To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Justice on Sunday warned foreign Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers to surrender to authorities or face legal consequences that include permanent blacklisting.
“The President is unequivocally clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines and we vow to give our all-out support for the sake and welfare of the Filipino people,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.
“This Administration stands firm in its resolve to intensifying its guerilla operations against non-compliant POGOs,” he added.
In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs after several businesses were implicated in a variety (of) crimes, including human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and money scams.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, 22,609 of the 33,863 foreign POGO workers have already left the Philippines. This means around 11,000 foreign POGO workers are still in the country.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the authorities will be able to find the 11,000+ foreign POGO workers who are remaining in the country? Do you think that local candidates running for positions in the 2025 National and Local Elections could secretly have been funded by POGOs?
In relation to the big raid in Parañaque City that resulted hundreds of suspects arrested, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ask the City Government for an explanation, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA Network. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ask the Parañaque government for an explanation over the raided company in the city that was allegedly involved in scam hub operations, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.
The raid took place only a few days after the December 31, 2024 deadline for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.
“Magsusulat kami sa LGU para… manghihingi kami ng paliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.
(We will write to the LGU so we can ask for an explanation on what really happened.)
This came after authorities raided a company in the city on Wednesday and arrested 400 foreigners.
Remulla, however, said he believes that the local government was unaware of the presence of the company as it has yet to inspect the area where the raid took place.
“Hindi pa alam ng Parañaque ‘yan kasi hindi pa nag re-renew ng business permit. Doon lang naman pumapasok ‘yan, basta nag re-renew ng business permit ‘yan,” he said.
(Parañaque does not know about that because they have yet to renew their business permit. That’s the only way they can inspect, as long as they renew their business permit.)
The official said it seems that the hub was previously operating as a POGO under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
“They supposedly shut down [on] December 15 pero nag resume kaagad sila right after ng December 31. Chineck natin ‘yung mga buildings na ‘yun wala na sila doon pero bumalik at bumalik sila,” Remulla said.
(They supposedly shut down on December 15 but resumed immediately after December 31. We checked those buildings and they were no longer there, but they went back.)
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 still be a lot more POGOs or scam hubs secretly operating? Do you think the City Government could be aware of such illegal operations happening within their jurisdiction?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Persons harboring foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be prosecuted, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
“Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violations with utmost resolve,” said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
He stressed that “the BI will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.“
Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act prohibits the “bringing of alien in the Philippines who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, concealing or harboring an alien who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, and attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another to commit any of the prohibited acts.”
Viado issued the warning after the BI revealed that over 11,000 foreign workers of POGOs failed to leave the Philippines on the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline.
For continuing to remain in the Philippines, the bureau said these aliens will be arrested and will face deportation proceedings, he said.
“Anyone who enables these individuals to remain in the Philippines illegally will face the consequences, and the law is clear, and there will be no exceptions,” he stressed.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many foreign workers of POGOs secretly living within your local community right now? Do you think there are still POGOs secretly operating in your city?
Very recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers composed of the police, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a corporate facility and arrested hundreds of people suspected of engaging in online scams and violating immigration laws, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
More than 400 individuals allegedly engaged in online scams were arrested by law enforcement agencies in Parañaque City on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena said the Parañaque City Police rendered assistance to the joint operation conducted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Abrugena said the 400 individuals, composed of foreign nationals and Filipinos, were arrested at around 4:00 p.m. in two units of a corporate center on Asiana Avenue in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
He said the operation was conducted as part of a BI mission order targeting foreign nationals involved in illegal activities in the country.
The SPD chief said the arrested persons were engaged in various unlawful activities, including operating online scams and violating immigration laws.
Abrugena said the arrested persons, including one alias “Liang,” are now (under) investigation. They were brought to the BI facility for documentation and legal action.
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 convinced that a lot of foreigners who were previously employed by POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are secretly hiding in your city doing further illegal activities like online scamming?
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
With Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) already banned and a lot of their foreign employees have left the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) required the local government units (LGUs) to submit “no POGO” certificates by the end of January 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. In relation, this involves the inspection of commercial buildings and other ways of checking the compliance with the POGO ban.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Local governments and police have been given the green light to inspect commercial buildings covered by business permits as well as residences in their jurisdiction to check for compliance with the government’s total ban on POGOs (Philippine Overseas Gaming Operations), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with Justice officials, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said local government units (LGUs) are required to submit “No POGO” certificates in their localities by the end of the month.
“LGUs are responsible for checking all the buildings, (and utilize) the occupancy permits, the electric permits, the fire safety permits so they would have full capacity to enter all the buildings,” Remulla explained.
Aside from commercial and residential building inspections, LGUs may also check if owners are paying correct real property taxes. Remulla noted that POGOs operate where there is available bandwidth.
“They cannot operate in remote areas because there would be no Internet there. They have a high bandwidth requirement to be able to operate,” he said.
Remulla also clarified that special economic zone areas or SEZAs are not exempt from the ban under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 74.
“It is very clear that with EO 74, CEZA, PEZA zones are not exempted. We have no boundaries. There are no walls high for us to climb. All these areas, we can inspect,” he said.
“The government’s anti-POGO campaign is an ongoing thing, (it’s) forever. We will continue to be vigilant about it,” Remulla stressed.
He added that the DILG will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy on erring local government officials in the campaign against POGOs.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think local governments will really work to meet the requirement of the DILG regarding POGOs? Does your local government still allow POGOs to operate?
As the 2025 season opener of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series is set to take place on January 25 and 26 at the Subic Bay Boardwalk inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Cebu’s very own Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) medalists Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba are seen as the heavy favorites in their respective categories, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) sports article.
In addition, there are several triathletes from Cebu who will be joining the Subic Bay triathlon across different categories. For the Philippines triathlon team, this event is crucial as it serves as a qualifying race for this year’s SEA Games which will be hosted by Thailand.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the sports news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Cebu will be sending a big delegation to the 2025 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) tournament scheduled Jan. 25 and 26 at Subic Bay Freeport.
Leading the contingent is Andrew Kim Remolino, the defending men’s elite titlist in the competition organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines.
“It’s gonna be a hard race to start the season since everyone’s really getting ready for it,” Remolino said in an interview on Sunday.
“The NAGT is the first qualifying race to get a slot for the SEA (Southeast) Games in Thailand, so for now, we are just preparing for the things we could improve before the race day,” added the 23-year-old who hails from Talisay.
He bagged an aquathlon silver at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.
The Thailand SEA Games is set in December this year.
Remolino won the 2024 NAAT, with an Olympic distance 1.5-kilometer swim, 40K bike and 10K run, in 56 minutes and 56 seconds, beating fellow Cebuano Matthew Justine Hermosa who registered a personal best 56:57 and Baguio City’s Dayshaun Ramos (57:31).
Also back this year is Raven Faith Alcoseba, who clocked 1:03:55 to rule the women’s division over Erika Nicole Burgos of Tanauan, Batangas (1:05:39) and Kira Ellis (1:06:16).
Hermosa, Burgos, Ellis and Iñaki Emil Lorbes bagged the mixed team gold medal at the Cambodia SEA Games.
Other Cebuanos in the lineup are Renz Wynn Corbin (men’s elite); John Michael Lalimos (men’s junior elite); Nicole Marie Del Rosario (women’s elite); Alex Niño Silverio and Cedei Abellana (para triathlon); Zackary Angelo Da Silva and Henry Ezekiel Go (youth male); Christy Ann Perez, Niala Kyrzl Limas and Henia Ethania Go (youth female); John Wayne Ybañez (age group men); Venice Herbias (age group women); Kian Manabat (16-19); Mika Natural (13-15); Zia Angel Da Silva (8-under); Theodore Son and John Luigi Remolino II (9-10); Safficka Son and Zoe Angel Da Silva (11-12); and Althea Arciaga (9-10).
In connection with the New Year 2025 and the uncertainties that lie ahead, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated its commitment to defending the nation, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated its commitment to defending the country and the people in welcoming the New Year.
“This New Year is an opportunity to renew our commitment to our shared goals and aspirations as an organization. Let us move forward with unity and determination, embracing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and remaining steadfast in our resolve to protect the Filipino people and our nation’s future,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in his New Year’s message.
Brawner also added that 2024 has proven the AFP’s collective strength, resilience, and professionalism as it faced numerous challenges.
“Together, we have faced challenges with courage, fulfilled our missions with excellence, and made significant strides in safeguarding our sovereignty and promoting peace and security,” he stressed.
Brawner also thanked military personnel for their dedication and tireless service to the nation.
“To the AFP family and our fellow Filipinos, I wish you all a prosperous and peaceful New Year. May 2025 bring us closer to our vision of a strong, secure, and progressive Philippines,” he added.
The Philippine Army (PA) also recognized the hard work of its personnel, which led to numerous gains in 2024.
“What we achieved this 2024 was not born out of ease but of effort. It came from steadfast dedication, strong collaboration, and from the unwavering support of those who believe in our mission,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said in his New Year’s message.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the AFP today is more capable of defending the nation from enemies both foreign and domestic? Do you think the AFP has better technologies and military hardware needed for its operations?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred senior citizens of Barangay Talon Dos were vaccinated for flu thanks to the vaccination program of the Las Piñas City Health Office, according to the City Government’s social media post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City Health Office successfully held a Free Flu Vaccination Program for Senior Citizens on Thursday, December 19, at the Bambusetum Covered Court in Talon Dos. The initiative aimed to safeguard senior citizens from seasonal flu, with over 700 elderly residents receiving their free flu shots.
Healthcare professionals administered the vaccines and provided essential health consultations to ensure the well-being and safety of attendees. The program was efficiently organized, ensuring smooth service delivery for all participants.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event, interacting with senior citizens and showing her support for the health initiative. Her presence emphasized the city government’s commitment to prioritizing public health, especially for vulnerable sectors.
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 the Las Piñas City Health Office organized a free flu vaccination program in your local community recently?
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
Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.
#1 The dirty business behind Caffeine – Have you been drinking coffee, or sodas or energy drinks a lot over the past twelve months? Chances are, you are dependent on caffeine for your livelihood and your own lifestyle. Sadly, a lot of people out there are not even aware about the subject of caffeine in American history, in business and health studies. YouTuber fern has this in-depth look at caffeine and why there dirty business behind it. Watch and learn.
#2You, Me and the Movies react to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective – Despite being negatively received by movie critics in 1994, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective still went on to become a surprise hit in the cinemas grossing over $107 million worldwide and establishing Jim Carrey as an effective cinematic comedian. The film has an effective formula on making viewers laugh with Carrey’s performance, the jokes, the unfortunate turn of events, the funny one-liners and the like. I saw the film on home video in 1995 and I revisited it by watching the reaction video of You, Me and the Movies. If you have not seen Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, go watch it first. Otherwise, the reaction video below is entertaining to watch.
#3 The hunt for Ted Bundy explained by fern – Way back in 1989, I saw The Deliberate Stranger on local TV here in the Philippines. It was an engaging portrayal of the very notorious serial killer Ted Bundy (executed in 1989) who was responsible for the kidnapping, rape and murders of several young women and girls. While a lot of documentaries about Bundy have been released, fern’s visual presentation and explanatory observation of the killer’s story is a must-see.
#4 A look at the history of the Ikari Warriors trilogy – Back in the mid-1980s, I played Ikari Warriors (Japanese title: Ikari) on the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) and it was a fun game and even relatable. Why relatable? Because at the time of its release, the fictional character Rambo (played by Sylvester Stallone) and the Cold War were still present in our minds. As it turned out, Ikari Warriors was originally intended to be an official video game adaptation of Rambo: First Blood Part II but no agreement was made. Regardless, the game still had Rambo-inspired designs for the playable characters, an obvious Vietnam-inspired environment and lots of shooting-oriented action. It became so successful commercially, it eventually spawned two sequels. To know more about the history of the Ikari Warriors trilogy, watch PatmanQC’s video below.
#5 A look at 50 underrated arcade games from the 1990s – The 1990s was a wild time for people who love playing games in the arcades. While the decade was often perceived to be all about fighting games defining the arcade experience, there still was a greater variety of arcade games of different genres or game designs. This retro gaming video from Marvelous Gamers is a fun look back at the 1990s arcade games that got overlooked.
#6 Ashleigh Burton reacts to National Lampoon’s Vacation – If you are looking for a 1980s comedic viewing experience with a theme about going on holiday, then you should focus on National Lampoon’s Vacation directed by the late Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase. Released in cinemas in 1983, the movie became a box office hit grossing over $60 million in the American box office and it won a lot of rave reviews from the critics. If you have seen the movie and want to revisit it without the need to spend time watching it all over again, you should watch the reaction video by the jolly YouTuber Ashleigh Burton.
#7 Popcorn in Bed reacts to Quantum of Solace – I will say it clearly – Quantum of Solace was a very disappointing follow-up to Casino Royale (2006) as it was so negatively impacted by the strike of the Writers Guild of America as well as the lack of focus within the production. By the time I left the cinema, Quantum of Solace left me feeling numb and unsatisfied. That being said, I encourage you to see the reaction video of Popcorn in Bed (who also reacted to Casino Royale) and witness how the 2008 James Bond movie affected their viewing experience.
#8 Justin Trudeau officially resigns from office – I really do not like Justin Trudeau. As Prime Minister of Canada, he has been very out of touch with his people and does not seem concerned with them. Under the super woke and feminist Trudeau, the costs of living in Canada has gone way up, housing is too expensive and crime has gone up. There is also division and infighting within his Liberal Party which is not helping Canadians at all. Trudeau’s failed leadership should be a lesson to everyone that woke nuts, Satanic Leftists and outrageous liberals should not be voted to lead the government. Liberals do not care about common sense at all. Watch and learn from the videos below.
Recently in the city of Parañaque, the police apprehended a man in response to a complaint about the alleged stabbing of a woman, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A construction worker was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police who immediately responded after a report was made for stabbing a female victim on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect was identified as alias “John,” 27 and a resident of Tondo, Manila. He was arrested at around 1:30 a.m. in Barangay Marcelo Green, Parañaque City.
According to the report, the suspect barged into the house of a 32 year-old graphic artist victim who was resting due to fever and stabbed her several times.
Police said patrolling barangay watchmen who heard the commotion immediately responded and brought the victim to the Makati Medical Center for treatment.
Police also said the suspect was arrested after a witness saw the suspect walking along West Service Road. Recovered from the possession of the suspect was a 10-inch kitchen knife used in the crime.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, when was the last time a stabbing incident happened in your local community?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 