From news.mb.com.ph by Jean Fernando:

The Parañaque City government issued guidelines on Tuesday (June 16) for dine-in restaurants and other food establishments, allowing them to open and accommodate at a reduced 30 percent capacity.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) team under Atty. Lanie Malaya will conduct an inspection of all dine-in restaurants and other food establishments to determine whether they are following the guidelines set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Olivarez said dine-in restaurants and other food establishments will still remain open up to 8:00p.m.

He also said curfew hours in the city will remain from 8:00p.m. to 5:00 a.m., until such time that the city council amends the ordinance on the imposition of curfew hour.

The mayor also reminded dine-in restaurants and other food establishments not to allow any of their personnel with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) symptoms, or those who have been exposed to the coronavirus, to come to work.

Olivarez said such business establishments must also require their personnel to practice the mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment such as facemask, face shield, gloves, and hair caps.

Olivarez also ordered restaurant management to keep a health checklist by asking customers to provide their names and contact details for contact tracing.

“We have to be careful and strict [about] allowing dine-in restaurants and other food establishments to open. We are still working to reduce the number of individuals affected with the virus,” Olivarez said.

Joining its neighbors Las Pinas and Muntinlupa cities, Paranaque has announced that it is adjusting its curfew hours.

In an announcement yesterday, Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said that curfew hours in the city is now from 10pm to 4am.

“This is to give workers more time to get home from their offices,” Olivarez noted.

As of yesterday, the city has 164 Active Cases with a total of 870 confirmed cases all in all.

Olivarez reminded his constituents to remain at home and to wear face masks should they can’t avoid to go outside to buy or do essential stuff.

From Inquirer.net by Consuelo Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers arrested a Chinese man in Parañaque City on Saturday afternoon for allegedly selling unregistered medicine that allegedly treats the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The suspect was identified as Yongchun Cai, 51, a resident of Multinational Village in Barangay Moonwalk in Parañaque.

Police sent the seized medicine and other health supplies to the Food and Drug Administration. (Photo from the Public Information Office of the Southern Police District)

Members of Parañaque City Police Station raided the suspect’s house after receiving complaints from residents that foreigners were selling and distributing Chinese medicine for COVID-19 even as there were still no vaccines available yet for the respiratory disease.

City officials also joined police officers in the operation to verify the report.

Seized were 64 boxes and 40 plastic bags containing medicines and other health supplies with Chinese characters. Police said the suspect failed to show a valid permit for possession of the medical supplies.

According to the Southern Police District, the seized items were sent to the Food and Drug Administration.

Cai is now in jail pending the filing of a complaint against him for violation of the Philippine Pharmacy Act.

From news.mb.com.ph by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

Malacañang commended the security forces who were able to foil a planned terrorist attack in Parañaque City last week, emphasizing that the country still needs to be ready for them.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the four suspected ISIS-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists were gunned down in a joint police and military raid in Don Bosco, Parañaque on Friday.

In his Monday presser, Roque praised the law enforcers for their “very good” work.

“We commend our law enforcement agencies for their very good intel work that prevented yet another terrorist attack,” he said.

Roque reiterated that the country needs to be ready for terrorists.

“Gaya nga po ng sinasabi namin, ang terorista po talaga (Like we’ve been saying, terrorists, really)—we can never predict when they will strike,” he said.

“But when they do, we need to be ready for them,” he added.

The police identified the suspects as Bensaudi Sali alias “Boy,” 37; his reported wife Merhama Abdul Sawari alias “Mheng,” around 40 to 45 years old; Rasmin Hussin alias “Boscon;” and Jamal Kalliming alias “Pando.”

Metro Manila Police chief Police Major General Debold Sinas earlier said that joint units from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Parañaque City police, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and National Intelligence Coordination Agency (NICA) were serving a search warrant at the house of Sali in Better Living Subdivision around 12:30 a.m. when they were met with gunfire.

The suspects reportedly tried to lob a grenade at the police and military but it went off prematurely. The security forces retaliated which led to the killing of the suspects.

The operation stemmed from the intelligence information they received about the presence of a group of Dawlah Islamiyah, a faction of the ASG, acting as a financial conduit in Paranaque City beginning in November 2019.

The operation came at a time when President Duterte is having his legal team review the proposed Anti-Terror Bill which is controversial for its supposedly unconstitutional provisions.

From news.mb.com.ph by Jeffrey Damicog:

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Paranaque City for illegally selling medicines.

NBI Officer-In-Charge Eric Distor identified the two Chinese nationals as Chui Bao Cai and Wang Jin Qi.

The two were arrested by agents of the NBI’s Task Force Anti-Illegal Drugs (NBI-TFAID) during an entrapment operation conducted at the warehouse of the Chinese nationals in Paranaque Ciry last June 24.

“Subjects Cai and Qi failed to present to the raiding team necessary permits and documents such as COR (certificate of registration), PIC (personal identification card), PRC (Professional Regulation Commission), and LTO (license to operate),” the NBI said in a statement.

“Thus, operatives of NBI-TFAID arrested Subject Cai and Qi for unauthorized selling of Chinese Medicines,” it added.
During the operation, NBI operatives also seized 380 boxes of assorted unregistered Chinese medicines.

Following their arrest, the two Chinese were presented for inquest before the Paranaque City Prosecutor’s Office for charged of violation Republic Act 9611 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009; RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines; and RA 10918 or the Philippine Pharmacy Act.

The NBI said the operation against the Chinese was conducted after receiving information that the two Chinese were selling the illegally medicines online to Chinese nationals.

“Further investigation revealed that Subject Cai is one of the biggest suppliers of Chinese medicines to other underground hospitals and pharmacies operated by Chinese nationals in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby provinces,” the NBI said.

“Subject Cai also engages in the illegal practice of dispensing medical drugs to Chinese nationals without prescription from a licensed physician,” it added.

To further combat the spread of Covid-19 within the city and to police its own ranks, Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez today issued a memorandum requiring all city government employees to accomplish health declaration forms every time they report to work.

“This is to primarily determine whether or not you are fit to work on a given day. This will also serve as an initiatory step to prevent the spread and possible transmission of the virus to your co-workers, in particular and to the public, in general,” expressed Olivarez in the memo.

He also asked Parañaque city government employees to truthfully answer the form.

“If found that you have deliberately declared a falsehood or wittingly withheld an information material to the determination of your current health condition, you will be subjected to administrative and criminal cases which may warrant dismissal from the service and imprisonment,” the mayor warned.

The Parañaque City Council today approved an ordinance designating a motorcycle lane AND a bike lane along Dr. A. Santos Ave. (formerly Sucat Road) and Ninoy Aquino Ave.

With a working title of “an Ordinance designating the outer lane of Dr. A. Santos Ave. and Ninoy Aquino Ave. in the City of Parañaque as MOTORCYCLE LANE and A PORTION OF WHICH IS A BIKE LANE, establishing appropriate rules and regulations, providing penalties for violations and appropriating funds for the purposes”, the said ordinance will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper with general circulation.

Citing the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and seeing an increase in residents using motorcycles and bicycles because of strict public transportation guidelines, the City Council deemed it necessary to make it easier and safer for commuters to report to work and to go home.

Some other reasons cited in the Ordinance are:

• Many businesses have expanded their delivery services, further promoting growth in the demand for motorcycles
• The use of motorcycles has increased due to the following advantages: higher fuel efficiency, affordability and a sense of personal convenience

Given the above reasons, the city councilors also recognized the dangers of riding a motorcycle and bike, hence, the provision of special lanes for both.

“The City Government of Parañaque recognizes the need to introduce new interventions to promote a more orderly flow of traffic and diminish the number of fatal accidents involving motorcycles and bicycles which are both perceived as preferred mode of transportation under the new normal,” stated the ordinance.

The directive also mentioned a period of dry run and a series of training will be held in coordination with the city’s Traffic and Parking Management Office (TPMO), including information awareness campaigns and dialogues with stakeholders and transport groups.

More simply dubbed as “The Motorcycle and Bicycle Lane” of the City of Parañaque, the ordinance also provided a definition of terms in relation to two-wheeled vehicles that will be affected by the said ordinance.

A provision relating to e-bikes is not included in the ordinance.

“A non-exclusive lane for motorcycles and exclusive lane for bicycles is hereby established along both sides of Dr. A. Santos Ave. and Ninoy Aquino Ave.,” the ordinance stated, adding that these lanes will be delineated by clear road paint markings.

Additional road signage and markings will also be put in place to further inform motorists about the said lanes, with the City Engineering Department identified in the ordinance as responsible for road design measures and improvement activities that are necessary to ensure road safety AND successful implementation of the ordinance.

“The City Engineering Department shall ensure that Dr. A. Santos Ave. and Ninoy Aquino Ave. shall have the necessary road infrastructures, furniture, markings, rumble strips, inlets, and other traffic calming devices and other cost-effective measure to promote road safety for all types of road users,” the ordinance further mentioned.

If you noticed above, the motorcycle lane is said to be “non-exclusive”. What does this mean?

It means that private vehicles, authorized three-wheeled vehicles, public utility jeepneys may also traverse the Motorcycle Lane when stopping to pick up or dropping off passengers in authorized loading and unloading areas and also for private vehicles to access the establishments along the two roads.

Expressway-legal motorcycles (400cc and above) are allowed to use other lanes.

An exemption to use only the Motorcycle lane is when making a turn or U-Turn at authorized streets or U-Turn slots (provided that motorcycle will GRADUALLY shift lanes to do so. No swerving.

As for the penalty, motorcycles found not using the Motorcycle Lane will be asked to pay P1,000 and is subject to the city’s famous (infamous?) No Contact Apprehension Policy PER VIOLATION.

Bicycle riders caught biking outside of the designated bike lane will be fined P500 for every offense.

“The penalty herein imposed shall be in effect only upon completing one month dry run to be conducted by the TPMO AFTER the passage and publication of this ordinance,” stated the ordinance.

An initial budget of P10 million from the General Fund of the City Government of Parañaque will be appropriated for this.

So let us obey these new rules once they are in effect. Let us start practicing now. ‘Wag nang pasaway. Rules are rules.

Allow us to remind all bikers and riders to ALWAYS use your helmets AND to stop on red signals (no one is exempted). Let us all be safe on the road and ride safe, neighbors!

Monitor clinics in the city for possible Covid-19 vaccine smuggling.

This was the directive issued by Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez yesterday as he ordered the city health office to check clinics in the city for illegal Covid-19 vaccinations.

In an interview, the mayor said that since these vaccines have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health, they are considered “smuggled” and illegal.

“We will not allow smuggled vaccines in the city,” exclaimed Olivarez, adding that anyone caught using these illegal vaccines will be charged and penalized accordingly.

Medical facilities and the like that are caught going against the mayor’s directive will be shut down.

In another news, the city has set aside P250 million for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines for constituents as they plan to target some 100,000 residents a month with the vaccine.

Thank you!

This is what many residents of Muntinlupa, Parañaque and Las Piñas expressed upon hearing of the news that all three of their local government units have set aside budgets for purchase of Covid-19 vaccines.

First to announce was Muntinlupa.

Photo from metronewscentral.net

In an interview, Munti Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said that while the national government has a roll-out plan in place, they had also allocated from their own budget to ensure that all Muntinlupa residents receive the vaccine.

The Munti LGU had also partnered with Staysafe.ph and activated the “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments in the city.

Here, everyone who will be entering a Muntinlupa establishment need to use the Staysafe App to fill out their Health Declaration online.

According to the City Population website, Muntinlupa currently has around 504,509 people as of 2015 (https://www.citypopulation.de/en/philippines/muntinlupa/).

Parañaque, on the other hand, announced that they would be allocating P250-million for their Covid-19 vaccination program.

“We will prioritize our frontliners, senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals,” expressed Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, saying P200 million will be sourced from the 2021 general fund while the P50 million will come from the budget of the local school board.

As of 2015 (from https://www.citypopulation.de/en/philippines/paranaque/), Paranaque has a population of 665,822.

Las Pinas City Mayor Mel Aguilar. (Photo from Las Pinas PIO)

For its part, the Las Piñas city government also announced that it is setting aside P200 million for their own residents.

“Nais kong tiyaking na ang inilaang pondo ng ating lokal na pamahalaan ay magagamit sa agarang pagbili ng kakailanganing bakuna kapag available na ito sa merkado,” mentioned Las Piñas City Mayor Mel Aguilar.

She added that it would be offered for FREE for frontliners, government employees, police personnel, seniot citizens and indigent residents.

Las Piñas has a total population of 588,894 (https://www.citypopulation.de/en/philippines/laspinas/) as of 2015.

All three mayors also called on all residents to continue with the basic safety protocols of wearing a mask, washing their hands and observing social distancing.

Olivarez, also the Metro Manila Council chairman, said most mayors had already allocated budget for the vaccine as well but that they are just awaiting the DOH guidelines and also news from FDA on what vaccine can be purchased.

Stay safe, neighbors! Kapit lang tayo.

Hold your horses! Or your car seats.

Don’t buy those car seats just yet and read these provisions from Republic Act No. 11229 first before doing anything drastic. Remember the plastic barriers for motorcycles?

With the implementation of RA 11229 today comes a whole lot of confusion on not just its implementation but also on what it really says.

RA 11229 or “An Act Providing for the Special Protection of Child Passengers in Motor Vehicles and APPROPRIATING FUNDS (yes, the last part is included in the bill’s name) is defined as “the policy of the State to ensure the safety of children while being transported in any form of motor vehicle” (take note: ANY FORM OF MOTOR VEHICLE but please read further).

Let’s take a closer look:

Okay, so let’s call it the “Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act” from now on.

Who here also got nervous upon reading “and appropriating funds therefor…”? Anyway…

More on Section 2:

Please check out these provisions from the said bill:

We see “in accordance with international standards accepted by the United Nations.” Okay.

(a) CHILD refers to any person twelve (12) years old and below.

(d) Motor vehicle shall refer TO BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC motor vehicles. THE TERM SHALL NOT INCLUDE THE TRICYCLE AND MOTORCYCLE.

(h) CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM refers to a device, APPROVED in accordance with Section 6 of this Act (let us take a look at that later), capable of accommodating a child occupant IN A SITTING OR SUPINE POSITION.

*The supine position means lying horizontally with the face and torso facing up, as opposed to the prone position, which is face down. (thank you, Wikipedia)

Section 4: Mandatory Use of Child Restraint System in Motor Vehicles:
Notables:
“While the engine is running or transporting such child on any road, street or highway…”
“Unless the child is at least 150 centimeters (4’9 feet) or 59 inches in height (same, 4 feet and 9 inches — not sure why they didn’t just say this since we use this more often) in height and is properly secured using the regular seat belt.”

Exemptions to this are:
1. Medical Emergencies
2. When the child being transported has a medical or developmental condition
3. Other analogous circumstances prescribed under the IRR (more about the IRR later)

Section 5: Children in Rear Seats
No child 12 years old and below shall be allowed to sit in a front seat with the engine running.

Section 6: Safety Standards for Child Restraint Systems
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is mandated to use standards set forth in United Nations Regulation 44 and United Nations Regulation 129 including its evolving standards and other acceptable international standards IN THE APPROVAL or DISAPPROVAL of child restraint systems that will be MANUFACTURED, SOLD, DISTRIBUTED and USED in the Philippines.

Please see UN Regulation 44 here:
Child restraint systems approved under UN Regulation 44 are classified into five weight groups. For
children up to 13 kg they are rearward facing. For the groups up to 18 kg these child restraint
systems have integrated harness system or impact shield. The groups for heavier children up to 36
kg mostly use the vehicle’s safety belt for restraining.

Please see UN Regulation 129 here:
https://unece.org/DAM/trans/doc/2015/wp29grsg/GRSG-108-14e.pdf

We did not see any provisions related to height. But please feel free to correct us as we may have missed that.

So basically, Section 6 says that car seat manufacturers, importers, distributors and sellers are required to secure approval from the Bureau of Product Standards.

“The BPS shall issue periodically a list of child restraint systems manufacturers, importers and distributors, and the brands which pass its standards to be published in a newspaper of general circulation or in its website.”

So it may be wise to wait for this list before purchasing one (or two, or three).

It would be wise for the government also to release this list asap (if they have, please let us know so we can update this post).

Section 9: Child Safety in Public Utility Vehicles
It says the DOTr shall conduct a study regarding this and provide Congress with their recommendations. RA 11299 was approved in 2018. Not sure if recommendations have already been given.

PENALTIES:
First Offense – P1,000
Second Offense – P2,000
Third and Succeeding Offenses – P5,000 and one year suspension of driver’s license
*drivers using sub-standard child restrain systems (those without ICC or PS clearance/mark)) will also be fined the same as above
*those tampering or forging PS and/or ICC stickers will also be fined with not less than P50,000

Manufacturers of sub-standard child restraint systems will also be fined.

So there you go, neighbors. Better to understand everything first before we complain or before we buy those car seats.

Yes to safety but YES as well to a more detailed information about the law.

Stay safe out there, neighbors!

From mb.com.ph by Dhel Nazario:

Parañaque City has been marked as a low-risk area for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by the Department of Health, the city’s chief executive said.

According to Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, this was mentioned during their last Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting.

“Gusto ko pong i-report na sa huling meeting po namin ng ating Metro Manila Council, shinare ng Department of Health (DOH) na doon po sa 16 cities and one municipality, kasama po tayo sa apat na siyudad sa Metro Manila na low risk doon po sa COVID-19 (I want to report that in our last MMC meeting, the DOH shared that within the 16 cities and lone municipality in Metro Manila, we belong to the four cities that are considered low risk areas for COVID-19).” Olivarez said.

“Ibig sabihin, yung ating doubling time, matagal po bago tayo magkaroon ng new cases (It means our [case] doubling time is low. It takes time before new cases emerge),” he added.

As of February 1, 2021, the total number of active cases in the city is 132 (1.5%) with 19 new cases.

The total number of confirmed cases is 8,684, with 8,331 (95.9 percent) recoveries, and 221 deaths (2.5 percent), according to the DOH, Parañaque City Health Office, and Parañaque City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU).

From philstar.com by Richmond Mercurio:

From newsinfo.inquirer.net by Gabriel Pabico Lalu:

MANILA, Philippines — Around 500 grams of crystal meth or shabu, estimated to be worth P3.4 million were seized from four suspects during a drug bust in Parañaque City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

Reports from PDEA said the buy-bust operation was conducted on Wednesday, by operatives from PDEA’s Special Enforcement Service and the Parañaque City Police, along Quirino Avenue in Barangay San Dionisio.

PDEA identified the four suspects as Fahad Sakip Malik, 18, from Lower Bicutan in Taguig City; Jc Andre Beltran, 21; Liza Ocampo, 18; and John Robert Vicente, 19, all from Parañaque City.

Also seized from the suspects were a cellular phone and the marked cash used in the bust.

All four suspects will be charged for violating Section 5 (Sale of illegal drugs) in relation to Section 26 (Attempt or Conspiracy) of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

From philstar.com by Ralph Edwin Villanueva:

MANILA, Philippines — At least 20 families were left homeless when a fire razed a residential area in Parañaque on Saturday.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the blaze originated from a house along Lopez de Leon street in Barangay Tambo and spread to nearby homes at around 6:25 p.m.

The fire was put out after more than an hour.

Damage to property was placed at P100,000.

Arson probers said they have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

From mb.com.ph by Jean Fernando:

The Paranaque City government is now requiring all commercial and industrial establishments in the city to register with and secure clearance from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said that with the approval of the “ordinance establishing the comprehensive water quality management and user fee system in Paranaque City and appropriating funds thereof,” CENRO shall be implementing and enforcing the ordinance in compliance with RA 9275, the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2001, and in support of the Supreme Court’s continuing mandamus to clean, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay.

Olivarez said CENRO is now part of the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) processing in issuing environmental permits with a fee of P1,000 and a filing fee of P200.

He explained that under the ordinance, establishments discharging effluent/wastewater into drainages and other water bodies shall be required to secure a clearance and discharge permit.

Engr. Tere Quiogue, supervising environmental specialist management of CENRO, said those that need to apply for a discharge permit are the industrial establishment/infrastructure projects and other similar projects; condominiums; institutions, industrial subdivision; theme parks, malls, golf courses; land transport terminals and parking areas; warehouse/storage facilities; car wash and repair shops and water retailer, water stations and laundry shops.

Quiogue also said the CENRO will also implement the mandatory desludging of septic tanks.

“Hindi na po ito ipagpapatuloy.”

This was the response Alabang Bulletin received from Parañaque First District Rep. Eric L. Olivarez earlier in connection to the uproar against a bill he filed last 2019.

In a viral post published today by SMNI News, the bill filed by Olivarez requiring motorcycle owners/drivers to register at least one helmet per motorcycle owned/driven before obtaining a driver’s license, received flak from motorists and the public alike.

Photo from SMNI News

Also known as the “Helmet Registration Act of 2014”, the bill called for the mandatory registration of helmets for first time license applicants as well as those renewing their licenses.

In his explanatory note attached to the actual bill, Olivarez cited the alarming number of vehicular accidents as a reason for the filing of the said bill.

“This bill seeks to be the pilot step towards achieving such goal (safety on the road). This bill shall specifically delve into motorcycle-related accidents considering the motorcycles are the most common type of vehicle, among many others, that get involved in road accidents,” explained Olivarez.

Naturally, probably in connection with the recent Child Seat Law, this drew the ire of many citizens.

“Pati sapatos at pantalon isama na rin nila,” said one netizen.

In an interview with Alabang Bulletin, Olivarez noted that the bill was filed in 2019 also primarily to address the problem of riding-in-tandems, explaining that it is only now that it was scheduled for a committee hearing.

“Pero dahil po sa matinding hirap ng dinaranas ng marami nating kababayan lalo na po ngayon pandemya, kainausap ko na po ang committee na hindi ko na po ito ipagpapatuloy para hindi po ito makabigat sa ating mga kababayan,” expressed the Parañaque first district representative.

So there, neighbors. Nothing to worry about.

For now, let’s all use those helmets when riding our motorcycles.

Ride safe, everyone!

From manilabulletin.com by Jean Fernando

Photo from Mayor Edwin Olivarez Facebook account

The Parañaque City government held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Baclaran Gateway and People’s Market (BGPM) on Feb. 12 that will serve as the permanent home for illegal vendors.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the groundbreaking, part of the celebration of the 23rd cityhood anniversary today, Feb. 13, was attended by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos, General Manager Jojo Garcia and Rep. Eric Olivarez.

Olivarez said the multi-million project, to be funded by the city government, will help in providing a permanent site for illegal vendors along Redemptorist Road and the surrounding area.

The multi-level People’s Market will be constructed on a one-hectare vacant land located along Roxas Boulevard fronting Redemptorist Church in Baclaran.

“All of our vendors in the People’s Market will be permanent and legal. The BGPM will be the permanent solution to help our more than 3,000 vendors including our Muslim brothers to earn a living,” said Olivarez.

He added that the facility will help the public have easy access to the LRT 1 Cavite Extension 1 project. The LRT-1 extension project will extend trips from the Baclaran Station to the future Niyog Station in Bacoor City, Cavite.

from gmanetwork.com:

Photo from PNP

Authorities arrested on Friday two suspected members of an Akyat-Bahay gang for allegedly stealing religious antiques in Parañaque City.

The suspects were identified as Resty Lazaro, 23, and Mark Ivan Bernabe, 25, both residents of Barangay San Antonio in Parañaque City.

Philippine National Police chief Police General Debold Sinas said investigation showed the suspects entered the house of Enrico Deogracias Francisco in Barangay San Antonio through a sliding side door left open.

Francisco said a Jesus Christ crucifix, Virgin Mary image in a glass case, a bell, a Sto. Niño image, brass pitchers, wood carvings and a painting were among the items stolen from his collection.

He reported the burglary to the Parañaque Police Station.

From manilabulletin.com by Jean Fernando:

Photo from Manila Bulletin

Metro mayors to allow teens 15-17 to go out of their homes

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez announced on Monday that Metro Manila mayors are now willing to allow teenagers ages 15 to 17 to go out of their homes.

“Ang Metro Manila Council (MMC) pumayag po sa pagbaba po ng age. Tayo na lang sa Pilipinas ang 18 to 65. Ngayon payag na rin po ang Metro Manila Council, mga LGUs na madagdagan ng 15 to 17 years old (The Metro Manila Council already agreed to lower the age restriction and allow those from 15 to 17 to go out of their homes. We are the only country that limits going out to those who are 18 to 65 years old),” Olivarez, chairman of the MMC told TeleRadyo.

Olivarez said Metro Manila mayors agreed to lower the age restrictions believing that more teens outside will help stimulate the economy.

He noted that it was “contradictory” to have gaming arcades open in malls but not allow teens to go there.

The mayor added that those who are allowed to go out of their homes must continue to observe the health protocols.

from mb.com.ph by Dhel Nazario:

With 14 of its 16 barangays already cleared of illegal drugs, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said that within two to three months, the remaining two barangays in the city will be drug-free.

Olivarez said on Tuesday that the 14 barangays underwent a process with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) before they were declared drug-cleared.

“At meron pa tayong isa pa ho…malapit na rin po yung isa at eventually within two to three months baka yung 16 barangay ay madeclare na pong drug-cleared (And there is another barangay that will be cleared soon and eventually within two to three months, the 16 barangays may be declared drug-cleared),” Olivarez said during the launch of the Philippine Moral Transformation 2020 in the city.

The mayor urged barangay officials to sustain the effort once a barangay has been cleared by the PDEA and the PNP.

“Kailangan yung sustainability para tuloy-tuloy ang ating paglaban sa ipinagbabawal na gamot (Sustainability is important in our fight against illegal drugs),” he added.

The launch of the Philippine Moral Transformation 2020 in the city was led by Olivarez in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Religious Affairs headed by Dr. Grepor “Butch” Belgica, Parañaque Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) head Andy Altajeros, Barangay Operations Office head Cherwin Aguilar, the Special Services Office and Public Information Office headed by Mario Jimenez, and the 16 barangays.