Feed

Cemeteries in Masantol, Pampanga and Hagonoy, Bulacan, plus Undas, flooded

📌 On Sunday, November 1, All Saints' Day, some cemeteries in Masantol, Pampanga and Hagonoy, Bulacan were flooded, and visitors had to wade through the water or climb over walls to reach graves. According to a GMA report, one memorial park in Hagonoy had water waist- to thigh-deep, and the same inconvenience may continue on Monday, November 2, All Souls' Day.

■ On-site conditions
· According to GMA, at one public cemetery in Masantol the water had partly receded, but many areas were still flooded, leaving moss and mud behind. One visitor said they decided to light candles at home because of the water.
· The Masantol local government said it is building protective dikes to block the paths water takes in at high tide and is pumping the water out, and plans to ask the national government for a permanent solution.
· Hagonoy Memorial Park in Hagonoy (Barangay Santo Niño) had water waist- to thigh-deep, and at Peralta Public Cemetery (Barangay San Sebastian), visitors had to climb over walls or step on graves and wear chest-high boots to get around.
· The Inquirer reported that major cemeteries in Hagonoy Poblacion were also flooded on Friday, October 30.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· When visiting cemeteries in coastal areas of Pampanga and Bulacan, avoid high tide hours and bring boots or sandals in case of slipping.
· In flooded areas, you can't see sunken graves or sharp objects on the ground, so don't force your way in if you're with children or elderly people.

■ Sources
GMA (11/1), Inquirer (11/1)

■ Photos
· 1. Visitors at a flooded Masantol cemetery (aerial shot) — GMA News
· 2. Flooded walkway in a Hagonoy cemetery — Inquirer

Successive drug buy-bust operations in Angeles and Mabalacat — 3 arrested, shabu seized

📌 Between Saturday, Oct. 31 and the early morning of Sunday, Nov. 1, three men were arrested in three police buy-bust operations in Angeles City and Mabalacat City. The Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) and the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (Pampanga PPO) announced this on their official Facebook pages, and in two of the operations, about 5 g of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) worth 34,000 pesos was seized in each.

■ Details of the incidents
· According to the Angeles City Police Office, at around 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CPDEU) and Police Station 3 (PS3) arrested a newly identified street-level pusher at Violeta Homes in Angeles City and seized 3 sachets of suspected shabu (about 5 g, worth 34,000 pesos).
· At around 12:05 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, the Police Station 1 (PS1) drug enforcement unit arrested a man from Cutcut, accused of selling 1 sachet of shabu to a poseur-buyer police officer, next to the 7-Eleven on Sandra Street in Barangay Sto. Rosario, and seized the buy-bust money and 3 more small sachets.
· According to the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, at around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, the Mabalacat City Police Station's drug enforcement unit (SDEU) arrested a 37-year-old man at Grandview Subdivision in Mabalacat City and seized about 5 g of suspected shabu (worth 34,000 pesos).

■ Investigation / current status
· The three arrested men were taken to their respective police stations for investigation, and police plan to file charges for violating the drug law. The charges are based on the police announcements.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· In the Philippines, even possessing or buying drugs carries heavy penalties. If someone offers you drugs on the street or in an entertainment district, leave immediately.
· If you see a suspicious transaction, you can report it to the police emergency number 911 or to the Angeles City Police Office.

■ Sources
Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook, 11/1), Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook, 11/1)

■ Photos
· 1. Angeles City Police Office buy-bust arrest announcement graphic — Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook)
· 2. Pampanga Police Provincial Office Mabalacat buy-bust announcement graphic — Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook)

Wanted rape suspect arrested at Tagbina public cemetery in Surigao del Sur — during All Saints' Day grave visit

📌 At around 10:05 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, All Saints' Day, a 45-year-old farmer wanted on a rape charge was arrested at the Tagbina Public Cemetery in Barangay Poblacion, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao. According to the Inquirer, the man ranked No. 8 on the Caraga region's most wanted list, and was caught on a day when thousands of visitors came to the cemetery to visit graves.

■ How it happened
· Police led by Tagbina police station acting chief Mark Steven Sarsonas, together with the Surigao del Sur provincial intelligence team (Regional Intelligence Unit 13), found and arrested the man at the public cemetery.
· The arrest was made under a warrant for rape, a non-bailable offense.

■ Investigation / current status
· Police did not disclose the man's name, citing the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173).
· The man is being held in the Tagbina police station lockup until he is turned over to the court that issued the warrant. The charge will be decided at trial.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· Police presence is heavy at crowded cemeteries and terminals, as during the Undas period. If you see a suspicious person or situation, report it to the nearest police assistance desk.
· Crimes against children and women can be reported to the police emergency number 911.

■ Source
Inquirer (11/1)

■ Photo
· File photo · Illustration of handcuffed hands — Inquirer

Woman in Her 40s Found Dead in Panglao, Bohol — Governor Raises Reward to PHP 150,000

📌 On the morning of Saturday, October 31, a 45-year-old woman who lived in the area (also given as 46 in the same article) was found dead inside an old septic tank in Barangay Looc, Panglao, Bohol province. Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado raised the reward for tips that help lead to the culprit from PHP 100,000 to PHP 150,000.

■ Details of the Case
· According to the Inquirer, the body was found in an old septic tank in Purok 3, near Looc Elementary School and the victim's home.
· The Panglao police station responded after receiving a report from a resident at around 10:01 a.m., and the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) examined the site until around 5 p.m.
· The Panglao municipal health officer initially estimated the time of death to be between 3 and 4 a.m. the same day.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· Police are investigating the case as a homicide, and no suspect or motive has been disclosed yet.
· Governor Aumentado expressed his grief and said he raised the reward to encourage anyone with information leading to the identification and arrest of the culprit to come forward.

■ Advice for Residents and Travelers
· Panglao is a popular tourist destination. Until the culprit is caught, avoid walking alone on quiet village roads late at night or in the early morning, and use a vehicle instead.
· If you saw anything related to the case, you can report it to the Panglao police station or call 911.

■ Source
Inquirer (11/1)

■ Photo
· File photo · Photo entirely blurred — Inquirer

Jeepney Overturns on Bridge in Tinambac, Camarines Sur — 2 to 3 Dead, Many Injured

📌 At around 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, a jeepney carrying passengers overturned on its side on the Pasusuhan Bridge in Barangay Binalay, Tinambac, Camarines Sur, in the Bicol Region. Daily Tribune reported 2 dead with the number of injured still being confirmed, while DZRH reported 3 dead and 33 injured, so the reported casualty figures differ between outlets.

■ How the accident happened
· According to Daily Tribune, the jeepney was traveling its usual route from Naga City to Siruma when its left rear tire blew out, causing the driver to lose control; it swerved along the national highway and overturned on its side.
· DZRH said the passengers were on their way from Naga City to their hometown of Siruma for Undas (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day).

■ Casualties and investigation
· According to Daily Tribune, one person was already dead on arrival at a hospital in Tinambac, and another died at a hospital in Naga City at around 5:35 p.m. The other injured passengers are receiving treatment.
· The death toll differs between reports: 2 per Daily Tribune, 3 per DZRH.
· The driver was arrested and is being held at the Tinambac police station, and police are investigating how the accident happened.

■ Advice for residents and travelers
· Vehicles are crowded on the return trip at the end of the holiday. Avoid jeepneys that are overloaded or whose tires look to be in poor condition.
· Vehicles can easily sway on bridges and curves along provincial highways, so sit down and hold on tight to the handrails.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (11/2), DZRH (11/1)

■ Photos
· 1. Jeepney overturned on its side on the bridge with scattered belongings — Daily Tribune
· 2. Ambulance and gathered people on the bridge at the accident scene — DZRH

Thai woman sentenced to life in prison for smuggling 13 kg of marijuana through NAIA — Pasay Regional Trial Court

📌 In a ruling dated Monday, October 26, Branch 116 of the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) sentenced a Thai woman to life imprisonment and a fine of 2 million pesos for bringing 13.16 kg of marijuana (worth 18.43 million pesos) into Terminal 3 of Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in 2024. Philstar reported this on November 2.

■ Background of the case
· According to Philstar, the woman was arrested on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at NAIA Terminal 3 while trying to bring in marijuana hidden in her luggage.
· In a 14-page decision, the court found the woman guilty of importing illegal drugs.

■ Verdict and current status
· She was sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of 2 million pesos for drug importation.
· She was also found guilty of violating the Customs Law (RA 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) and sentenced to up to 12 years in prison and a payment of 5 million pesos.
· Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isagani Nerez said the ruling shows the government's resolve to hold accountable those who try to smuggle in drugs.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· The Philippines treats bringing in marijuana as a serious drug offense, and life sentences are handed down even to foreigners, as in this case. Do not bring in any products, even if they are legal in other countries.
· Never carry luggage or gifts for someone you don't know.

■ Source
Philstar (11/2)

■ Photo
· File photo · Crystal drugs in a plastic bag — Philstar

3 Filipinos locked up in a Malate condo and forced to memorize scam scripts — Taiwanese and Malaysian nationals arrested

📌 On the night of Wednesday, October 28, at a condominium in Malate, Manila, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Manila Police District (MPD) rescued 3 Filipino workers and arrested a 32-year-old Taiwanese man and a 38-year-old Malaysian man. The two are accused of confining people they had recruited for "virtual assistant (VA)" jobs since Friday, October 23, and making them memorize scripts for romance scams and offshore gambling.

■ How the case unfolded
· According to a Philstar report, the victims are 2 women and 1 man from Samar, Dumaguete, and Pasay, who were recruited with promises of a monthly salary of up to $500 plus a $100 perfect-attendance allowance (Abante reported $400–500 per month).
· Police said the victims had their cell phones taken away at the condo and had to memorize scripts for romance scams and offshore gambling operations from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
· Authorities said they were rescued before being transferred to Bohol.

■ Investigation and current status
· According to Abante, the operation was carried out from 9 p.m. to around 10:40 p.m. by the CIDG Manila field unit together with MPD Stations 5 and 9, and laptops, cell phones, IDs, documents, and a bag containing romance scam scripts were seized.
· The two were charged with violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 10364), serious illegal detention, and grave coercion. The charges are based on the police announcement and will be determined at trial.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· Online VA job postings offering high dollar monthly salaries regardless of experience may be recruitment by scam syndicates. Verify the company's registration and its actual office first.
· If you are told on your first day of work to hand over your cell phone or passport, refuse right away and notify the police (911).

■ Sources
Philstar (11/2), Abante TNT (11/1)

■ Photos
· 1. The CIDG raid scene and mugshots of the two arrested men (faces blurred) — Abante TNT
· 2. File photo · handcuffed hands — Philstar

Immigration Bureau arrests Japanese man suspected of being the boss of Japanese fraud ring "JP Dragon" in Cabanatuan

📌 On Saturday, October 31, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a 57-year-old Japanese man in Cabanatuan City who is wanted in Japan on fraud and theft charges. The BI said the man is known as the boss of "JP Dragon," a group that has run phone scams targeting elderly Japanese people, operating mainly out of Metro Manila.

■ Background of the case
· According to the BI, the arrest was carried out under a deportation order (No. 2023-160) issued on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
· The Fukuoka Summary Court in Japan issued an arrest warrant for the man on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, on charges of fraud, theft, and attempted theft.
· Rendell Ryan D. Sy, chief of the BI's Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), explained that JP Dragon is a Japan-based group made up mainly of former yakuza members, and that it ran phone scams in which members posed as police officers to get cash cards and bank information from elderly Japanese victims. Japanese investigators estimate that about 250 victims have lost around 900 million yen since 2019.

■ Investigation and current status
· The arrested man will remain in BI detention until the deportation process is completed.
· The claim that he is the group's boss is the account of the BI and Japanese authorities; the charges will be decided in a Japanese court.
· BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said, "The Philippines is not a haven for foreign fugitives and never will be."

■ Notice for residents and travelers
· If someone calls claiming to be a police officer or bank employee and asks you to hand over your cash card or PIN, it is a scam. Hang up and check directly with the institution's main phone number.
· Telling family members living abroad, especially elderly parents, about this tactic in advance can help reduce losses.

■ Source
Philippine Bureau of Immigration (11/1)

■ Photo
· BI agents arresting the wanted Japanese man — Bureau of Immigration

Man Wanted for Murder, No. 4 on Central Luzon's Most Wanted List, Arrested in Sta. Teresita, Angeles

📌 At around 12:05 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, a joint police team arrested a man wanted for murder who ranked No. 4 on the Central Luzon (Region 3) most wanted list, on Chacon Street in Barangay Sta. Teresita, Angeles City. The Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) announced this on its official Facebook page the same day. The warrant is a non-bailable one.

■ Details of the Incident
· According to the Angeles City Police Office, the warrant of arrest was served jointly by ACPO Police Station 2 (PS2), the 302nd Maneuver Company of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 (RMFB 3), the ACPO Warrant Tracker Team and Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU), and the Angeles Team of Regional Intelligence Unit 3 (RIU3).
· The warrant, for murder, was issued on Tuesday, October 27 by Branch 48 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in San Fernando, Pampanga, and is marked No Bail Recommended.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The arrested man was taken to a police facility, where paperwork and subsequent procedures are being processed. Police disclosed only his alias and did not reveal his age or specific details of the murder case.
· The charge is based on the police announcement and the court warrant; guilt or innocence will be determined at trial.
· Angeles City police said they are continuing operations to arrest wanted persons even during the Undas holiday.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· If you have information about a person who appears to be wanted, do not approach them yourself; report it to the Angeles City Police Office or the emergency number 911.
· Do not pass near areas where police operations are taking place in the early morning hours, and follow police instructions.

■ Source
Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook page, 11/1)

■ Photo
· Angeles City Police Office arrest announcement graphic — Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook page)

Three Fake Motorcycle Taxi Riders Rob Korean Tourist in Parañaque — 1 Arrested

📌 On the night of Saturday, October 31, three men dressed as motorcycle taxi riders snatched the bag of a 46-year-old Korean tourist who was walking along Macapagal Boulevard in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, Metro Manila. When one of the group fired a gun, the tourist let go of the bag. Patrol police who heard the gunshot arrested one 30-year-old man, and they are pursuing the 2 who fled.

■ How the incident unfolded
· According to a Manila Bulletin report, the tourist was walking to buy food when 3 people dressed similarly to legitimate motorcycle taxi riders tried to grab his bag.
· When the tourist resisted and a scuffle broke out, one of the group fired a gun, and the bag was ultimately taken. The bag contained about 12,000 pesos in cash, a passport, and a hotel room key card.
· The tourist suffered abrasions to his head and knee and was treated at a hospital.

■ Investigation and current status
· A patrol team from the Tambo police substation heard the gunshot and responded, arresting a 30-year-old man from Santa Cruz, Manila, on Macapagal Boulevard at around 9:15 p.m.
· Police seized from the man a 9mm pistol with 6 live rounds, a helmet, a mask, shoes, a ride-hailing driver uniform, and a license plate suspected to be fake.
· Southern Police District (SPD) chief Rodel Pastor said the uniform was bought online and that the group were not actual ride-hailing drivers. Police explained that the arrested man is also linked to 3 vehicle theft cases and is a suspect in a rape case.
· Parañaque police are pursuing the 2 who fled together with the Manila Police District (MPD).

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· Don't trust that someone is a legitimate motorcycle taxi just because of a driver uniform and helmet—always match the license plate and driver information of a vehicle you booked through the app.
· When walking at night, carry your bag on the side away from the road, and it's safer to leave your original passport in your accommodation's safe and carry a copy.
· Don't resist armed robbers, and if you become a victim, report it right away to the nearest police station and the Korean Embassy.

■ Sources
Manila Bulletin (11/1), Abante Tonite (11/1)

■ Photos
· 1. The arrested man and police officers getting out of a police car (face blurred) — canadianinquirer.net
· 2. Evidence recovered by police — clothes, helmet, license plate — Manila Bulletin

The Great Escape

It's just a common spider around the neighborhood, wait, what is this?

My newly made one-legged outfit turned out a total disaster

Well, well, look who it is

It's been exactly 20 years today since I first watched "Will It Blend?"

Do Davao people really see themselves this highly?

*Reposting. The first one got deleted by the mods, my bad

Are some of those Davao DDS people really this out of touch, or is Budots just the only reference point they have for the music scene? LOL

It's funny how they talk like LANY has to do especially well in Davao to count as successful.

But LANY sold out here in Cebu and Manila. So maybe the problem isn't the band, it's the assumption that Davao is the ultimate measure of an artist's popularity.

The superiority complex of some people there has gotten really weird. They act like Davao has to certify whether an artist is internationally recognized. Imagine thinking that a concert missing its sales target in one city takes away from the artist's popularity everywhere else. The world doesn't revolve around your local market, and how an event does in Davao isn't a universal yardstick for an artist's success.

And the nerve of turning a failed concert into a lecture about how artists have to make it in Davao? LOL

Are some of those Davao DDS people really this out of touch, or is Budots just the only reference point they have for the music scene? LOL

It's funny how they talk like LANY has to do especially well in Davao to count as successful.

But LANY sold out here in Cebu and Manila. So maybe the problem isn't the band, it's the assumption that Davao is the ultimate measure of an artist's popularity.

The superiority complex of some people there has gotten really weird. They act like Davao has to certify whether an artist is internationally recognized. Imagine thinking that a concert missing its sales target in one city takes away from the artist's popularity everywhere else. The world doesn't revolve around your local market, and how an event does in Davao isn't a universal yardstick for an artist's success.

And the nerve of turning a failed concert into a lecture about how artists have to make it in Davao? LOL

36 illegal connections found on Maynilad water pipeline in Baseco, shut off | 24 Oras

Thank you all for joining us for a fun night at Union Jack... See you again next time

Mon Confiado's Acting Masterclass on TikTok | Source: 92.3 FMR

Hi everyone! I'd like to double-check something about how visa days are calculated.

I'm an Indian passport holder, and I'm planning a trip to the Philippines with my partner.

Here's our flight schedule:
- Arrive in Manila: December 21, 2026, 11:55 AM
- Depart from Manila: January 4, 2027, 5:15 PM

It's actually 14 nights, but the arrival and departure dates span 15 days on the calendar.

Is the day of arrival counted as Day 1?