A 70-year-old Korean national was tracked down and arrested by police operatives for his alleged involvement in an investment property scam. The operation was led by the Philippine National Police Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team (PNP NDACT) of Caloocan City, with the aid of leading finance app GCash.
The suspect, identified as Kyung Soo Lee, residing in Sucat, Parañaque City tried to hide from the complainant after receiving payment for an investment property from the victim he met online.
“This arrest serves as a reminder that cybercriminals will be held accountable for their actions regardless of nationality,” said GCash vice president and Head of Corporate Communications Gilda Maquilan.
GCash reminded the public once again to be extra vigilant and remember safety protocols when transacting online. Maquilan added, “safeguarding our country’s digital landscape is a collective responsibility. On behalf of our partners from the PNP-ACG, we reiterate the importance of reporting suspicious activities to our hotlines. Our police authorities can only act on cybercriminals if there is a formal complaint filed with them.”
Users may report suspicious activities to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph.
Users may also report all acts of cybercrime to the official GCash Help Center in the app or at help.gcash.com, message Gigi, and type “I want to report a scam.” They may also contact the GCash hotline by dialing 2882.
GCash users are also encouraged to exercise extra caution when transacting with other individuals. Never reveal their MPIN or OTP, and to refrain from clicking on links that can lead to loss of money through phishing. GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and OTP.(PR)
The traffic congestion along the national road network in Northern Samar Second District has noticeably eased following the completion of the road widening project along Palapag-Mapanas-Gamay-Lapinig (PAMAGALA) Road.
The Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) wrapped up the project under Contract ID No. 24II0018, with a total contract amount of P29,862,134.72, delivering on its promise of brighter, safer, and more accessible roads for the local communities.
Funded by the General Appropriations Act of 2024, the project was supervised by DPWH-NSSDEO Project Engineer Carlos Paulo G. Perfecto.
The comprehensive scope of the project included the concreting and widening of 838.00 meters of roadway and the installation of 44 solar LED street lights, aimed at improving both infrastructure and safety measures along the route.
As of August 2024, the project has achieved full completion. This milestone reflects the diligent efforts of DPWH-NSSDEO in collaboration with KT Chan Construction. The roadway, extending from K0805+836 to K0806+200, now features expanded left and right lanes, providing a smoother and safer passage for motorists.
The installation of solar LED street lights has also been finalized, greatly enhancing nighttime visibility. These energy-efficient lighting solutions not only improve road safety but also align with broader environmental sustainability goals.
Local residents have already begun to see the benefits of the completed project. Habal-habal driver, John Andrew, who frequently transports goods through the PAMAGALA Road, shared his positive experience. “Nag-dedeliver po ako ng manok simula Palapag hanggang Gamay. Dati po ang hirap bumiyahe nang madilim tapos ‘yung kalsada masikip pero ngayon ’yung kalsada lumawak tapos lumiwanag na, ang ganda! Ang ganda na bumiyahe kahit gabi, wala nang problema…Dati kapag ang manok tumitigas na tapos namamaho, hindi na nila kinukuha kaya marami ring nasasayang na manok. Pero ngayon wala na simula nung lumawak yung kalsada tapos bumilis yung biyahe, okay na dahil hindi na nila binabalik yung manok. Salamat sa DPWH.” [I deliver chicken from Palapag to Gamay.
Before, it was difficult to travel during nighttime, and the road was narrow, but now the road has been widened and illuminated, it’s wonderful! Traveling at night is so much better, with no issues. Previously, when the chicken became stiff and started to smell, they don’t accept it anymore, which led to a lot of wasted chicken. But now, since the road has been widened and the travel is faster, it’s all good because they no longer reject the chicken. Thank you to DPWH.]
According to John Andrew, the completion of this project has made a huge difference for him. His deliveries are now on time, and he feels much safer driving through the area at night because of the newly installed solar LED street lights. This improvement is a big boost for both his business and his safety.
The DPWH-NSSDEO continues to prioritize enhancing transportation infrastructure, ensuring that Northern Samar Second District experiences improved connectivity and economic growth.(PR)
TACLOBAN CITY- In a move to support educational development, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), has successfully completed the construction of a one-story, four-classroom building at the Palale National High School in MacArthur, Leyte.
This project aims to improve the learning environment and enhance the education of students.
The new school building features four classrooms, each measuring 7 meters by 9 meters, and includes comfort rooms, new blackboards, electric fans, lighting fixtures, a handwashing area, and a ramp for persons with disabilities.
“The completion of the new school building will help accommodate the increasing number of enrollees, easing the burden on teachers who are currently managing nearly 500 students from Grades 7 to 10 and senior high school at Palale NHS,” said District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura.
Aiza Caya, a teacher at Palale National High School, said that when DepEd implemented the Grade 11 and 12 Senior High School program, they faced challenges due to the lack of appropriate classrooms for senior high students.
This led to the construction of makeshift rooms that were neither conducive to learning nor met the standard requirements for teaching.
“We are so blessed to be recipients of this one-story, four-classroom building. On behalf of Palale NHS, the learners, teachers, and stakeholders, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the DPWH. We look forward to the day when the department can assist other schools in need of classrooms,” Caya said.
The newly-completed school building will primarily serve senior high school students and teachers, providing them with improved learning facilities and more conducive spaces for education.
This project is the result of the collaborative efforts between DPWH and DepEd to address classroom shortages in high-priority schools.
With a construction budget of P10.42 million, the project was funded under the CY 2023 DepEd Basic Educational Facilities Fund and was completed in July 2024. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED? Senator Ronald ‘Bato ’de la Rosa claimed that the appearance and confession of Police Lt. Col. Juvie Espenido was only meant to destroy him and other allies of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED? Senator Ronald ‘Bato ’de la Rosa claimed that the appearance and confession of Police Lt. Col. Juvie Espenido was only meant to destroy him and other allies of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.
TACLOBAN CITY – Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa suspects that Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido’s recent statements are part of a ‘grand design’ to discredit those close to Vice President Sara Duterte.
Duterte is expected to run for the presidency in the 2028 elections, although she has previously stated that she is not interested in the country’s top political post. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is constitutionally barred from seeking reelection.
In an interview on Friday night, August 30, in the city, De la Rosa mentioned that he could not confirm whether this alleged grand design has the endorsement of Malacañang.
“I cannot really say if this reaches all the way to Malacañang, but what is clear is that this is part of a grand design, a demolition job, to destroy and weaken the allies of the Dutertes, and in the process, weaken Vice President Sara Duterte, who they perceive as a potential rival,” the senator stated.
De la Rosa, who visited Ormoc City and Matag-ob town to lead in the distribution of financial assistance, also confirmed that he would seek reelection in next year’s senatorial elections under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), which is chaired by former president Rodrigo Duterte, the Vice President’s father.
When asked who could be behind this alleged plan, the senator suggested that it could be a group close to Leyte Congressman and House Speaker Martin Romualdez and the President himself.
“He was recruited by our (political) enemies to topple us, those who want to strengthen their position in Malacañang or with the Speaker. He wouldn’t have executed an affidavit if there wasn’t someone backing him up. It’s obvious that his affidavit was scripted to suit their intentions, which is to pin us down,” De la Rosa said.
He also mentioned that their enemies are attempting to link them to drug and POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) operations, as well as extrajudicial killings.
De la Rosa referred to Espenido’s appearance before a House of Representatives quad committee last Wednesday, August 28, where Espenido accused the senator and another Duterte ally, Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, of being involved in the controversial and brutal drug war during former President Duterte’s administration.
Espenido, who was once the police chief of Albuera, Leyte, where former Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and his son were allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, made these accusations.
Espinosa Sr. was eventually killed in a shootout inside his cell in a subprovincial jail in Baybay City, Leyte, while Kerwin Espinosa has returned to Albuera and is rumored to be running for mayor in next year’s elections.
During the interview, Sen. De la Rosa also denied Espenido’s claims that during his tenure as PNP chief, he imposed a quota and reward system in relation to the drug campaign.
“I swear on my life, there was no quota or reward system. What I told them was if they perform well, they will be rewarded with promotions,” De la Rosa said.
In Espenido’s case, the senator explained that he recommended his spot promotion from major to lieutenant colonel due to his ‘good performance.’
“And I never told him to kill or neutralize (the enemies). I said they have to conduct operations within legal means and arrest them,” De la Rosa added.
However, if the subjects of their operations fought back, the police had every right to defend themselves, he noted.
“Of course, you shouldn’t be the one to die,” De la Rosa said.
Despite the accusations, the senator stated that he has no plans to take any legal action against what he called Espenido’s lies. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
CASH INCENTIVE. Blessings keep on pouring to Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas. The latest to give cash reward to the 29-year old boxer is Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla who personally handed her a check worth P2 million on Thursday, August 29. Among those who witnessed the ceremony held at the Leyte provincial office was Frances Anne, the governor’s wife, and board members.
(ICOT SA LEYTE FACEBOOK)
CASH INCENTIVE. Blessings keep on pouring to Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas. The latest to give cash reward to the 29-year old boxer is Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla who personally handed her a check worth P2 million on Thursday, August 29. Among those who witnessed the ceremony held at the Leyte provincial office was Frances Anne, the governor’s wife, and board members. (ICOT SA LEYTE FACEBOOK)
Not true at all
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has expressed surprise at the claim made by controversial police officer Col. Jovie Espenido, who alleged that the police organization is the country’s “biggest crime syndicate.”
The PNP-8 has dismissed Espenido’s allegations as baseless and untrue.
Espenido, known for his high-profile anti-drug operations during his assignment in Albuera, Leyte—where former Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. was killed—made these accusations during a hearing of the quad committee at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, August 28.
Police Col. Peter Limbauan, head of the regional community affairs and development division of PNP-8, stated that their anti-drug operations have always been legitimate.
“Of course, we were surprised by his statement. We all know that it is not true. But we leave it up to Congress to conclude their investigation,” Limbauan said during a media interview at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on Thursday, August 29.
Limbauan mentioned that he had no direct interactions with Espenido, who served as the chief of police in Albuera from July to December 2016.
Albuera, a small town in Leyte with a population of over 47,000, has been identified as a center for illegal drug activities in Eastern Visayas, allegedly led by Mayor Espinosa and his son, Kerwin.
In his testimony, Espenido accused the PNP of being the country’s largest crime syndicate and claimed that then PNP Director-General, now Senator, Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, provided protection to the Espinosas.
Mayor Espinosa died in a shootout at the sub-provincial jail in Baybay City, Leyte, on November 5, 2016, when Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives were serving a warrant against the mayor for possession of illegal drugs and weapons.
Kerwin Espinosa, meanwhile, has returned to Albuera and is rumored to be planning a run for mayor in the upcoming elections.
Espenido also claimed that the PNP operated under a “quota” and reward system in their anti-drug efforts.
However, Limbauan declined to comment on these specific allegations, emphasizing that the PNP’s operations are legitimate and that the safety of their personnel is of utmost importance.
“We must also protect the lives of our policemen. They should be safe. Together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, we are doing our best to address the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region,” he added.
PAROLE AND PROBATION. About two percent of the 5,000 persons deprived with liberty (PDLs)in the region were remanded back to jails due to their failure to follow the conditions set and for committing a new crime, said Ma. Beverly Ampo, the regional head of the Parole and Probation Administration(PPA), which is an attached agency of the Department of Justice.(FILE PHOTO)
PAROLE AND PROBATION. About two percent of the 5,000 persons deprived with liberty (PDLs)in the region were remanded back to jails due to their failure to follow the conditions set and for committing a new crime, said Ma. Beverly Ampo, the regional head of the Parole and Probation Administration(PPA), which is an attached agency of the Department of Justice.(FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) in the region has reported a two percent revocation rate among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) released either through parole or probation.
While this revocation rate may seem minimal, it remains a significant concern for the agency, which aims to support these PDLs in their reintegration into society, PPA Regional Director Ma. Beverly Ampo stated on Tuesday, August 27 during the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The two percent revocation rate represents approximately 5,000 PDLs across the region as of last year and of which, 90 percent of these individuals were charged with offenses related to illegal drugs.
“The revocation rate may be minimal at just around two percent, but it still alarms us because one of our primary goals is to rehabilitate these individuals and help them lead normal lives,” Ampo said.
Revocations occur when PDLs commit new crimes while on parole or probation, according to Ampo.
“We are doing our best to help them reintegrate into society and become productive members. However, the triggers for criminal behavior still exist outside, making it challenging for them to avoid reoffending,” she added.
Once their parole or probation is revoked, the affected PDLs are rearrested, detained, and required to serve the remaining portion of their original sentence in prison, among other consequences.
Parole is a conditional release granted to inmates before they complete their entire sentence, typically due to good conduct while in jail. Probation, on the other hand, is a court-ordered period of supervision in the community offered as an alternative to imprisonment.
PDLs granted parole or probation must regularly report to PPA offices, avoid criminal activity, and attend rehabilitation sessions, among other conditions.
Ampo also expressed concern over the challenges faced by probationary and parole officers in the region.
“We only have 36 parole and probation officers in the region, and they receive a minimal budget of just P350 per client visit,” she said. “Some of them even have to cross rivers, hike mountains, or use their own money to reach and assist our clients.”
Ampo hopes that Congress will approve their modernization program, which would not only provide better equipment and office facilities but also increase the budget for their personnel. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
