They just love the Philippines

A Chinese national was recently arrested selling smuggled antigen test kits online. He could not present any permit or clearance to do so from the concerned agencies to sell the kits. His reaction to his arrest was hilarious. Five people have also been arrested in connection with the hacking of more than 700 BDO accounts last month. Two are Nigerian nationals who provided the equipment or means to transfer the stolen funds. The three are Filipinos educated in computer software and technology, all in their twenties. They said they studied the hackings done in other countries until they were able to do replicate them here in the country.

There are many aspects to these crimes. First, crimes committed in other countries can apparently be duplicated by simply accessing the internet. It’s that simple. Second, young adults particularly those educated in computers and information technology are the new criminals. Bank accounts are no longer completely safe from them. One mistake, or if you let your guard down, and your account is cleaned out. And third, foreigners with criminal intentions seem to love coming to the Philippines. Is it because many are willing to be complicit in crimes? Is it because authorities are easy to bribe, or is it because the country’s security measures in terms of technology are weak and easily breached?

Authorities have made several arrests of Nigerian and Chinese nationals involved in criminal activity. Whether it's illegal drugs, stealing money in a high-tech manner, or selling smuggled or contraband items. They seem to study what the country needs or what sells well, such as the case of the Chinese national selling antigen test kits which are in high demand, and immediately exploit the situation. How exactly did the antigen tests get through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) if they claim to be vigilant against smuggling? Of all things, antigen test kits? Weren’t the test kits flagged? Didn’t they investigate who brought them in and if they have all the necessary documentation and permits from concerned agencies? I would think medical items would gain much more attention. One cannot be blamed for seeing the BOC as one of the most if not the most corrupt government agency no matter whose administration it serves under. If one has the proper "connections" at the BOC, anything can be brought into the country. Once they start selling only then will authorities make arrests or confiscations. The agency must do more if public trust is to be regained. But public trust will not get you that Rolex, or that nice car, or the nice house, clothes, good food, and traveling all over the planet, right?