Congratulations are in order for the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the Airport Police Department (APD) after four individuals said to be involved in what is called ‘Honey Love Scam’ were arrested.

The APD, headed by SSupt.Adrian Tecson, reported to MIAA general manager Ed Monreal that the arrest was made during a follow-up operation that went all the way to Dagupan City and Calasiao in Pangasinan.

The four were identified as Nigerians Promise Iwunamara and Olier Ugonna and Filipino women Ernestila Sumaoang and Shirley Nalo.

The action came upon the complaint of Ma. Cecilia Pascual, 41, a widow, of Bacoor, Cavite.

Monreal said the complainant sought assistance when the four demanded from her P71,000 in exchange for the release of a package sent to her by the NAIA Customs.

An entrapment and follow-up operation was thus ordered conducted by Tecson in Dagupan City and Calasiao in Pangasinan, in coordination with the respective Police Stations of the said places.

Tecson said the suspects were presented for inquest proceedings at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Pasay City.

They now face charges of violation of Articles 315 and 151 of the Revised Penal Code for swindling/estafa and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, respectively.

These love scams thrive on fake profiles on dating sites, apps and social media. These scammers then message you in order to befriend you, earn your trust and ultimately establish a romantic relationship with you.

Once the trust is full, these scammers then hit you up for your money. It could either be they want to see you but is short on funds to travel or the communication will have to temporarily stop because he or she can no longer afford to pay for cellphone bills and all sorts of lies. Then, all in the name of love, the poor victim would send money.

Another scheme is when the scammer would tell the victim that he had sent her a package and that people from Customs would get in touch when the package is ready for claiming. The scammer’s cohorts would then contact the victim, pretending to be from the Customs. They would inform the victim that she had been billed a certain amount for the package and that they would have it delivered as soon as she pays her bill. Once payment is made, the ‘Customs’ people and the scammer can no longer be reached. ***

In solidarity with the tourism stakeholders in Bohol, AirAsia joined hands with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Panglao LGU and the Panglao Association of Dive Operators to bring in diving and underwater photography enthusiasts for the 2021 Panglao Dive Festival. Now in its second year, the festival showcases not only the pristine white sand beaches but also the beauty of Panglao seas with an underwater photography competition held at world-famous diving spots like Balicasag Island, the Arco Point, Habagat Wreck, and Neptune Water. A free-diving competition meanwhile was held at the Bohol Strait.

The easing of travel restrictions for tourists coming from the NCR Plus bubble contributed to the increase in the number of tourists arriving in Panglao. Tourist arrivals in Panglao saw a gradual increase of 200 to 300 daily since the reopening of the province.

Since the reopening of Panglao, only 17 percent of the hotels on the island have resumed operations. Restaurants and other establishments who were given the Safety Seal meanwhile were allowed to operate but with heavy restrictions.

Considered as the Crown jewel of the south, and the tourism hub of the island of Bohol, Panglao has also started to offer tourism bubble packages to visitors in order to boost tourism. AirAsia partnered with a number of celebrities and influencers who also advocate the revival of tourism in the country. These celebrities will engage in various activities on the island which include coastal clean-up of the Panglao coast and coral restoration. The 2021 Panglao Dive Festival will run from June 16 – 20, 2021.​ ***

Jokjok (from Helen Garrido of Caloocan City ) — INDAY is a very kuripot Ilocana. When her husband Pedro died, she inquired with the newspaper, asking the price for the obituary… AD TAKER: It’s P300 pesos for five words/ INDAY: Pwede ba two words lang? “Tanoy dead”?/AD TAKER: No, ma’am. Five words is the minimum/ AD TAKER (After thinking for a while): Okay sige, para sulit, ilagay mo… PEDRO DEAD, TOYOTA FOR SALE…

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