Police bust dreaded Madriaga kidnap for ransom syndicate in Cainta, Rizal

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

THE Water Resource Management Office (WRMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking at an integrated water resources management approach at the national and regional levels going all the way down to barangay level to address the perennial problem of water supply shortage in the country.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia YuloLoyzaga stressed this point in reaction to issues on the challenge of water supply shortage brought about by the increasing population and water consumption by an expert panelist during the Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Reclamation on Monday.

In particular, Yulo-Loyzaga was reacting to the presentation made by JanJaap Brinkman, director of Deltares Singapore, who said massive reclamation, including the construction of the Manila Bay bridge that will connect Cavite to Bataan, will cause people to move near Manila Bay areas, further stressing the already limited water resources available for the current population.

Brinkman led the team that crafted the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and has worked on projects globally, including more than 10 years in Indonesia.

Brinkman’s team formulated different options to deal with the sinking and sea level rise in Jakarta.

In his presentation, Brinkman said while huge investments were poured in reclamation projects in Manila Bay, environmental challenges and problems caused by these projects become the sole responsibility of the government.

Brinkman underscored the need for a cumulative impact assessment that will address the projected population growth in the Manila Bay region, which was among the highlights of the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan.

An expert in water resources, climate change, drought, and flood risks management, Brinkman was particularly concerned about the projected population growth in Manila Bay, especially because of the urban expansion through land reclamation.

In response, Yulo-Loyzaga bared the DENR-WRMO’s effort to address the water issues.

“There is an effort...where the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways], DILG [Department of Interior and Local Government], Neda [National Economic and Development Authority], and LWUA [Local Water Utilities Administration] as well as MWSS [Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System] to actually begin to cohesively manage water resources in the different regions, especially in Metro Manila and its surroundings,” the DENR chief said.

On Angat, she said there is a very intensive public and private cooperation at this moment between the two service providers, Maynilad and Manila Water, and MWSS.

“That is an ongoing dynamic discussion to provide water for NCR [National Capital Region]. T here is also a plan for the Bulacan area to actually have its own sustained water resources and not just rely on the share of Angat. We know that at this point, about 1,000 US-bound Afghans to pass through the country.

H e reiterated that while the country is willing to accept refugees, the concerned Afghans are not considered as such.

The said Afghans helped the American forces during their war in Afghanistan and are now at risk of persecution from the Taliban and seeking to be resettled in the US.

Several government officials opposed the entry of the Afghans into the country since it might provoke retaliatory action from local Taliban supporters and some questions on the vetting process to be used by the US in relocating the Afghans.

Marcos said the assessment on the proposal would continue indefinitely.

Well, we have not given ourselves a deadline [to complete the study]. What we are talking about is that we’re trying to see what are the problems, what are the issues arising and so doing we are trying to find ways to remedy those issues that we feel are something that we have to deal with,” the chief executive said.

THE Philippine National Police-AntiKidnapping Group (AKG) busted one of the most dreaded kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) groups operating in the country with the arrest of all of its members during an operation in Cainta, Rizal.

The PNP said members of the Madriaga kidnapping syndicate were nabbed during an operation over the weekend as the group was planning to reassemble for another kidnapping job.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Ramil Lagonoy Madriaga, 55, resident of San Andres, Cainta, Rizal, who is reportedly the leader of the Madriaga kidnap-for-ransom group and AKG’s fifth most wanted person at the national level. Also arrested were the other members of the group identified as Marcaida Patano, 53, resident of San Roque, Iriga City in the Bicol region; Ervyn Bernados, 32; Ronald Alivio, 44; and Richard Babagay, all of Cainta, Rizal.

Madriaga and his group members were arrested based on warrants of arrest for kidnapping for ransom that were issued by Regional Trial Court, Branch 21 Judge Alma Crispina Collado Lacorte in Manila.

“The Madriaga KFR group stands as among the most perilous criminal syndicates in recent police records and has been under thorough investigation for several months,” the PNP said in a statement.

“Infamous for their audacious acts of violence and their involvement in a series of abhorrent crimes throughout the region, this group’s activities have caused the loss of innocent lives, including the tragic demise of a respected officer from the AKG during a confrontation with the criminals,” it added.

Meanwhile, PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday that fostered cooperation and innovation by the two agencies in the areas of information and communications technology.

“This MOU serves as the cornerstone of a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership between the PNP and the DICT, working hand in hand to establish a harmonized and seamlessly coordinated ICT system. This collective understanding will not only foster integration, interoperability, and interconnection between our respective systems and applications but also ensure their reciprocal enrichment and interdependence,” Acorda said.

On the other hand, Uy said the partnership between the PNP and the DICT holds the potential to revolutionize the approach to public safety and security.

“This collaboration represents a significant step towards our commitment to leveraging the potentials of information and communication technology or ICT in order to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and promote a safer society,” the DICT secretary said.

Gatchalian Flags Bi Failure To Block Entry Of Foreign Fugitives In Pogos

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian awaits an explanation from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for failing to block the entry into the country of foreign fugitives known to engage in various criminal activities, such as human trafficking and various online scams using Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) as a front.

The senator recalled that just last June, police authorities conducted a raid

El Niño persists and rainfall continues to fall below expectations and that the agriculture sector will suffer the most, particularly in Pampanga and Bulacan,” Yulo-Loyzaga said. She added the integrated water management approach is high on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda and assured participants that the DENR-WRMO is already addressing issues raised by the resource speaker.

In her opening remarks, Yulo-Loyzaga said reclamation is an environmental issue that must be addressed from a lens that considers the “intersectionality” between ecological dynamics, socioeconomic and building environments, and the costs and benefits of such activities.

“Reclamation decisions must consider the interaction between land, air, and sea and the multitude of environmental factors from physics and chemistry of water, biodiversity, the demand for resources of food, power, and water,” she said.

During her talk, the DENR chief underscored the Manila Bay mandamus ruling, where the Supreme Court ordered 13 agencies with DENR as lead agency are mandated to clean, rehabilitate, and preserve the waters of Manila Bay and to restore and maintain its water sewer level fit for commercial propagation of shellfish and spawning area for milkfish.

The DENR chief also highlighted the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and multiple hazards like earthquakes, which should also be considered in implementing reclamation projects.

The Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Reclamation invited international experts as guest speakers to get valuable inputs from the experiences of other countries.

Mr. Obaid Ali Humaid Al Shamsi, a biologist from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) talked about UAE’s practice on reclamation projects, particularly on reforesting surrounding areas with mangroves and implementing coral farming.

Mr. Hiroyuki Kudo, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines who worked at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism and was involved in planning, budgeting, and design of airport and port projects discussed the interventions made for the reclamation in building the Haneda Airport, which underwent a series of large-scale expansions.

He also discussed the good practice of Kansai Airport, a fully reclaimed airport with two 4,000-meter runways and two passenger terminals that opened in 1994.

David Perkey, Program Manager, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), a research scientist for the US Army Corps of Engineers and worked as a manager for the USACE Regional Sediment Management Program, discussed about the Regional Sediment Management (RSM) program.

RSM, a systems approach using best management practices for more efficient and effective use of sediments in coastal, estuarine and inland environments for healthier and more resilient systems, was applied by USACE in reclamation projects.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

at Xinchuang Network Technology in Las Piñas, turning over seven foreign fugitives to the BI. One month earlier, seven foreign fugitives were also identified at the raided CGC Technologies in Sunvalley Corporation in Pampanga. Both Xinchuang and CGC were POGO-accredited service providers.

“Paanonakakalusotangmgapuganteng ito papasok ng bansa na kinukuha pa ng mga lisensyadong kumpanya ng POGO?” Gatchalian asked.

Based on police reports, the foreign fugitives, including individuals from

China and Taiwan, are wanted for assorted crimes, such as fraud, theft, drug trafficking activities, human trafficking, and online scams, among others.

“POGOs corrupt the system kaya maraming palusot ang nangyayari,” Gatchalian griped, warning that “by allowing these fugitives to enter the country, some BI personnel might have also been tainted by POGOs and the individuals involved should be properly investigated.”

The senator suggested, “The meticulous

Marcos Mourns Death Of 39 South Korea Flood Victims

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday mourned for the 39 people who perished from the recent floods and landslides in South Korea.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the people of South Korea for the devastating loss of 39 lives resulting from the recent floods and landslide,” Marcos said in a brief post in his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

His post in Twitter was viewed by 4,481 users as of 4 p.m., while the reposted message in Facebook received 632 shares and 133 comments.

T he said fatalities as of Monday were the result of the heavy monsoon downpour, which hit parts of South Korea, causing floods and landslides since last week.

S even of the recorded deaths were from a flooded tunnel, two were from a collapsed building, while five others were from houses buried by landslides.

T he torrential rains also led to the evacuation of 1,500 people.

Makati mayor worries over fate of 300K residents of District 2

MAKATI Mayor Abby Binay expressed her apprehension on Monday over the welfare of over 300,000 residents affected by the Supreme Court decision in favor of Taguig.

In a video message aired on the city’s official Facebook page, the mayor assured the residents that she and the city government of Makati will be coordinating and working with the appropriate departments and agencies of the national government to address their plight.

“In the coming days, the city government and I will coordinate and work with the concerned national government agencies,” Mayor Abby said in Filipino. ”We will find a way for Makati to continue to be of assistance and service to you,” she added.

T he mayor also said the dispute with Taguig is not about the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) or politics but the welfare of Makatizens in the 10 barangays covered by the decision.

“It is painful, especially for me, to be separated from over 300,000 Makatizens who have been with us throughout the city’s recovery and progress,” she said.

The mayor expressed concern over the future of thousands of public school students.

“I am worried for the future of thousands of youth and students who will not be able to graduate from our public elementary and high schools in Makati, and at the University of Makati. They will no longer receive the unique benefits and incentives that only Makati is giving. What will happen to them now?),” the mayor lamented. She also expressed concern over the health benefits of Makatizens in these barangays.

“I am concerned for the sick who are being cared for at our health centers and at the Ospital ng Makati or OsMak; they who enjoy benefits and quality but free health care that are given only in Makati. What will happen to them?,” she asked.

Ma yor Abby, who has always had a soft spot for the elderly, also lamented the plight of senior citizens.

“I am worried for our senior citizens who are receiving annual cash allowances and other special benefits from Makati that help meet their needs. How will they cope now?,” she said. It is them I am most concerned about. It feels like I have lost children, parents, and grandparents. I have nurtured and taken care of them from the very start,” she added.

The mayor said that in 2022 alone, Makati set aside over P9 billion for the welfare of District 2 residents.

“We do not regard these as costs. It is the right of every Makatizen, as taxpayers and residents of Makati, to share in the city’s progress,” the mayor said.

The mayor also expressed her disbelief over statements that Taguig is prepared to

FUTURE PLANNING: LIFE IN 2024 AND BEYOND

waste. They also will maintain experiments with emerging technologies that show growing value as they move into 2024.

Life in the 2030s provide over 300,000 residents of the 10 barangays the same services and benefits they are receiving from Makati. She cited Taguig’s announcement that graduating senior high school students from these barangays can now avail themselves of their scholarship program.

WHILE planning for 2024, it may make sense to look at life in the 2030s.

The mayor, however, pointed out that based on their guidelines, they would not be able to immediately award the scholarship to over 3,000 Makatizen senior high school graduates set to enter college this year, since they do not meet the basic requirement of three-year residency in Taguig. Those who are 18 years of age must also be registered voters of Taguig, she added.

“Is it not clearly just an empty promise?,” she said.

Mayor Abby pointed out that Taguig has not been providing its residents the same quantity and quality of services enjoyed by Makatizens when it claims to collect substantial revenue from BGC establishments.

“I suppose these can be given to Taguig residents, considering the hefty revenues the local government claims to have been generated from BGC. But why haven’t they done it? Shouldn’t the residents of Taguig get to share in the city’s prosperity?,” the mayor said.

The mayor reassured residents of the 10 barangays that she and the city want to be dominated by AI in future? To what extent will AI drive job losses, changes in work from home? How will Filipinos gain strong Internet connectivity to service clients all over the world?

There are some trends revealed in latest global surveys on consumer attitudes towards health and wellness.

The future of wellness scrutiny shown by immigration officers towards outbound Filipino passengers, including demanding numerous documents such as birth certificates and transcript of school records, should also be applied to suspicious inbound passengers to prevent the entry of criminal elements.” G atchalian, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, has been calling for the expulsion of POGOs, warning that the existence of POGOs greatly contribute to the deterioration of peace and order in the country.

Marcos said the country is ready to provide aid to the South Korean government as it deals with its recent calamity.

“ The Filipino people are with you, offering our steadfast support during this challenging time,” the Chief Executive said. Earlier this month, he reiterated his interest to enter into a deeper bilateral cooperation with South Korea as one of the country’s top trading partner.

Samuel P. Medenilla

government are ready to help them, and they will remain Makatizens. be focused on more and more.

“My fellow Makatizens, let us unite and join hands. We will not give up. I will not give up. As your Mayor, I promise that I will see this through until the end, I will not abandon you. Just keep on holding on. No one should let go,” she said.

Public school students of Makati are taken care of from head to foot. They receive free uniforms, school shoes, the AB sneakers, school bags, raincoats, thermal flasks, socks, dental hygiene kits, and even dengue kits. The kids also receive free vaccination, dental cleaning, and free nutritious snacks on school days. Graduates also receive cash incentives from the city.

The Makati Health Plus Program or Yellow Card gives members free access to all the services of Ospital ng Makati, including outpatient, emergency, and inpatient care, 24/7 outpatient and diagnostic services at Makati Life Medical Center, and free medicines that include maintenance medicines for lifestyle diseases.

Under the Blu C ard program, senior citizens receive yearly cash allowances, centenarian cash gift, birthday cakes, free movies, and burial assistance, among other benefits.

The Supreme Court recently awarded to Taguig 10 residential barangays in Makati’s second district with an estimated population of 300,000. These are Barangays Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Northside and Southside.

The future of exciting shopping

By Henry J. Schumacher

headwinds coupled

unexpected

For many companies—and many industries—the Covid-19 pandemic set off a period of head-spinning change. They realized they could move faster than they ever thought possible. They went digital in a matter of days, not years. They offered new services almost overnight. If companies sustain this newfound speed and agility, it’s conceivable that more innovation will happen in the next 10 years than in any previous decade in modern history. Life in the 2030s could vastly differ from today.

THE wellness market is booming. Consumers intend to keep spending more on products that improve their health, fitness, nutrition, appearance, sleep, and mindfulness.

The future of your digital strategy

IT’S critical to think about your digital strategy in a broad sense. From a channel perspective, are you well set up to succeed especially in e-commerce. From a marketing perspective, are you leveraging the power of social media and influencers?

BY 2030, we may see a completely different store experience. It’s about capturing that concept of discovery, whether through services, classes, or just a curated, exciting, and gamified experience that brings consumer in—for example, being able to see 3-D versions of your face and being able to apply color cosmetic products to it so that you then could simply hit the buy button and have the products sent to your home. Basically, we can touch this exciting shopping already today.

The future of Integrity

trickier

Leaders must temper their overly optimistic predictions for budget increases with discipline and precision.

Those who come out on top in 2023 will prioritize investments that maximize revenue growth, profitability, and resilience while cutting spending in areas prone to

Visualizing the future

THE demand for natural and “clean” products is steadily growing; sustainability is becoming a key driver. Digital and social channels are becoming significantly more influential.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is hitting us and makes us shiver. How much do we

The future of data partnerships

DATA is going to be the key. Having a way to tie these different data systems together is probably the best secret. Interconnectedness of data and data partnerships are going to be the real opportunities. Data security is playing a bigger role by the day. Personal security has to

THE future we are heading into—short-term, mid-term, long-term—cannot be without Integrity. Integrity must be part of the learning process for young people, it must be part of the working process and business process for the private sector, and it must definitely be part of government’s processes—national and local. Let’s all commit to contribute to the creation of a great future!

I am aware that there are plenty other ideas regarding the future but have space limits; if you have ideas regarding today’s subject, send it to me at hjschumacher59@ gmail.com