Dev Flores

Authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind of a massive illegal recruitment scheme that victimized at least 1,700 aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The suspect was identified as Mazhoor Khusin y Ubongin or alias Maz, from ALJU International Manpower Services, Inc. 

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW),  he was apprehended in a joint operation by the Quezon City Police District and Project 4 Police Station in his residence in Mexico, Pampanga.

The suspect’s modus operandi reportedly involved recruiting aspiring OFWs and offering them factory jobs in Europe in exchange for placement fees ranging from P80,000 to P130,000.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also revealed several deceptive tactics, including:

First, the Few Slots Left Scheme where applicants were pressured into making immediate payments because of limited remaining slots.

Next is the False Permanent Residency Promise, which falsely assured victims that they could secure permanent residency in Europe for themselves and their families.

The Schengen Visa Misrepresentation is when the applicants were told they could freely travel across Europe using their visa.

Hence, the DMW urges the public to verify agencies before paying placement fees. Aspiring OFWs are advised to check whether the recruitment agency holds a valid license from the DMW.

Hiniling ng kampo ni Vice President Sara Duterte sa Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC RTC) na ipagpaliban ang paglalabas ng arrest warrant at ibasura ang kasong grave threats na kinakaharap ng Bise Presidente.

Ayon sa kampo ni VP Sara, wala umanong hurisdiksyon ang korte sa kanya.

Samantala, may puna naman ang ilang mambabatas mula sa prosecution panel ng impeachment trial kaugnay ng pagdalo ng Pangalawang Pangulo sa pagdinig ng kaso ng kanyang kapatid.

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Amid the popular use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country, do you know that fraud could also slip through using the same technology?

Scamming methods in the country may come in many forms, but did you know that scammers are evolving their tactics to trick victims using AI?

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) revealed a new scheme used by scammers known as the “fund recovery scam”. Under this scheme, scammers use the names of government agencies and will allegedly offer assistance to recover the stolen money through a scam.

“Ang modus nila, mayroong tatawag sa’yo na pulis, abogado, at financial expert. Pag-uusapan ang procedures o pamamaraan (kung) paano ma-recover ang mga nawalang pera,” PNP-ACG Director PMGen. Wilson Asueta said

[“Their scheme is that there is a police, lawyer, and financial expert that will call you. The fund recovery procedures will be discussed.”]

According to PMGen. Asueta, scammers reach the targets through posting AI-generated videos and photos depicting the PNP-ACG and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

The PNP-ACG clarified that the agency has never been affiliated with any fund recovery service.

According to the PNP, the scheme specifically targets individuals who have already fallen victim to previous scams. Once the scammers successfully receive the money, they will immediately vanish.

“Hihingan kayo ng pera for initial transaction mechanism payment, then after that, bibigyan kayo ng update, then hihingan uli kayo ng mga panibagong bayad,” he said

[“They will ask you for money as an initial transaction payment, then after that, they will give you an update, then they will ask for another payment.”]

“Then mawawala na lang sila bigla sa social media platform or ide-deactivate nila ang kanilang Facebook page,” he added

[“Then they will suddenly disappear from social media platforms or deactivate their Facebook page.”]

The PNP reminded the public to always verify the information before settling any transaction.

With reports from Lea Ylagan

Budget deliberations in the Senate are expected to begin after the chamber formally receives a copy of the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

According to the new Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, he will maintain the transparent budget deliberations as initiated last year.

The Senator stated that there will be no last-minute insertions allowed in the bicameral conference.

“Hindi ko na papayagan ang last-minute insertions lalong-lalo na sa bicam. No more amendments or insertions during bicam. Mangyayari lang yung amendments or insertions during plenary sa budget deliberations,” he said

[“I will no longer allow last-minute insertions, especially during the bicam. No more amendments or insertions during the bicameral conference. Amendments or insertions will only take place during plenary budget deliberations.”]

Sen. Ejercito ensures that the entire budget process will be open to the public and no secret bicameral conference will happen.

“Open ang budget hearings. Civil service organizations, academe, stakeholders are welcome anytime. They can access information anytime. So kung ano yung sinimulan noon ni Sen. Win na reforms ay ipagpapatuloy natin,” the Senator said

[The budget hearings are open. Civil service organizations, academe, stakeholders are welcome anytime. They can access information anytime. So we will continue the reforms started by Sen. Win.”]

The budget committee hearings will be held every Thursday and Friday.

With reports from Jed Nerecina

The Provincial Government of Benguet continues the clearing operations in Sayatan Pusos Provincial Road Section in Tublay.

The operation was initiated after the Bangho section was completely closed due to a landslide. Final clearing operations in the affected road section are expected to continue.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Office of Civil Defense, and the local government unit also continue their assessment and coordination regarding the affected section.

Meanwhile, in Baguio City, the  Arboretum Walkway sustained damage due to heavy rains and strong winds. An estimated 30-meter tree collapsed onto the new walkway.

According to the management, the tree was healthy and has no visible signs of structural compromise prior the severe weather.

Due to the damage, the scheduled September 1 opening has been postponed. Clearing, repairs, and comprehensive safety assessments on the facilities are currently underway before the area reopens to the public.

With reports from Allan Manansala