CAMP GEN. MACABULOS, Tarlac City – Police has arrested a total of 667 law offenders, and confiscated illegal drug worth P1-M during anti-criminality campaign for the last quarter of 2024. According to Tarlac Police Provincial Director P/Col. Miguel Guzman, the arrests were accomplished from October 1 to December 20, 2024 after conducting manhunt operations against target drug personalities and wanted persons. Based on the records provided, 294 wanted persons, including one Regional Most Wanted Person, and 13 Municipal Level Most Wanted Persons, were arrested for the crimes of murder, homicide, attempted murder, attempted homicide, rape, qualified rape, among others. During the implementation of search warrant, 12 individuals were arrested, while 128 individuals through anti-illegal drug operations. The drug operation yielded 100.925 grams of suspected shabu and 1,190.84 grams of suspected marijuana, with a total street value of more or less P1,000,000.00. Meanwhile, police also rounded 161 individuals, and confiscated P49,972.00 bet money used in illegal gambling, while 37 malefactors were netted during police response. In the conduct of search warrant and police response, 31 firearms were confiscated, and accounted 200 surrendered loose firearms for safekeeping while their owners are in the process of renewing their license. Guzman assures the residents of Tarlac that the police organization, especially the Tarlac PPO is holding its untiring commitment to reduce, if not eradicate, all forms of criminality in the province. He further averred that Tarlac police will continuously maximize its efforts to maintain peace and security to attain a peaceful community to live, work, and do business.      

Subic Bay Freeport – The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) arrested six undocumented Chinese nationals at Trillo Bay Villas here on December 12, 2024. According to the SBMA, the six were apprehended after BI officials, together with SBMA operatives, implemented mission orders to arrest the suspects inside Kim’s Apartment, a rented apartment inside the villa. The six Chinese nationals identified as Yongfeng Huang, Guo Jun, Hong Xiaojun, Bai Shiping, Guo Shiquan, and Gan Ning, were arrested for violation of Rule 9, Section 1 of SBM-2015-010 for being undocumented. Huang was the only one who was able to present a passport. All six were taken to the BI head office in Intramuros, Manila where they will be detained while their case is being processed. The BI officials said that the arrested suspects were apprised of their constitutional rights under RA7438 “in the language they can fully understand and in a manner that they could fully comprehend.” Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs and Manager of the Labor Department Atty. Melvin Varias said that the six are among the 57 Chinese nationals who used to work for TeleEmpire Incorporated and were documented during their employment at the said accredited back office solutions provider in Subic Bay Freeport. Of the 57 Chinese nationals who worked there, six of them returned to their home country, while 51 were unaccounted. Of the 51 unaccounted, 20 were arrested during a raid in Kalayaan at a house that was used as an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility. The recently arrested six were part of the 51 unaccounted employees. Atty. Varias added that the agency and the BI are in close coordination to ensure that all the undocumented Chinese nationals who worked for the said company will be documented and accounted for.  

By: Dante M. Salvaña   Clark Freeport – Renowned businessman and senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson is eyeing to create more ecozones in the area as part of his thrust of making the country an economic powerhouse in Asia. During a press conference held at the Choi Garden Park PH, Manong Chavit said that creation of ecozones in the Philippines would further boost the number of businesses investing in the country, adding that this would lessen the bureaucracy. He said that he once proposed to create an economic zone in Ilocos Sur, but was not supported by the government. He added that the economic zones he established in South Korea is currently flourishing and continuous to churn out jobs. He recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction of the K-Beauty Industrial Complex in Incheon, which serves as a hub for the creation of beauty and aesthetic products. He said that this new complex will create more jobs, while offering educational opportunities for Filipino students to gain expertise in one of the world’s leading cosmetic markets. The K-Beauty Industrial Complex will focus on research, production, and trade, creating a space for growth and innovation within the beauty sector. By aligning with South Korea’s advanced cosmetics industry, Singson aims to equip the Philippine workforce with skills that are competitive globally. The former Ilocos Sur governor said that ecozones are engines for economic growth and job creation, citing that the country is full of potential but has been plagued with bureaucracy, red tape, and corruption. “Our country is full of potential, but the bottleneck caused by government inefficiencies often holds us back from realizing our full economic potential,” Singson noted. Despite these obstacles, he is determined to push for reforms that will streamline processes and attract investments. Singson’s vision extends beyond industrial growth. During his recent visit to Ilocos Sur last week, he addressed pressing issues like unemployment and the challenges posed by the PUV Modernization Act. With the phaseout of traditional jeepneys, he pledged to support transport cooperatives with funding to transition to electric vehicles. In addition to supporting the transport sector, Singson announced the launch of “VBank,” an initiative aimed at increasing financial inclusion across the country. VBank will allow more Filipinos to access banking services, including debit and credit cards, especially in underserved communities. The platform will also serve as a payment option for modernized PUVs and a tool for the proposed “Chavit 500” initiative, designed to provide financial aid to lower-income families and small businesses. Through these efforts, Singson hopes to create a more inclusive economy and provide practical solutions to the everyday challenges faced by Filipinos.

Citing their significant role as partners for development,  the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently commended at least 43 landowners in Pampanga for sharing their property for the implementation of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project. In a simple ceremony, BCDA OIC-Senior Vice President Richard Brian M. Cepe, representing President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang, distributed 68 Transfer Certificate of Titles (TCTs) to the landowners affected by the SCMB railway, which is formerly known as the Subic-Clark Railway Project or SCRP. The event was held at the Benigno Hall inside the Capitol Complex in the City of San Fernando and was graced by Board Member Sajid Khan Eusoof and Board Member Fritzie David-Dizon, representing Gov. Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” G. Pineda, respectively. Also present from BCDA was Vice Pres. Jocelyn L. Caniones, project director of SCRP. Cepe thanked the landowners from Porac and Floridablanca towns, extending BCDA’s appreciation of their full cooperation for the realization of major infrastructure projects initiated by the national government. Cepe said that one of the biggest challenges in implementing infrastructure projects is securing right-of-way, noting BCDA’s experience in building the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). He also said  that the cooperation of the project-affected landowners paved the way for the speedy completion of the project. “Isa sa mga pinakamalaking hamon sa pamahalaan ay ang pagseguro ng tinatawag nating right-of-way, kaya napakalaking tulong po na kayo ay handang magpaubaya at makipagtulungan upang mabilis na maisakatuparan ang proyektong ito,” Cepe said addressing the landowners. Cepe also said that the SCMB railway is part of the Marcos’ administration’s “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program.  The national government aims to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor to generate more economic opportunities with the assistance of the US and Japan. “Sa pamamagitan ng tren na ito, ating pag-uugnayin ang apat na sentrong pang-ekonomiya, mula sa pantalan ng Subic, sa paliparan ng Clark, hanggang sa mga pantalan ng Maynila at Batangas. Napakalaking bagay po nito upang mapabilis ang komersiyo at daloy ng mga produkto at serbisyo. Sa ganitong paraan, mas makakahikayat tayo ng maraming namumuhunan sa ating bansa,” Cepe said. The BCDA also expressed gratitude to Gov. Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Gov.  Lilia for their support to the project and for soliciting the cooperation of the Kapampangans. Meanwhile, Board Member Dizon read a brief message from Vice Gov. Pineda lauding their constituents’ cooperation in the implementation of this national project. “The Transfer of Certificates of Titles is a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that the rights of our citizens are protected and respected. As these certificates will be turned over, we recognize the challenges that our lot owners have faced and we acknowledge the patience and resilience they have shown. We also recognize the importance of this project in driving economic growth and development in our province,” Vice Gov. Pineda said. She added that the provincial government thanks the stakeholders including its partners in the national government and private sector. In response to the efforts of BCDA and the provincial government, Chairman Randy Guevarra of Barangay Calantas, Floridablanca said that they support the project with utmost trust that it will bring more economic activities in Pampanga. “Ang amin pong mga ka-barangay ay buong-pusong nakipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno dahil alam namin na magbibigay ito pakinabang sa mga kabayanan dito. Nagpapasalamat din po kami kina Gov. Dennis Pineda at kay Vice Gov. Nanay Baby sa kanilang malasakit sa Pampanga at sa aming mga kabalen,” Guevarra said.      

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently forged partnership with its counterparts to establish the Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF-MIER) which primarily aims to ensure efficient handling of environmental emergencies in the country’s premier free port. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of the task force was signed at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building last November 21 by and among the SBMA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), PNP Maritime Group, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the creation of the IATF-MIER is timely because of recent incidents of oil spills that happened along the coast of Bataan, wreaking havoc on its marine life, as well as in the livelihood of maritime stakeholders in the area. He added that the IATF-MIER is a whole-of-government approach towards maritime-related incidents as the task force is composed of government agencies that have specialized in their fields of expertise, and would collaborate with other pertinent units to prevent any incidents within our navigational waters. Aliño also said that the IATF-MIER will also undertake information and education campaigns for communities in nearby coastal areas to heighten awareness in the prevention of maritime incidents and in the provision of emergency response in the shortest record time possible. Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao added that the SBMA Seaport Department has already procured oil spill equipment to handle environmental emergencies such as oil spill incidents that have become more frequent these past few months. These include a sopep oil spill kit that has a capacity of around 416 liters, foam-filled oil spill boom, and a PCG-certified oil spill dispersant. Yambao also said that the procurement of the oil spill response equipment is crucial for effective preparedness and response to pollution-related incidents with the impact of oil spills taken into consideration. In 2025, the Seaport Department has planned a P100,000,000-project for the installation of oil spill equipment in various port terminals, including the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Compound, Ship Repair Facility (SRF) Compound, Boton, and the New Container Terminal (NCT)/ Leyte. The said equipment will aid the IATF-MIER during oil spill response incidents. Among the tasks of the IATF-MIER is the identification of potential emergency situations that can cause illness or injury to humans and the environment under a code of guidelines for preparedness and response, to address emergency situations, and propose mitigation efforts for associated adverse environmental impacts or effects to humans and prevention of accidents. Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Manila has donated equipment that will augment the emergency response of the IATF-MIER. The Deed of Donation was formally signed following the MOU signing of the task force. Aliño said that the donation of six units of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones that will be paired with Starlink Mobile Internet will boost the monitoring and response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport, Fire and Law Enforcement departments. “The US Embassy has also provided comprehensive training to our personnel for the effective and proper use of the said drones,” he added. The chairman expressed his gratitude to the US Embassy in Manila because the equipment donated will be used not only for the Subic Freeport, but also when the agency sends a contingent to areas that require emergency response support. The signing of the IATF-MIER MOU and the donation of the UAVs and Starlink Mobile Internet were part of the pocket activities during the 32nd anniversary of the SBMA.     PHOTO CAPTION:   Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño receives the six units of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that will be paired with Starlink Mobile Internet units from the representatives of the US Embassy. The said equipment will boost the monitoring and response capabilities of the SBMA’s Seaport, Fire and Law Enforcement departments.

  STA MARIA, Bulacan — In its ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities involving unauthorized LPG operations, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 3-RSOT, in coordination with the Bulacan PFU and local police, successfully executed a search warrant at the Marilao Industrial Compound, Barangay Mahabang Parang, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, on November 21. The search warrant was issued by Hon. Adonis A. Laure, Acting Presiding Judge of the Third Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court, Branch 21, for violations of Republic Act No. 623, as amended by R.A. No. 5700, which regulates the use of duly marked containers. Authorities confiscated various equipment and materials used in illegal LPG refilling operations, including original, repainted, and refilled Pryce Gas LPG cylinders; weighing scales; refilling hoses and machines; LPG pumps; compresors; and storage tanks. The estimated value of the seized items is P5,708,455.00. During the operation, the on-site checker, identified as “Olga,” was present; however, no other individuals were apprehended. The confiscated items have been transported to the RFU 3 office for documentation and further investigation. “While no arrests have been made, we assure the public that efforts to locate and apprehend the suspects are ongoing, and we urge them to surrender voluntarily. This operation highlights our commitment to enforcing regulations against unauthorized LPG activities to ensure public safety, dahil ang gusto ng pulis ligtas ka” concluded Brig.Gen.Torre.

SBMA celebrates 32nd anniversary Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Volunteers Shrine in honor of the 8,000 volunteers who kept the Subic Bay Freeport clean and safe after the US military men pulled out. The wreath laying ceremony is among the various events lined-up in celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the agency.    

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit, in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and local law enforcement, successfully executed simultaneous OPLAN OLEA and dismantled a large-scale illegal manufacturing and distribution operation, seizing over P2.4 billion worth of counterfeit cigarettes and smuggling equipment in Bulacan and Valenzuela from November 6–7, 2024. The operation focused on Bulacan, allegedly the main hub for the illegal production of counterfeit cigarettes, which were then distributed to Valenzuela. Carried out under the authority of BIR Mission Order No. MS0201700024179, and in accordance with Section 6(C) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, the operation led to the seizure of various brands of illicit cigarettes and an extensive array of cigarette manufacturing equipment. The operation also revealed the illicit plant’s capacity to produce an estimated 12.9 million cigarettes daily, valued at approximately P45 million per day. The total market value of the confiscated items, including production machinery and raw materials, is estimated at P1.245 billion in the factory in Bulacan. Additionally, 155 trafficked individuals were rescued from the illegal plant. Furthermore, authorities confiscated a significant amount of illicit cigarette brands valued at an estimated P1.158 billion during three separate operations in Valenzuela. Several individuals were arrested, including foreign nationals alias “Yanliang” , “Rock”, “Zizhan” “Zili”, and “Ziqiang”, arrested in Valenzuela, and “WU” in Bulacan. They now face charges related to tax evasion, intellectual property violations, and human trafficking, among other crimes. Seizure and inventory operations were carefully conducted by BIR Revenue Officers in the presence of local Barangay Moranquillo, San Rafael Bulacan officials, ensuring complete transparency. The arrested suspects have been transferred to the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit (AFCCU) for documentation and further legal processing. Meanwhile, all confiscated evidence remains under the temporary custody of the BIR. Charges for violations under R.A 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (as amended by RA 10364), and R.A. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines) are currently being prepared against the suspects. “This successful operation highlights our firm commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals and jeopardize public safety. The CIDG is determined to ensure that no one is above the law—dahil ang gusto ng pulis, ligtas ka ” emphasized Brig.Gen.Nicolas Torre III.

Get ready to experience the CHRISTMAS FLIGHT around the world! Experience a magical odyssey at SM City Cabanatuan’s Christmas Centerpiece, where a tapestry of diverse traditions awaits. The focal point is a towering 35-foot Christmas tree adorned with glistening lights, complemented by a 15-foot Santa Claus riding a plane, poised to embark on an exhilarating journey! Surrounding them are representations of Santas from around the world, alongside Christmas trees of different heights and an abundance of holiday presents, each showcasing the unique culture and heartwarming celebrations of the season.