Robinsons Place Las Piñas, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar appeared and observed the activities there.

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

The City Health Office, led by Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, recently concluded a highly successful three-day HPV Vaccination drive aimed at females aged 9-14. This significant health initiative, held from June 7-9 at Robinsons Las Piñas, provided vaccinations to approximately 1,000 young girls, ensuring their protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV) before their sexual debut.

The vaccination drive is a critical component of the city’s broader public health strategy to prevent HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer. Dr. Gonzalez emphasized the importance of early vaccination, noting that immunizing girls before they become sexually active significantly reduces their risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event, underscoring the city’s commitment to proactive healthcare measures. In her remarks, Vice Mayor Aguilar praised the efforts of the City Health Office and the dedication of the healthcare workers who facilitated the smooth and efficient administration of vaccines over the three days.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the HPV vaccination drive for local young girls will turn out helpful? Are there many anti-vaccination fanatics among your local community’s members?

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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