P2B shabu seized from Chinese in Baguio City raid

BAGUIO CITY -- Over 575 kilograms of suspected shabu placed in some 500 pieces of tea bags marked with Chinese characters were seized at the warehouse rented by a Chinese in Purok 4, Barangay Irisan here Wednesday morning, March 29.
    Hui Ming, alias Tan, 51 was arrested during the raid by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit of Cordillera Police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and National Bureau of Investigation.
    Anti-narcotics agents from the RDEU earlier asked a local court for a search warrant after painstaking intelligence operations against the drug suspect, said Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David Peredo.
    Peredo said the estimated value of the seized drugs was over P2 billion. Other reports valued the seized shabu at P4 billion.
    "It is perhaps one of the biggest shabu haul north of Manila in recent years," Peredo said. "We have yet to finish the inventory of the shabu and file charges against Ming."
Irisan is one of the four remaining barangay (villages) in the city that have not been cleared of illegal drugs.
    The huge drug haul caught residents and city officials by surprise as the warehouse is near the headquarters of a fire station.
    The drug operation was an initiative of the regional drug enforcement unit of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera.

The raiding teams implemented a search warrant issued by Rufus Gayo Malecdan, Jr.,  Executive Judge of Regional Trial Court of Baguio City.

The warrant, dated March 28, 2023, at the suspect’s rented house in Irisan.

Inventory of confiscated items were conducted at site in the presence of the arrested suspect and witnessed by punong barangay Arthur Carlos of Irisan, Prosecutor Philip Ceasar R. Castle of Dept. of Justice and Darius Bajo of GMA7 as media representative.

Those who witnessed inventory were Dept. of Interior and Local Government Secr. Benjamin Abalos Jr., Deputy PNP Chief for Operations Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, regional director of the PNP’s National Police Region Police Office Maj. Gen. Edgar Okubo. Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, PDEA director general Moro Virgilio Lazo, deputy regional director for operations of NCRPO Brig. Gen. Jack L. Wanky, district director of Northern Police District Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Penones Jr. and PROCor regional director Brig. Gen. Peredo Jr.

The suspect is now under custody of BCPO Irisan Police Station where charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 were prepared against him.

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4 foreigners rescued off Cagayan waters

By Jun Elias

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Four foreigners rescued off the coast of Calayan Island in Cagayan on Feb. 12 were turned over to the Bureau of Immigration.

Swedish national Sazid Hazan Shiek, 19, and Peruvians Richard Ventura, 48; Victor Palomino, 57, and Ulian Oswaldo Ventura, 52, were rescued by Philippine Coast Guard personnel, Ensign Jessa Pauline Villegas of the PCG-Northern Luzon said.

The four reportedly went sailing in the Pacific Ocean in December last year, but their boat encountered a mechanical problem and ran out of fuel.

Villegas said the foreigners are all in good physical condition. No illegal items were found in the boat, she added.

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3 foreigners nabbed in Baguio for illegal drugs

 
BAGUIO CITY -- Three foreign nationals listed as high-value drug personalities were arrested here recently.
    Police and anti-narcotics agents found in their possession some seven sachets containing alleged dried marijuana leaves during implementation of search warrant in their residence at Pacdal here recently.
    Police identified the arrested foreign nationals as Ephraim Samuel, 23; Jeremiah Ishaya, 21, and Amelia Paixao, 22.
    Investigators alleged said during implementation of search warrant, Pacdal police and Regional Intelligence Unit found seven pieces of transparent zip lock of suspected dried marijuana leaves weighing more or less 95 grams worth P11,400.
    Inventory of confiscated contraband was witnessed by Prosecutor Philip Cesar R. Castel, barangay kagawad Rosemarie Lachica of Victoria Village and media representative Christopher A. Bartolo.
    The arrested individuals and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Baguio City Police Office for detention and filing of charges against them before the city prosecutor's office for illegal drugs.
 

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Indian held in Nueva Vizcaya for scandal

By Liezle Basa Inigo

SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya — Police authorities here arrested an Indian whose unruly behaviour created alarm and scandal in an apartment here along Juan Luna St., Barangay Osmena on July 11.
    Devandra Baby Chellaboyina, male, 24, presently residing at Cadiente Apartment, Juan Luna St, Brgy. Osmena was believed to be under the influence of liquor.
    Aside from creating alarm and scandal, the suspect also threw invective on Ruben Labasan, 56, a barangay kagawad, resident of Lumabang St., Barangay Osmena, and Jehawi Aloyodan, 42, deputy chief tanod and a resident of Juan Luna St., Osmena.
    The suspect was reported to Solano Police by duty patrollers and barangay officials, resulting in the arrest of the Indian at about 3 p.m. on Monday.
    Arrested person was informed of his Constitutional Rights under Miranda Doctrine and the nature of his arrest.
    He is now under the custody of Solano Police for proper disposition and documentation.  
    Possible cases that would be filed against him are Alarm and Scandal and Violation of Art 151 (Disobedience of a Person in Authority or his Agent).
 

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Rescued French national, 70 gets well in MP hospital

BAUKO, Mountain Province -- French tourist Jacques Francioly, 70 is now in stable condition at the Luis Hora Memorial hospital here after he was found Jan. 22 in Barlig town after eight days having gone missing in the wilderness.

He was recuperating at LHMH at press time where he was taken after his 1-week ordeal after he was found very weak fighting for his life near a ravine.

His rescue was through joint efforts of Barlig local government headed by Mayor Clark C. Ngaya, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, barangay officials, Barlig police, Barlig Environmental Tour Guides Organization and civilian volunteers. 

A police report said on Jan. 21 at about 9:45 p.m., Edelwina Pakurao Manonggit, manager of Halfway Inn and Restaurant at Barangay Gawana reported to Barlig police station Francioli checked in on Jan. 13 around 8:30 a.m.,

Francioli reportedly left telling hotel personnel Juliet Chongael he will go sight-seeing within the municipality.

He told her he will pay his bills, meals and lodging in a one-time payment.

However, after many days, they noticed Francioli did not go back to his room.

Manonggit said when they peeped into his room window, which was open, they noticed a cell phone charger still plugged in with some of his personal belongings still inside. 

             This led officials to form rescue teams to search for him until he was found

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Missing French national found at Barlig forest cliff

BARLIG, Mountain Province -- After eight days of having gone missing in the wilderness, here, French tourist Jacques Francioly, 70 was found alive here Wednesday.

He is now recuperating at the Luis Hora Memorial Hospital where he was taken after his 1-week ordeal after he was found very weak fighting for his life near a ravine.

His rescue was through joint efforts of Barlig local government headed by Mayor Clark C. Ngaya, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, barangay officials, Barlig police, Barlig Environmental Tour Guides Organization and civilian volunteers. 

A police report said on Jan. 21 at about 9:45 p.m., Edelwina Pakurao Manonggit, manager of Halfway Inn and Restaurant at Barangay Gawana reported to Barlig police station Francioli checked in on Jan. 13 around 8:30 a.m.,

Francioli reportedly left telling hotel personnel Juliet Chongael he will go sight-seeing within the municipality.

He told her he will pay his bills, meals and lodging in a one-time payment.

However, after many days, they noticed Francioli did not go back to his room.

Manonggit said when they peeped into his room window, which was open, they noticed a cell phone charger still plugged in with some of his personal belongings still inside. 

Janssen C. Focad, tourism officer of Barlig told police on the night of Jan. 13, her husband, Ralph Focad, a tourist guide with other guides talked to Jacques asking if he will go hiking so they will guide him.

However, the latter said he will go alone saying he won’t hike and that at any time, he will be going to adjacent Natonin town.

On Wednesday (Jan. 22)  at about 8:20 a.m., Lt. Morris P. Nay-osan, Barlig police chief, briefed tour guides at the tourism office before going to Mt. Paranchuy in Barangay Latanag to look for Francioli.

At 8:40 a.m., the team led by Lt. Carlito Salimbuat Ateneo under supervision of Lt. Nay-osan went to Mt. Paranchuy towards the route going to Pula, Banaue, Ifugao.

Other rescuers went to Sitio Ammiw and Sitio Sicling of Latang.

At about 10 a.m., Nay-osan with Mayor Ngaya, BFP and MDRRMC personnel, SB committee chairman on peace and order and some barangay chairmen convened inside the police office to discuss search operations.

It was agreed emergency medical staff Jim A. Kinomon will coordinate with personnel of the 77th IB, Lunas Patrol Base, Lunas, Barlig to inform them of the ongoing search for Francioli.

At 12:25 p.m. Lt. Col. William B. Willy, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch, Mountain Province Police Provincial Office, arrived and joined the emergency meeting.

He reminded the body on security and precautionary measures. 

But at 3 p.m., Shadrack Cablog, one of tourist guides who joined the search operations called the tourism officer of this municipality through cell phone they found Jacques at a ravine at Sitio Sikling, Barangay Latang.

He said Jacques was very weak and in need of immediate medical attention.

Rescue teams were informed of the location of the victim and were advised to go there.  

Personnel of Barlig police with the MDRRMO, BFP and other civilian volunteers went to said area to transport the victim.

At 8 p.m., the search team arrived at the village proper and Francioli was rushed to the Barlig District Hospital.

The victim was put under medication at the said hospital and later transferred to Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital for further medication.

Police and local officials cited those who joined the search operations “The success of the SARO would not have been realized without our cooperation and unity. Likewise, this is to remind all tourists visiting Barlig to please adhere strictly to rules and policies as it is for your safety,” a police press statement said.

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Pogos breed crime and prostitution

PERRYSCOPE
Perry Diaz

Since Rodrigo Duterte took over the presidency of the Philippines, the influx of Chinese nationals has increased dramatically.  As a result, gambling and prostitution have become a huge problem.  Most of the Chinese nationals who have come to the Philippines are involved in a new gaming industry called Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos).  Hundreds of Pogos are in operation right now, employing hundreds of thousands of Chinese from the mainland, many whom have entered the country illegally. The reason why Pogos employ Chinese nationals is they speak Chinese, which is the language used in Pogos because most of the Pogo clients are Chinese from the mainland.     

And because virtually all the Chinese workers are male, they need women to satisfy their sexual appetites.  And this is where thousands of female Chinese are in the Philippines, to cater to the Chinese male employees in Pogos and other industries such as construction and restaurants.   

But here is the problem:  Chinese prostitutes in the Philippines cater exclusively to Chinese clients.  ABS-CBN reported that about 300 Chinese sex workers and their clients were rounded up by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in 12 brothels in six cities in the second half of last year.  The agents believe that all the raided premises were being run by mainland Chinese for Chinese clients.  Also, the owners, managers are also Chinese nationals.  The managers were jailed for “human trafficking” but the owners live outside the Philippines in China.  The Chinese women – ages from 18 to 30 – were sent to shelters, their passports were confiscated, and referred to the immigration bureau.  

Crime wave

Many of the sex workers were victims themselves of the illegal gambling trade. They were enticed to come to the Philippines to make money from gambling. If they ran out of money, they get loans from Chinese loan sharks. And when they lose their money, they’re forced to turn in their passports and become prostitutes to pay their debts.     

               Meanwhile, a Chinese crime wave grows unchecked.  Brothels are used as karaoke bars with valid permits to operate.  Nobody would have known it if not for the tip-offs the police received from Chinese and Filipino informants.

Pogos are supposed to be generating income for the Philippine government.  But many Pogos who operate in Manila and other cities are unregistered and pay no taxes.  The PNP has already shut down about 200 illegal Pogos.  

But the Philippine authorities have a hard time tracking Pogos because of their ability to disappear and move their operations.  Typically, the operators will find a broker, lease a place, set up and operate without a permit. 

Since most of the workers are undocumented aliens, the Immigration Bureau have a hard time looking for them unless they’re caught in a police raid.   

One of the problems is the “visa upon arrival” program, which allows a visitor to get a visa upon arrival at the port of entry.  Upon entering the country, the visitor vanishes and ends up working in a Pogo. Current estimates of the number of Chinses workers in the Philippines is placed between 400,000 and 800,000. But many believe there could be more. And this unabated entry of Chinese nationals contributes to the rising crime rate involving Pogos workers.  The key to cutting down crimes involving Chinese nationals was to implement stricter immigration rules, stop issuing Pogo licenses, and crack down on illegal gambling.  But this is easier said than done.  Simply put the Philippine government doesn’t have the means to stop the “Pogo runaway train,” which is at this time unstoppable.   

China’s concerns

Recently, China indicated its unhappiness about the Pogos, saying that its nationals are being targeted by gambling firms, resulting in hundreds of millions of yuan illegally flowing into the Philippines. 

Beijing has urged Manila to step up its protection of Chinese citizens, which it said were subjected to “modern slavery” after being lured into working illegally in gaming firms.  Also, it called for the Philippine government to punish Pogos subjecting Chinese citizens to “modern slavery.”

The Chinese embassy said its nationals had been kidnapped, tortured, and even killed after working for Pogos, which in some cases confiscated their passports.

Beijing emphasized that it will step up its crackdown on cross-border gambling and online payment platforms that provided technical support for such activities, pressing Manila to pay more attention to its position and “prevent and punish” Pogos for crimes that hurt Chinese citizens.

China accused the Philippines of luring Chinese citizens into gambling, which resulted in an increase of crimes and social problems in China. But the Chinese who go to Manila as tourists on temporary visas end up converting their visas to working visas, which is a normal procedure under Philippines immigration laws. But once the Chinese are in the Philippines, they can go anywhere they want and overstay their visas. 

Non-convertible 30-day visa

Chinese ambassador to Manila, Huang Xilin said. “China is ready to crack down on Pogos, it’s the Philippines that’s not ready.” The strongly worded statement from China caught the Duterte administration flat-footed.  

A few days ago, the Philippines scrapped a special six-month visa for Chinese travelers in a bid to clamp down on a crime wave blamed on visitors from China.  Instead of the six-month “Temporary Visitor – Visa Upon Arrival” that could be converted to into a work visa, Chinese nationals will now be eligible for a “non-extendable 30-day visa” that cannot be converted.  Under the new rules, applicants will have to submit inbound and outbound flight details and proof of booked accommodation. The visa will still be available on arrival.

                Last January 8, 2020, Duterte disclosed that Beijing had adopted a hands-off stance insofar as the Philippine government policy on Pogos was concerned.  He quoted Ambassador Huang as saying: “‘If you must do it, do it, because the law is the law. You have the prerogative to do what you want to enforce the law.”   

Ban online gambling 

The rise of the Pogo industry has caused friction between the two countries. In August last year, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang urged the Philippines to “ban all online gambling.” When Duterte met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in August, Xi told Duterte that China would “appreciate” a total ban.  Xi explained that “gambling is illegal in China and most of the players gambling with Pogos are Chinese nationals and that crimes are committed with respect to things like money laundering.”

Xi’s appeal to Duterte came after the Chinese Embassy in Manila warned that China would investigate crimes related to organized gambling.  China vowed to destroy networks of criminal organizations involved in recruiting gamblers from China by overseas casinos and using the internet to open casinos in China.”

On January 13, Duterte got part of t\he message.  He said he would cap the number of Pogos because otherwise the Philippines would “not be able to police them all.”  But the other half of the message, which Duterte didn’t seem to understand, is that China wants a “total ban” on Pogos. 

For as long as Pogos exist in the Philippines, the problem of crime and prostitution associated with Pogos would continue in the Philippines.  Indeed, Pogos breed crime and prostitution.

(PerryDuaz@gmail.com)

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Pangasinan PNP pushes profiling of foreigners

By Eva Visperas 

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Pangasinan police recommended a mandatory profiling of all foreigners residing or temporarily staying in the province.

Col. Wilson Joseph Lopez, Pangasinan police director, issued the recommendation following an anti-drug operation that resulted in the arrest of four suspected Chinese drug traffickers and the recovery of P124 million worth of shabu in Urdaneta City on May 24. 

In a report dated May 25, Lopez said he is encouraging an “enhanced liaisoning” to raise the police data collection effort involving foreigners and their possible link to illegal activities and criminal groups.

Lopez attributed the arrest of the susects and the recovery of the illegal drugs to the enhanced intelligence efforts of the police, and its coordination with other law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“The drugs would have proliferated the streets of Pangasinan as well as Metro Manila had it not been intercepted,” Lopez said.  

He said the Chinese – identified as Lu Jun, Lui Bin, Li Yu and Ye Ling – were presented for inquest for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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Korean fugitive to be deported

ANGELES CITY — The Bureau of Immigration is set to deport a South Korean fugitive arrested here recently after almost two years of hiding in the country.

The BI board of commissioners issued a summary deportation order against Chong Won Sok, 48, for being an undesirable and undocumented alien, according to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente.

Chong is wanted in Seoul, where a court convicted him for swindling.

He was arrested at the Clark Freeport Zone here on Nov. 27 and his passport has been cancelled by the South Korean government.

BI intelligence officer Bobby Raquepo, who led the arresting team, said Chong had been hiding in the country since March last year.

“On May 29, a Korean court sentenced him to one year in prison and he became the subject of an Interpol red notice after authorities learned that he had fled to the Philippines,” Raquepo said.

Records showed Chong was involved in a 35-million won swindling case in 2016 after he promised his compatriot that he could work out a 2.2-billion won loan for the latter’s housing project.

Instead of securing the loan, the suspect fled to the Philippines, taking with him the victim’s money.

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Sagada-Korea Friendship Night slated Dec. 8

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province --  A  night of Korean and Sagada cultural music and dance shall be a sight on Dec. 8 at 5:30 to 7 p.m. here  at the community court.

The activity called  1st Sagada-Korea Friendship Night (Gong Links) shall see friendship rites  between Sagada and  Korea to be capped with exchange  of  tokens between this tourist town and Korea, the latter led by event organizer Han Chang Soo.

Korean cultural music and dance shall be performed by the Korean Traditional Art Troupe led by Lee Sang Bok and Jung Hyung Sok.

Sagada cultural performers shall be doing the traditional dances- ballangbang, palakis, sakuting and takik.  

The public was encouraged to watch the event. No fees will be collected.  Dubbed  Gong Links, the activity sees the similarity of the use of gongs between the two countries.

The gong as an instrument of entertainment is common among Asian countries including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Korean noodles shall be served along with Sagada Coffee Arabica  to visiting  performers and  guests  from Korea and the public.

The Korean group shall also be conducting a medical mission afternoon on the same date.

Details on this shall be posted soon.  

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Korean Wave

Sohee Kim

BAGUIO CITY -- Korean Wave is now making its presence not only in this Summer Capital but nationwide.  Korean songs like BBoom-BBoom and BAAM can be heard everywhere. Many people watch Korean drama and know Korean actors and actresses well. 

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines, a media research firm, Korean dramas are the most watched having 30.5 percent viewers as of May 28-June 3 rather than Filipino dramas.

​                Recently, the most watched k-dramas aired in the Philippines were Descendants of the Sun having 92% Filipino viewers, aired in GMA 7. Goblin aired in Alto Broadcasting System-Chronicle Broadcasting Network (ABS-CBN) having 14.25% nationwide.

Other K-dramas broadcast in the Philippines were, Black, Missing You, The Legend of the Blue Sea, The Heirs, and Radio Romance.

The reasons why Filipino love Korean drama, we may say, twist of stories and emotions being conveyed.

Those who are into Korean Wave, follow Korean fashion and products.

In watching Korean dramas and singers, they get fashion style ideas like what color of hair is trendy today, clothing preferences and style of make-up.

Korean wave has brought positive effects to Korea's economy. According to Rol, a business and brand strategist, there was an estimated US $11.6 billion contribution from foreign sources in the Korean economy. With interest in Korea peaking up, since 2010, a total of  8.8 million foreigners visited the country to immerse themselves in Korean culture and tourist sites.

The demand for Korean products especially cosmetics and clothing also had gone up in other countries as a result like the Philippines.

​                Korean Wave also contributed to improving its image and appreciation with other countries.  Korea, Japan, and China are known to be rivals, but when K-drama spread in these countries, people started to appreciate and love K-dramas and regardless of issues like Chinese hegemony, Japanese colonization, Korean war, political feuds related to the Peninsula and issues related to International Monetary Fund.

​                Korean Wave not only benefited the Korean economy but also inculcated positive things about Korea with other countries considering  many people do not know much about Korea. They know that Korea had been associated with negative things such as wars.

The negative images were disregarded due to entertainment such as dramas and movies. In this summer capital, the Korean Wave is making inroads among the local populace, even as the number of Koreans residing in the city had gone up. (Sohee Kim is an intern of the Northern Philippine Times and graduating mass communications student of the University of Baguio)   

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Australian shot dead in Ilocos Sur

By Mar Supnad

CAMP QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur — An elderly Australian was shot dead Monday night at the BLISS area, Barangay Katipunan, Sinait, Ilocos Sur, police said.

Senior Supt. Clint Bayacsan, director of the Police Provincial Office, identified the victim Reginald Hodgens, 70, single, a building supervisor, surfing enthusiast and temporarily residing in the area.

Bayacsan said the perpetrators of the crime have not yet been identified and their motive was still under investigation.

He said Scene of the Crime Operatives have been called in to help in the investigation.

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Killing of Koreans / Fighting for ‘what is right’

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – The killing, extortion, robbery and harassment of Koreans in this Banana Republic  has put a series of black eyes to the country’s reputation as a tourism destination, now reeling from spate of killings of suspected drug personalities. 

Even as the Philippine National Police placed under restrictive custody an officer from the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group who allegedly abducted Korean businessman Ick Joo Jee, in Angeles, Pampanga on October, the killing of another Korean in this summer capital is still unsolved.

Baguio police have floated a love triangle and business rivalry as motives in the recent killing of the Korean owner of Monro’s Bar here along Bokawkan Road a but then it is as far as that.

Now pundits on radio and coffee shops like Chong Loy’s Luisa's Restaurant along Session Road, the newsmen’s watering hole, are saying the Baguio incident may have been the work of scalawag policemen who extorted money from the victim. 

The Philippine government has sent its apologies to the government and the people of South Korea for the death of Jee Ick Joo. It should also do so for the killing of the Korean national in Baguio and make the city police chief hasten investigation of the case which seems to have been mothballed.

***

“We apologize to the South Korean government and people for this irreparable loss but we commit the full force of the law to ensure that justice is served and not delayed. To the Korean people, please accept our sincerest and deepest regrets,” said Presidential spokesperson Undersecretary Ernesto Abella in a statement.

Abella said the Duterte administration is intent in delivering swift justice against perpetrators of the crime, on behalf of the Korean national.

The official admitted the killing of Jee was the result of the Philippine government’s deep rooted problem with corruption.

“Let’s just go back to President’s campaign theme, to stop crime and corruption and illegal drugs and apparently particular situation, indicates that there is truly a depth of corruption within the government system,” Abella said. President Duterte had expressed his condolences to the victim’s widow, Choi Kyung-Jin.

***

This,  as seven policemen involved in another robbery-extortion against three Korean nationals are now under the restrictive custody of the Philippine National Police Region-3.

According to PNP Region-3 Director Chief Supt Aaron Aquino, the suspects who wore civilian clothes, went to the residence of these Koreans who only came to the Philippines for a vacation and to play golf.

The policemen entered the victims’ house to allegedly conduct operations against supposed illegal online gambling activities of the three victims.

The suspects extorted P300,000 from the victims and took all their golf shoes, golf clubs, jewelry, computers, cell phones, and more cash among others.

Out of fear, the victims opted to report the incident directly to the Korean Embassy instead of the Angeles City Police.

According to Aquino, “May ina- identify pa kaming isa, kasi according to the victims, walo ang involved doon sa robbery extortion na yun.”

(We are still identifying one more suspect because according to the victims, there were 8 men involved in the robbery extortion.)

The victims did not file criminal complaint against the suspects but nevertheless submitted their affidavits before heading back to Korea.

The PNP will use the said affidavits to file administrative cases against the seven policemen.

Aquino said PNP chief “Bato” De La Rosa had ordered the suspects’ dismissal from service and is having them investigated for possible connections to SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel who was earlier tagged in the killing of Jee Ick Joo

The chief PNP earlier said that he will not let any cover up happen in favor of police officers involved in illegal activities like the killing of

Korean nationals.

He should make good his word considering the Koreans have been a great help in boosting the country’s economy. In Baguio alone, their presence has contributed much to business, education among other endeavors.

***

Former Bishop Emeritus Carlito Cenzon of the Diocese of Baguio said the people of Baguio City and Benguet should “continue to fight for what is right and make the community a better place to live in.”

A Philippine Information Agency report said the bishop, retired this month at the age of 77.  The report said he had been active in social concerns and   environmental protection and was in the forefront against graft and corrupt practices acts involving elected officials. He also is a strong advocate against all forms of gambling and other social menace together with the Baguio Benguet Ecumenical Group. Despite this, jueteng is still prevalent in these areas.

He led community protests against environmentally-destructive projects in Baguio City and Benguet including the filing of a writ of kalikasan for Mt. Santo Tomas following its destruction by several individuals. This led to the subsequent granting of a temporary protection order to protect the watershed.

Cenzon urged individuals and groups that he worked with to continue the advocacies they started.  He called on the Catholic-faithful in Baguio City and Benguet to provide all the support to the new Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Victor Bendico.

The Catholic Church earlier held the episcopal ordination and installation of Most Reverend Bishop Victor Bendico during the Eucharistic celebration at the Lady of Atonement Baguio Cathedral on Jan. 9. 

Most Reverend Marlo Peralta, Archbishop of Nueva Segovia led the installation with Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and archbishops, bishops and priests from all over the country. The 57- year- old new bishop of the Diocese of Baguio  hails from Roxas City  in Capiz.

Prior to the ordination and installation rites, the city government of Baguio led by Rep. Mark Go and Mayor Mauricio Domogan and the provincial government of Benguet led by Rep. Ronald Cosalan and Gov. Pacalso welcomed the new Bishop and handed over resolutions adopting him as son of Baguio City and Benguet. They also turned over the symbolic keys of their localities.

Bishop Bendico thanked the people of Baguio City and Benguet province for the warm welcome and reception they gave him. He called on the people to journey together for the common good.  

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Selecting police chiefs / ‘Bumbays’ and ‘5-6’

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

  

BAGUIO CITY -- Now that President Rodrigo R. Duterte formally appointed Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan as chairman of Cordillera regional peace and order council in Cordillera for three years, the mayor can now push Malacanang and Philippine National Police to make local governments have more hand in appointment of provincial, municipal and regional chiefs of police.

The RPOC was organized pursuant to Executive Order No. 775, series of 2009 to serve as the region’s policy-making body relative to peace and order.

Domogan’s appointment was recently delivered to him by engineer Marlo Iringan, Cordillera Interior director. The mayor said he will present to the RPOC alleged circumvention by the PNP of law on assignment of officers-in-charge to sensitive positions without consultation with local chief executives like mayors empowered to choose chiefs of police in towns or cities.

According to Domogan, the PNP law is clear an assigned officer-in-charge of a police station is only allowed to stay in his post maximum period of 30 days. The PNP, he added, is mandated to submit list of qualified police officers to concerned local chief executive from which permanent chief of police will be chosen.

A city hall report said Domogan was disappointed over sudden relief of several senior police officers here selected by local screening committee for city police chief without proper consultation with him.

He added this was not in accordance with sound governance, thus the need for a regional policy to prevent similar instances.

***

The first RPOC-CAR meeting this term will be hosted by Ifugao first quarter this year. He urged concerned Cordillera local chief executives like governors and mayors to attend said meeting to establish momentum for the body.

“We express our gratitude to the President (Duterte) and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno for their trust and confidence to our ability to lead the RPOC-Cordillera Administrative Region. We look forward to harmonious working relationship with officials of member agencies for us to craft up-to-date peace and order policies in the region,” Domogan said.

He said there will be no significant policy changes for RPOC while he is reviewing those that will be retained and policies that need to be updated, improved or overhauled to conform with regional situation. According to him, important issue that will be addressed is existence of marijuana plantations in the Cordillera despite numerous eradication operations. He added no cultivators were apprehended and jailed for propagating the illegal hemp in remote areas.

***

Even here in the summer capital, Indian nationals lending money under the so-called ‘5-6’ system are apprehensive after Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said they can be arrested even without warrant of arrest.

The pronouncement came after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered arrest and deportation of foreigners engaged in the ‘5-6’ lending scheme in the Philippines.

Aguirre said the 20-percent monthly interest to those who loan money is no longer an acceptable practice. “They are operating without any permit or license,” Aguirre said. “They could be arrested without any warrant because when they are doing that, they are committing a crime.” 

Several Indian nationals have aired their wish to have a dialogue with President Duterte following his order to deport those venturing into “5-6” money lending scheme in the Philippines.

An Indian national who identified himself as “Rancho” said they do not harass their lendees, which is in contrary to people’s perception.

“Halos lahat ng Indian papautang sila 1 buwan at kalahati, dalawang buwan hanggang tatlong buwan, 20 percent. Tapos halimbawa walang hulog, sabihin nila ‘bukas na. Sa susunod na araw na lang.’ Walang magawa bumbay,” Rancho said.

(Almost all Indian nationals lend money over one and a half months, two months up to three months at 20 percent. In case a lendee cannot pay, and says, ‘I’ll pay tomorrow’, there’s nothing we can do.)

Rancho said that even though their lending scheme is considered illegal, they are ready to have a dialogue with President Duterte if necessary.

“Siguro naman maraming mga alternative na pwedeng gawin. Halimbawa, bigyan niyo ng license. Hindi lahat ng bumbay dito legal. Maraming illegal dito. Merong mga walang papel, kaya hindi dapat damay lahat,” added Rancho.

(Perhaps there are many alternatives. For example, give license. However, not all Indian nationals here are legal. Many are illegal, with no papers. Not everyone must suffer.)

Despite bigger interest, like in Baguio, some Filipinos prefer borrowing money from Indian nationals because there is not much process or requirements in borrowing nor is there collateral unlike those required by  big loan companies or banks.

Such is the case of some vendors and business owners like those here in  central business district. A market vendor, with 300 pesos income from her sales, sets aside 100 pesos per day for her loan.

For P2,000 borrowed, she may pay for it within 40 days with a P400 interest. There are many requisites if you borrow from banks, lending institutions or even from Filipino loan sharks. You borrow money, you get investigated whether you have collateral, she says.

According to some borrowers here, some Indian nationals in the business have lowered interest rates to as much as 15 to 10 percent as some locals are now competing by offering lower rates.

They said one or two bumbays have been abusive in collecting money in the past are not being seen anymore but most Indian lenders are actually kind.   

Based on data of Philippine Statistics Authority last 2010, India is the fourth country with the biggest number of citizens in the Philippines.

This excludes the number of Indian nationals without legal papers that reside in the country. 

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154 Chinese nabbed for online gambling

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested last week 154 Chinese men allegedly involved in illegal online gambling.

The suspects were collared at their rented unit at the Dong Wang annex building here. 



“The sustained effort to weed out illegal aliens and undocumented foreigners continues to gain ground with the help of our partners in law enforcement and the community,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement. 



The suspects will be deported for overstaying in the country and for engaging in illegal activities. They are being held at the BI office here. 

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Dagupan JCI Inc. head, brother slain

By Liezle Basa Inigo

DAGUPAN CITY — Police here are on a hot pursuit operation to arrest the suspects who shot and killed Raj Khatri, president of Dagupan Junior Chamber International (JCI) Inc. and his brother SJ Khatri, also a JCI member, both males and Filipino-Indian nationals, around 9:30 p.m. on August 2, 2015 at the Malued District front of Magic warehouse.

Supt. Christopher Abrahano, chief of police in Dagupan, said Raj died on the spot, on the other hand, SJ expired while being treated at Nazareth Hospital.

Abrahano said according to witnesses, the gunman, who was wearing an orange jacket, was with a male companion when they escaped towards the direction of Calasiao town on board a motorcycle.

Pursuit operations were launched by the Pangasinan police.

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4 Chinese jailed for life over firearms

By Freddie Lazaro

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — The four Chinese nationals, who were arrested for possessing high-powered firearms in a checkpoint near a gasoline station in Pasuquin town on May 28, 2013 were sentenced to life imprisonment by a local court here.

In a decision released last week by Judge Francisco Quilala of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 in Laoag City, the four Chinese national namely: Leng Haiyun, Dang Huiyin, Liu Wen Xion and Lei Guang Feng were found guilty of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The Chinese nationals were sentenced to life imprisonment based on the pieces of evidence presented by the police in court and the testimonies from witnesses.

The suspects yielded several high-caliber firearms, including three MP5 submachine guns; two .45- caliber pistols; two 9mm handguns, a .40-cal. pistol with silencer; several rounds of ammunition; eight grenades and several vehicle license plates.

Police theorized the four Chinese are members of a gun-for-hire group even as they claimed that they were tourists visiting Ilocos Norte for a vacation.

The suspects had earlier denied ownership of the guns, bullets, and explosives recovered from their vehicle.

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