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Korean Man Arrested at Clark Freeport on Fraud Warrant — Immigration Watchlist

📌 On Tuesday, October 20, a Korean man with an arrest warrant for fraud (estafa) was caught by Bureau of Immigration and airport police at Clark Freeport in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. Confirmed to be on the immigration watchlist, the warrant was executed, and police have now taken custody of him and are proceeding with the legal process.

■ Case Details
· Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel and the Clark International Airport Police Station (CIAPS) and Aviation Security Group Team 3 arrested one Korean national at Clark Freeport on Tuesday, October 20.
· The man was on the immigration watchlist, and an arrest warrant issued in a fraud case (recommended bail of 30,000 pesos) was executed.
· According to Abante, the 46-year-old man was stopped by immigration officers as he tried to board a flight to Seoul at the international departure area of Clark International Airport. The report said the warrant was issued on Friday, June 19, by Branch 5 of the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) in Angeles City (the outlet described the list as an "Alert List Order").

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The man has been handed over to local police and is undergoing legal proceedings (Abante reported he is being held at the Clark International Airport Police Station).
· According to Abante, Brig. Gen. Dionisio Bartolome Jr. of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) said airport security will continue to be strengthened to prevent people with warrants from slipping out through the airport.
· The same police report also covered the arrest of an Australian national who was detained on Monday, October 19, in Santa Ana, Manila, after causing a disturbance at a barangay office and picking a fight with responding officers.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· If a warrant is issued in the Philippines for a criminal case such as fraud, a person may be placed on the immigration list and caught at the airport when attempting to leave.
· If you are involved in a financial dispute or a complaint, it is safer to first check with a lawyer whether a case or warrant exists before departing.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/22), PSBalita (10/22), Abante (10/21 — age, destination, and issuing court were confirmed by only one source)

■ Photos
· 1. Airport police officer reading the warrant and the suspect (face blurred) — Abante
· 2. Scene of the warrant execution (suspect's face and name blurred) — Abante

Yesterday's Major Philippine News (10/23)

📌 Here are five important stories from the Philippines on October 23, gathered in one place. Click a headline to go to the full article.

1. Raid on Scam Hub in Subic, Olongapo — About 200 Vietnamese Nationals Detained
On the 22nd, the NBI raided an online scam hub in Subic, Olongapo, and detained about 200 Vietnamese nationals. Authorities are determining whether they are victims of human trafficking.

2. 42-Year-Old Woman Shot Dead by Estranged Husband Outside Antipolo, Rizal Provincial Capitol — Dispute Over Child Support
On the 22nd, a 42-year-old woman was shot dead outside the Rizal Provincial Capitol in Antipolo by her estranged husband, a security guard, right after a child support discussion broke down. The husband was arrested at the scene.

3. 24-Year-Old Man Missing in Cebu Found Buried in Cement — 2 Suspects Detained
A 24-year-old man who went missing on the 7th in Pahina Central, Cebu City, was found buried in cement on the 19th. Police detained two suspects on the 20th and 21st.

4. Shooting at Village Event in Cavacan, Cotabato — Barangay Councilor Brothers Killed, 17-Year-Old Seriously Injured
In the early hours of the 21st, a shooting broke out at a village event in Cavacan, Cotabato, killing two brothers who were barangay councilors and seriously injuring a 17-year-old. The gunman fled.

5. Barangay Chairman Killed in Santo Tomas, Batangas — 30-Year-Old Accomplice Who Helped Fugitive Arrested, 8 Charged with Murder
In the case of the killing of the barangay chairman in Santo Tomas, Batangas, on the 15th, a 30-year-old man who helped the suspect flee was arrested on the 20th, and eight people were charged with murder on the 21st.

54-year-old farmer killed by water buffalo while plowing in Don Carlos, Bukidnon

📌 On Tuesday, October 20, in the afternoon, a 54-year-old farmer was gored in the head by his own water buffalo (carabao) while plowing a field in Barangay Pinamaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon, Mindanao. He was taken to the hospital, but he was already dead when he arrived.

■ How the incident happened
· The farmer was plowing with the water buffalo in a field in Purok Malinawon.
· According to the Daily Tribune, the buffalo, which had been working since morning, showed signs of exhaustion and stopped moving, so the farmer whipped it again. The buffalo suddenly became aggressive, butted him in the head, and kept attacking him after he fell. Inquirer, citing an eyewitness, reported that the buffalo attacked after the farmer struck it.
· Reports differ on the time of the incident: around 3:00 p.m. (Daily Tribune) and around 3:40 p.m. (Inquirer).

■ Investigation and current status
· According to Inquirer, the farmer was taken to a hospital in the neighboring town of Maramag, but he had suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival.
· Don Carlos police confirmed the death at the hospital after the victim's brother reported the incident. It has not yet been disclosed whether the buffalo had been tied up.

■ Advice for residents and travelers
· If you encounter water buffalo during rural farm experiences or on country roads, do not approach or provoke them, and keep your distance.
· Large animals that are exhausted or agitated can attack suddenly, so do not stand close behind or beside them.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/21), Inquirer (10/21)

NBI Raids Online Lending App Office in Makati — Charged with Threatening Debtors Using Mass Text Blaster

📌 On Friday, October 23, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced that it raided the office of an online lending app company in Makati City and seized an illegal mass text blaster. The company is accused of threatening debtors and contacting debtors' acquaintances to pressure them into repaying their loans.

■ Incident Details
· According to GMA, when NBI agents entered, nearly 100 employees were working in the office. Inquirer reported that about 80 people were taken into custody (reports vary).
· On site, agents seized a mass text blaster prohibited by law, several SIM cards inserted into it, and equipment used to operate the lending app.
· The blaster was used to send large volumes of app promotion texts and repayment reminder texts. Staff reportedly also contacted people in debtors' phone contacts who were not permitted to be contacted.
· According to Inquirer, employees threatened that if debts were not paid, police would be sent to debtors' homes or their personal information would be spread.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The company faces multiple charges. The NBI is investigating whether extortion occurred and looking into cybercrime-related financial crimes. The company's name and the exact location of the raid have not been disclosed.
· NBI Director Medel Marti Bagas called the conduct "extortion" and said it is a serious problem, as debtors are being harmed during difficult economic times.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· When installing a lending app, it is safer not to use it if it requests access to your contacts or photos.
· If you are threatened during debt collection, such as with police visits or public disclosure of personal information, capture the messages and report them to the police or NBI.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/23), Inquirer (10/23)

Two bomb threat letters found in restroom of UST Medicine building in Manila — students and staff evacuated

📌 Around 4:30 PM on Friday, October 23, two bomb threat letters were found in the women's restrooms of the College of Medicine building at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, and students and staff were evacuated. The school moved all classes to online mode on Saturday, the 24th, and police are investigating.

■ What Happened
· According to the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 14, a female student from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences reported a letter on top of the toilet tank on the 4th floor. A 42-year-old cleaning staff member, while checking another restroom, found a second letter in the faculty restroom on the 2nd floor.
· The letters stated that a bomb had been planted at the school and warned of further threats on the weekend, when the campus is quiet.
· The school ordered evacuation as a safety measure. According to the Inquirer, students and staff were also evacuated from buildings beyond the Medicine building, including the Main Building, the St. Raymund Building, and the Student Center.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· Police received the report around 5:10 PM and arrived around 5:45 PM. The MPD Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and canine team were dispatched.
· As of the time of reporting, the Medicine building remained closed for inspection, and the school said it would search the campus together with police and announce the results.
· According to The Manila Times, there were also recent bomb threats at the University of the East (UE) Manila (October 20) and the University of the Philippines Diliman (October 15).

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· If an evacuation notice is issued at a school or building, do not delay to gather belongings; follow it immediately.
· If you see a suspicious note or object, do not touch it; notify security guards or police.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/23), Inquirer (10/23)

■ Photo
· Bomb threat letter found in the restroom and police investigation — The Manila Times

Pampanga Province Steps Up Security at Cemeteries, Churches, and Terminals Ahead of Undas — Police and Provincial Government Meeting

📌 On October 22 (Thursday), the Pampanga Provincial Police Office and the Pampanga Provincial Government held a meeting to discuss security and emergency response during Undas (All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2). They agreed to increase police deployment and crime prevention efforts at places where large crowds gather, such as cemeteries, churches, and bus terminals.

■ What Will Change
· Attending the meeting were Pampanga Provincial Police Director Ricardo M. David, Vice Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda and his chief of staff, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
· Discussions focused on increasing police visibility, crime prevention, crowd management, and emergency response readiness.
· Key focus areas include cemeteries, churches, and bus terminals, where large crowds are expected.
· The number of personnel to be deployed has not been announced.

■ Messages from the Provincial Government and Police
· Stay alert to your surroundings, and before leaving your home, make sure doors are locked and belongings are secure.
· If you see anything suspicious, report it to the authorities immediately.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· During Undas, Pampanga's cemeteries and terminals will be very crowded, so carry only essential valuables and wear your bag in front of you.
· If you will be away from home for several days to visit graves or travel during the holidays, let your neighbors or the guard know in advance.

■ Sources
Pampanga Provincial Police Office (official Facebook, 10/23), The Voice Newsweekly (10/23)

■ Photos
· 1. Pampanga police and provincial government Undas security meeting venue — Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook)
· 2. Police official speaking at the meeting — The Voice Newsweekly

Peso closes at 63.615 per dollar — 31st record low close this year

📌 On October 23 (Friday), the Philippine peso closed at 63.615 per dollar, setting a new record low close once again. It fell 9.5 centavos from the previous record low of 63.52 set the day before on October 22 (Thursday), and it is the 31st record low close this year.

■ What changed
· October 23 close: 63.615 per dollar (record low)
· Previous record low close: 63.52 on October 22
· That day's opening was 63.35, and at its weakest intraday it hit 63.62 (source: Bankers Association of the Philippines data, The Manila Times).
· After the peso first passed 63 on October 15, it has kept setting new record lows day after day: 63.361 on the 21st and 63.52 on the 22nd.

■ Why it matters
· Philstar noted that a weaker peso makes imports priced in dollars, such as fuel, more expensive in pesos, which could push up prices.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· The trend favors those exchanging dollars or won into pesos, but import and fuel costs may rise, so budget generously for living expenses.
· Exchange rates can differ even within a single day, so compare the posted rates at several currency exchange shops before converting.

■ Sources
Philstar (10/23), The Manila Times (10/23)

■ Photos
· 1. Stock photo · Bundles of 1,000-peso banknotes — Philstar
· 2. Stock photo · Hand holding a 20-dollar bill — The Manila Times

Diesel expected to rise ₱2–₱2.50 per liter next week, gasoline to fall ₱1–₱1.50

📌 On Friday, October 23, oil industry players projected that next week diesel prices in the Philippines will rise by ₱2.00–₱2.50 per liter, while gasoline prices will fall by ₱1.00–₱1.50. These are still industry estimates, and the final adjustment amounts will be announced on Monday, October 26, and take effect the following day.

■ What's changing
· Diesel: expected increase of ₱2.00–₱2.50 per liter
· Gasoline: expected decrease of ₱1.00–₱1.50 per liter
· The estimates are based on four days of trading in Singapore's international oil product prices (MOPS), and transportation costs are not included. The Manila Times cited the escalation of the Middle East conflict as the cause.
· On Tuesday, October 20, diesel also rose by ₱2.60 per liter, and gasoline fell by ₱4.30. If the forecast holds, diesel will rise for a second consecutive week.

■ Schedule
· According to CLTV36, the Department of Energy (DOE) will announce the final adjustments on Monday, October 26, and oil companies will apply them the next day.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· If you drive a diesel vehicle, it's better to fill up between the weekend and Monday, before the increase.
· Diesel price increases may affect jeepney, bus, and freight fares, so budget generously for travel expenses for Undas (November 1–2).

■ Sources
CLTV36 News (official Facebook, 10/23), The Manila Times (10/23)

■ Photos
· Stock photo · Fuel pump dispensing fuel into a motorcycle — The Manila Times

Killing of Barangay Chairman in Santo Tomas, Batangas — 30-Year-Old Arrested for Helping Gunman Escape, Eight Charged with Murder

📌 In connection with the shooting death of a barangay chairman (50), who was shot in front of his home in Santo Tomas, Batangas, on Thursday, October 15, police arrested a 30-year-old man on Tuesday, October 20, for allegedly driving the getaway motorcycle. On Wednesday, October 21, eight people, including this man, were charged with murder.

■ Incident Details
· Around 6:20 a.m. on October 15, Barangay Chairman of Santa Anastacia was shot and killed by a gunman who approached him in front of his residence in My Homes Subdivision.
· The gunman fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice who had been waiting nearby. CCTV footage showed a white van, used in the attack, entering and leaving the subdivision several times the previous day.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The 30-year-old suspect was caught at a hideout in Barangay Balagtasin, in the neighboring town of San Jose. According to Philstar, he signed a sworn statement admitting his involvement. Police believe the gunman is the suspect's 45-year-old cousin.
· On the afternoon of October 21, eight people were charged with murder before the Santo Tomas city prosecutor's office. Among those named as masterminds are two businessmen, a driver, and a barangay councilor accused of monitoring the victim's movements. The rest have not yet been arrested.
· Reports differ on the payment for the killing: the Daily Tribune alleged that ₱220,000 was used to fund the attack, while Philstar reported that the masterminds promised the gunman ₱250,000.
· The mayor of Santo Tomas has offered a ₱200,000 reward for information leading to the suspects' arrest.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· Early in the morning, when leaving home or getting into your car, check whether any motorcycles or vehicles are loitering nearby.
· If the same vehicle repeatedly passes through your neighborhood, report it to the barangay or the police.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/21), Philstar (10/23)

Shooting at Kabacan, Cotabato village event — Barangay councilor and brother killed, 17-year-old seriously injured

📌 Early Wednesday morning, October 21, a shooting broke out during an overnight village event at Barangay Lower Paatan in Kabacan, Cotabato Province, Mindanao. A sitting barangay councilor and his younger brother were killed on the spot. A 17-year-old who was also present was seriously injured.

■ What happened
· The two men killed were brothers: one was a sitting barangay councilor, and the other was the barangay treasurer and disbursing officer.
· The incident took place at the village event held overnight at Purok Liwliwa. According to the Inquirer, around 1 a.m., the brothers who were managing the village disco event argued with a guest. A man who had left the venue returned with a handgun and opened fire.
· Reports differ on the number of attackers — Philstar reported multiple armed men, while the Inquirer's initial report said one man. The suspects fled immediately.

■ Investigation and current status
· Kabacan police and army units deployed in the area are jointly pursuing the suspects. As of the time of reporting, no arrests had been made.
· The Kabacan mayor said barangay officials and police will work together to solve the case.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· If an argument breaks out at a late-night village festival or disco event, do not confront the person — leave the area immediately.
· Some areas of Mindanao have frequent gun violence, so check local security conditions and embassy safety advisories before visiting.

■ Sources
Philstar (10/21), Inquirer (10/21)

Missing 24-year-old man found buried in cement in Pahina Central, Cebu City — 2 suspects in custody

📌 On Monday, October 19, the body of a 24-year-old man who went missing on Wednesday, October 7, was found buried in cement in Pahina Central, Barangay Pahina Central, Cebu City. Police took two suspects into custody on Tuesday, October 20, and Wednesday, October 21, and are pursuing the remaining accomplices.

■ Case Background
· The victim was a 24-year-old man who was about to get married. On October 7, after drinking with others in the neighborhood, he got into an argument with someone involved in the case and did not return home.
· On the afternoon of the 19th, residents reported a strong stench coming from the drainage area. When authorities checked, they found a body wrapped in cloth and covered in cement at the bottom of a pit about 3 meters deep. Charcoal had been placed over it, apparently to conceal the crime.
· The family identified him by his clothing and a gap between his teeth.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The first suspect was arrested on the 20th on charges related to firearms and explosives.
· The second suspect surrendered on the afternoon of the 21st, confessed on video, and was arrested on a separate attempted murder warrant. According to his confession, three people committed the crime on October 8 in Pahina Central over a personal grudge.
· Police are preparing to file murder charges against the two suspects and others, and are looking for a third suspect. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has ordered a swift investigation and punishment.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· If an argument breaks out at a drinking session, don't let it drag on; leave the situation.
· If family members or companions lose contact, report them missing to the nearest police station without delay.

■ Sources
Philstar (10/21), Cebu Daily News (10/19, 10/22)

42-Year-Old Woman Shot Dead by Estranged Husband in Front of Rizal Provincial Capitol — Dispute Over Child Support

📌 At around noon on Thursday, October 22, a 42-year-old woman was shot dead in front of the Rizal Provincial Capitol in Antipolo City by her husband, from whom she had been separated for a long time. The husband, a provincial government security guard, fired his service pistol, which had been issued to him right after talks over reducing child support broke down. He was arrested at the scene.

■ Background of the Incident
· The couple met at the provincial government's HR office to discuss child support for their three children (ages 12, 14, and 19). The husband asked to reduce the monthly support from the agreed 6,000 pesos to 1,500 pesos. His wife refused, and the talks ended without an agreement. The husband claimed his monthly salary was just over 5,000 pesos.
· When the wife walked out the door with her cousin and brother, the husband approached and fired several shots from close range. The shooting took place in front of the Ynares Center in Barangay San Roque (San Roque), and was captured on a vehicle's dashcam.
· The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the head and neck and was taken to a hospital, but she died.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· A motorcycle rider blocked the husband as he tried to flee, and fellow security guards restrained him. Police recovered the .45-caliber service pistol.
· The husband is being held at the Antipolo City Police Station and faces charges of parricide. According to Antipolo Police Chief Mark Henry Garcia, the husband said "everything went dark in front of my eyes" and refused to give any other statement.
· The Rizal Provincial Government said it will provide legal assistance and funeral expenses to the victim's family.

■ Notes for Residents and Visitors
· If a domestic dispute appears likely to turn threatening, do not meet the person alone. Ask for help from the police Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) or dial 911.
· Incidents can happen even in public places such as in front of government offices. If you hear gunshots, drop low and move immediately into a building.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/23), Philstar (10/24)

Olongapo Subic scam hub raided — about 200 Vietnamese nationals taken into custody

📌 On October 22 (Thursday), the Pampanga field office of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided an online scam hub in Subic, Olongapo City, and took about 200 Vietnamese nationals into custody. The NBI announced this on October 23 (Friday), saying it is working to determine whether any of them are victims of human trafficking.

■ How the operation unfolded
· After roughly a month of surveillance and information gathering, NBI Pampanga field agents served a warrant for the search and seizure of computer data issued by Branch 73 of the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court.
· At the site, agents seized computers, mobile phones, and documents used in the fraud operation.
· According to the NBI, the site was organized "like a company," operating in 24-hour shifts. It had a payments department responsible for deposits and withdrawals, moving money through networks of bank and e-wallet accounts. Work schedules showed teams divided by target: the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh.

■ Investigation and current status
· Reports differ in how they describe the 200 people: GMA used "rescued," while the Daily Tribune used "detained." The NBI said that anyone who was recruited through deception or held against their will will be treated as a victim under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208).
· Protection, documentation, and repatriation are being carried out together with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), and the Vietnamese Embassy.
· Complaints are being prepared against those who organized and operated the hub and funded it, for violations of the Access Devices Regulation Act, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The NBI plans to work with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to locate and freeze the accounts used. As of the time of reporting, there was no news of the operators' arrest.
· NBI Director Melvin Matibag said, "People who lend their accounts to such organizations will also be held accountable under the law."

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· Lending or selling your bank or e-wallet account to others can make you liable for punishment, as it may be used as a channel for fraud proceeds.
· This hub also targeted people within the Philippines. If you receive messages about unfamiliar investments, job offers, or romance that ask you to send money, verify before sending anything.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/23), Daily Tribune (10/23)

■ Photo
· Stack of Vietnamese passports seized during the raid — GMA News

Near Seongkyunkwan Univ. Station, about 10 minutes away on foot from my place

A newly opened gukbap (rice soup) restaurant.

Rice, blood sausage, and organ meats are all-you-can-eat for 10,000 won.

But I didn't go there for that.

Recently, a place called "Truck Uncle Bossam" in Incheon caused a huge craze.

It's a place that has taken over the local business district with huge portions of meat and bossam at low prices, and franchises are already sprouting up everywhere nearby.

And now it has finally opened here in Suwon. For 17,900 won, you get bossam, 600g each of kimchi, blood sausage, and side dishes.

If you post it on Instagram, they give you a free drink too, so I quickly posted it.

Looking at it properly after I got home, it really is good value for money. I ate alone and couldn't finish even a tenth of it and left the rest.

Which mobile carrier in the Philippines should I use to receive SMS messages from banks or card companies? Please recommend something affordable and reliable, whether it's Mint Mobile or another option.

Lil John latest photos

Feeding pets

Spider-Man: No Way Home

I'm going to Philippines in December. Can I buy a cheap phone with internet access at the Manila airport when I arrive?

What's the worst experience you've had taking a taxi in the Philippines?

It seems like incidents happen in taxis more than anywhere else here.

Whether it's a minor inconvenience, a scam, or just a hassle, if something happens, the taxi seems like the most likely place for it.

I've had a few experiences myself, and just today a driver demanded money, claiming my young child had "dirtied" his seat. I refused because it seemed like he was just trying to squeeze money out of us.

When driverless taxis come out, I'm sure a lot of people will be thrilled. I doubt anyone will miss seeing the backs of taxi drivers' heads.