Edge Davao Vol. 16 Issue 37 | Tuesday, May 30, 2023

RAISING THE ALARM

Bato challenges Davao City police force to contain increasing crime incidents

A

Envi group hopes SC will issue TRO vs Samal Bridge project

An environmental group hopes that the Supreme Court will decide in favor of a petition filed by the Rodriguez family last March 16, seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the construction of the multi-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.

Ecoteneo director Mylai Santos told MindaNews that they are hoping to secure a TRO on the project because the national agencies are not heeding their calls to save Paradise Reef, a 7,500-square meter Amarine creatures.”

“I just hope that the people will see that the issue is not about property rights, but rights of nature and, in the end, the rights of our children to a climate-secure future,” she said.

Environmentalists here hope the High Court would exercise its “wisdom as it has in previous and even in environmental cases” when it decides on the petition for “continuing mandamus and prohibition” with an application for TRO.

She said the interests of the people should come first in the face of ecological risks and threats. The bridge project, she added, is not just about the “road right of way issue,” reiterating the group’s previous calls to realign the bridge project to a location with the least direct eological costs.

The landing point of the SIDC project, also known as the Davao City-Samal Bridge, is situated on the coast of Costa Marina Beach Resort, which is adjacent to Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort in Barangay Caliclic, Babak District of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS).

The Rodriguez family owns both resorts.

On the Davao City side, the landing point is situated along R. Castillo-Daang Maharlika junction in Barangay Hizon, crossing over a marine protected area of Barangay Hizon, which is included in the Comprehensive LandUse Plan (CLUP) 2018-2028.

The family previously offered to donate another property, Caliclic Beach Resort, located about a kilometer away from Paradise Island, as an alternative site for Davao-Samal Bridge project’s landing point as its coast no longer has a coral reef capable of supporting a diverse marine ecosystem.

The petitioners resorted to bringing the case to the Supreme Court last March after the Court of Appeals decided against the issuance of TRO early this year.

In a statement sent to the media, Atty. Ramon Edison Batacan, counsel for the Rodriguez Family, said their petition “states that the DPWH committed brazen violations of the law, to the utter prejudice of the environment and the rule of law, and without regard to the protected area status of the Samal Island Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve.”

In particular, Batacan pointed out the glaring lack of a valid Protected Area Management Board clearance from the PAMB explicitly mandated by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7586 or the Natinoal Integrated Protected Areas System Act, as amended by the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act prior to the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the SIDC Project.

He said the DPWH has proceeded with project implementation without the requisite permits and clearances.

“The manifest disregard for the law undercuts the very foundation of our environmental laws and the EIA process, especially the legal safeguards instituted to preserve the country’s protected areas,” he said.

He added that the family’s efforts before the Executive Branch to correct the defects of the ECC had failed through “government indifference and inaction. “

He said project implementation has perilously commenced without a valid PAMB Clearance and a valid ECC. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

RAISING THE ALARM

Bato challenges Davao City police force to contain increasing crime incidents

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa challenged on Saturday authorities in Davao City to do their best in resolving crimes amid the increasing crime incidents in the city of late, particularly rape.

The strong message comes at the heels of the rape with homicide case of a 28-year-old architect who was found dead in a banana plantation at Purok 6, Barangay Dacudao, Calinan, Davao City on May 18, 2023.

Dela Rosa, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said that the high incidence of rape cases in Davao City is an indicator that drugs are prevalent again.

“It’s an indicator na bumab-

4K evacuated in Lanao del Sur due to Dawlah Islamiyah threat

alik na naman ang krimen, ibig sabihin, bumabalik na naman ang droga. Kasi nobody in his right mind will do that heinous crime. Ni-rape mo na tapos patayin mo pa. Ibig sabihin bumabalik na naman ang droga,” he told Edge Davao during the senior high school graduation of Precious International School of Davao, wherein he was the keynote

Around 4,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes due to the threat of an alleged leader of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah in Marogong, Lanao del Sur, the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) said Monday.

“Nasa 4,000 residents involving 400 to 450 households of Marogong evacuated,” PRO BAR public information office chief Police Lieutenant Eirene Mazon said.

Mazon said around 20% of the evacuees have already re-

turned to their houses.

At a press briefing in Quezon City, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said they have already boosted the deployment of police forces and coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to secure the area.

“We have ample of security forces enough really to safeguard yung bayan [the town],” he said.

“We beefed up the police force in the area. We deploy ‘yung mga mobile force naitn

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa challenges the Davao City police to do their best in resolving crimes amid the increasing crime incidents, particularly rape, in the city lately. Edge Davao

Police station commanders told to intensify crime prevention, patrolling

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Top Rigen execs sentenced to life imprisonment for syndicated estafa

The Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 has convicted the officials of Tagum City-based Rigen Wellness Product Marketing and sentenced them to life imprisonment for syndicated estafa.

In a statement, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said the court convicted Rigen Marketing’s John Colorines Garcia and King Paul Bryan Auditor for the crime of syndicated estafa in handing down the decisions of the two criminal cases on April 11 and May 2, 2023.

Garcia and Auditor were sentenced to life imprisonment in both cases, alongside payment of actual damages totaling P2.01 million and moral damages amounting to P120,000, plus an interest of 6% per annum.

The investment fraud promised investors on making 30-day income returns of up to 400%.

“The cases stemmed from the complaints of two individuals who were enticed to invest in Rigen Marketing after it allegedly promised income returns of up to 400% within a span of 30 days.

Rigen Marketing claimed that profits were generated from in-

vestments in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange trading,” the statement said.

“It has been held that where one states that the future profits or income of an enterprise shall be a certain sum, but he actually knows there will be none, or that they will be less than he represents, the statements constitute an actionable fraud where the hearer believes him and relies on the statement to his injury,” the statement quoting the court.

The statement said that the court noted that Rigen Marketing employed fraud when Garcia, Auditor, and its officers pretended to have the authority to solicit investments from the general public when it did not have such authority.

“[T]he promised high-yielding venture was unsustainable, as Rigen Marketing was not really engaged in any legitimate business,” the decision read.

The statement also cited Section 1 of Presidential Decree No. 1689 that “provides an additional punishment of life imprisonment for the crime of estafa, as provided in Articles 315 to 316 of the FTOP, P10

Police station commanders in Davao City were reminded to intensify efforts in preventing crimes and patrolling operations particularly in crime-prone areas in Davao City.

This is in line with the launch of “Patrol Rehiyon Onse” by the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) on May 24, 2023, which aims for a more effective patrol system.

“Ang “Patrol Rehiyon Onse” gipabalik sa atoang regional director ang basic na trabaho sa kapulisan nga crime prevention ug ang pagpatrol dinha sa mga

kadalanan. Ang backbone sa trabaho sa pulis kay magpatrol kay mas maayo na i-prevent na nato ang any crimes kaysa magsulbad ta ug krimen. Ang gusto sa city director dili lang maglakaw lakaw lang ang pulis apan ila ilahon nila ang mga vendors nga namaligya ug within sa iyahang patrol area dapat kaila sila. Kani sila ang

partners nato sa kadalanan,” said Police Major Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday.

Dela Rey said city director Police Col. Alberto Lupaz ordered the station commanders to intensify patrol in the crime-prone areas in Davao City.

“Patrol Rehiyon Onse” is a standard operating procedure (SOP) that provides the policy guidelines to be undertaken by

FPOLICE, P10

Cotabato Governor denounces shooting of 2 teachers in Pikit

Province of Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala”

Taliño Mendoza strongly denounced the shooting of two teachers in the town of Pikit, Cotabato on May 26, 2023. Based on the police report of Pikit Municipal Police Station, the victims were identified as Joel Reformado, 36 of Damalasak Primary School, and Elton

John Lapined, of Mapagkaya Elementary School were ambushed and shot by two unidentified individuals.

Reformado died due to multiple gunshot wounds to the body, while Lapined is undergoing surgery at the hospital.

In a statement, Mendoza condemned and considered the shooting of the said teachers to

be despicable.

“Teachers play a big role in shaping the future of every Pikiteño’s child. I denounce any acts of violence and injustice towards our teachers, who have dedicated their lives to the Filipino children,” she said.

Mendoza ordered the authorities to conduct an in-depth FCOTABATO, P10

A police personnel stands guard along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City. Police station commanders in Davao City were ordered to intensify efforts in crime prevention and patrolling operations particularly in crimeprone areas in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Gov’t collects more than P200B from tax reform

TheDepartment of Finance (DOF) said the implementation of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) generated PHP202.8 billion additional revenues in 2022.

In a statement over the weekend, the DOF said the total collection last year was higher by 26.3 percent from PHP160.5 billion revenue in 2021.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the higher collections was due to the “full economic recovery due to lifting of stringent quarantine measures” implemented at the height of the pandemic.

“The major gains in 2022 were seen in the imported petro-

leum excise tax, sweetened beverage excise tax, documentary stamp tax, and sin taxes on tobacco and alcohol,” Diokno said.

DOF data showed that total collections from the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law amounted to PHP216.5 billion in 2022, up by 27 percent than the 2021 collection of PHP171 billion.

Collections from Package 1B or the Tax Amnesty Law went down by 69.6 percent from

PHP4.6 billion in 2021 to PHP1.4 billion last year.

Total collections from Package 2+ or the Sin Tax Laws meanwhile amounted to PHP65.3 billion, 23 percent higher than the 2021 collection of PHP52.9 billion.

Revenue losses from the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law reached PHP80.4 billion in 2022, up by 18 percent or PHP12.4 billion from the actual impact in 2021 of PHP68 billion.

In a separate statement, the DOF meanwhile said that the proposed tax revenue measures

E-vehicle stakeholders want more incentives from gov’t, DTI says

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday that stakeholders of the electric vehicle industry have called on the national government to provide more incentives for the local production of electric motorcycles.

This as the DTI said mass production of the electric motorcycles would begin in June of this year.

“As the stakeholders greeted with enthusiasm the report

that the local mass production of electric motorcycles will start next month, they also appeared hopeful that the inclusion of the two and three-wheelers in the EV import tariff break shall be made effective sooner than the scheduled review of Executive Order No. 12 early next year,” the DTI said in a statement.

The local production came following the signing of an agreement between the Ayala Group’s Integrated Micro-Elec-

World Bank approves USD100-M Mindanao agri dev’t project for IPs

The World Bank has approved a USD100 million agriculture development project to help boost the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk in indigenous cultural communities in the southern Philippines.

In a statement over the weekend, World Bank said the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) is expected to benefit around 120,000 farmers and fisherfolk in selected ancestral domains in Mindanao.

The project will be implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with implementing partners that include the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

tronics Inc. and California-based Zero Motorcycles on the establishment of the the first electronic vehicle motorcycle manufacturing site in the Philippines.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the memorandum of agreement as part of his official visit to Washington early this month.

Under the pact, the US-based company will lead the way in

Twenty-six ancestral domains will be involved, including in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The communities included in the project are among the poorest and most vulnerable in the country.

The World Bank said that while Mindanao contributes 33.4 percent of the total value of agricultural production in the Philippines, a big amount of agricultural land in ancestral domains

remains unused or under subsistence cultivation by indigenous peoples.

“Mindanao is home to about 25 percent of the Philippines’ population but accounts for 35 percent of the country’s poor. Poverty in indigenous cultural communities is even higher, with 68 percent living below the poverty line. Initiatives that aim to improve people’s living conditions, while actively involving them, are vital for strengthening inclusive growth in the country,” said Ndiame Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

The MIADP will help address the several barriers that hinder development in ancestral domains such as inadequate road infrastructure, landslides causing extended periods of isolation, and limited access to technical services, markets, finance, electricity, internet, and telephone services.

In particular, the fund will be used for the rehabilitation or restoration of roads and bridges, installation of agricultural tramline systems, and the construction of small-scale and solar-powered irrigation systems.

Street food vendors park their carts outside an establishment along San Pedro Street in Davao City where foot traffic is high on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

BOI confident of hitting P1.5-T investment target

PBBM forms inter-agency body to address inflation

President Ferdinand R. Mar-

cos Jr. has ordered the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO) in an effort to ramp up the government’s efforts to ease inflation and improve the Philippine economy.

Under Executive Order (EO) 28, which was signed by Marcos on Friday, the IAC-IMO will be cochaired by the secretaries of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Finance (DOF).

The Budget secretary will be the vice chairperson of the IACIMO, while the secretaries of Agriculture, Trade, Energy, Science and Technology, and Interior and Local Government departments will serve as members.

According to EO 28, the IACIMO will act as an advisory body to the Economic Development Cluster (EDC), which will now be known as Economic Development Group (EDG).

The IAC-IMO is tasked to monitor the main drivers of rising prices of basic goods, particularly of food and energy, and their proximate sources and causes.

The EO also directs the inter-agency body to assess the

supply-demand situation for essential food commodities during the cropping period to allow periodic updating as new information becomes available.

The IAC-IMO is also directed to assess the possible impact of natural and man-made shocks on the supply of key food commodities, as well as to monitor the data necessary to assess food prices and the supply and demand situation.

EO 28 also mandates the IAC-IMO to facilitate regular and efficient data sharing among concerned agencies to ensure timely supply and demand situation analysis; monitor global, regional, and domestic developments and issues that may affect prices.

The IAC-IMO is also instructed to provide timely recommendations to the EDG and relevant agencies on measures to curb price spikes and promote food security based on ex-ante supply and demand analysis.

The IAC-IMO shall submit a report to the EDG of the country’s food and energy supply and demand situation and outlook every quarter, or as the circumstances may require.

The Board of Investments (BOI) is confident that its PHP1.5 trillion investment pledges target will be achieved this year.

In an interview over the weekend here, Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said several big renewable energy (RE) projects are expected to be approved within the year.

“These renewable energy projects are really big, that’s why we are confident that we will hit the PHP1.5 trillion [target],” he said.

“At least five RE projects are [expected to be approved]. At the very least, the average is around

$2 billion per project. These are offshore wind and floating solar.”

Rodolfo said most of the expected investments will be from foreign companies that have local partners.

For the first quarter of the year, BOI’s investment approvals already amounted to PHP463.3 billion.

Majority of these were invested in RE, manufacturing, administrative services, transportation and storage and agriculture.

The BOI originally set the

investments target this year to PHP1 trillion but due to the better-than-expected turnout in the first quarter, Rodolfo said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. mandated the agency to raise the target to PHP1.5 trillion.

Rodolfo said the move to fully open the country’s renewable energy sector to foreign ownership helped attract more foreign investments.

Last year, the Department of Justice said natural resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and ocean or tidal energies, are not covered by constitutional limitations on foreign ownership.

UK to replace EU’s GSP trading system with new scheme: BCCP

The Developing Country Trading (DCT) scheme, set to be launched by the UK in the Philippines in June, is seen to further grow trade between the 2 countries, British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Executive Director Chris Nelson said on Monday.

DCT is meant to replace the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), Nelson said.

The new trading scheme would

cover 3.3 billion people, the British business leader said.

“This has been very well studied it’s not just covering the Philippines obviously it covers a number of countries but the Philippines will be a major beneficiary,” Nelson said.

“What it’s going to do particularly for the Philippines is continue to grow trade that’s already doing extremely well, I mean already we’re now at £2.4 billion...DCT will add further stimulus to the already

growing trade between the two countries,” he added.

He said the DCT would focus on 4 main products namely electronics, coconut oil, spectacle lenses as well as processed fruits.

“There is a significant trade in electronics and obviously also in coconut oil and processed food,” he said.

Nelson said the DCT scheme would be launched in the Philippines on June 7.

Laborers wait for customers at the Farmers Trading Center, locally known as Bagsakan, in Bankerohan Market, Davao City on Saturday, May 27. MindaNews photo

FBOI, P10

FPBBM, P10

On the high incidence of rape cases in Davao City as an indicator that drugs are prevalent again: “It’s an indicator na bumabalik na naman ang krimen, ibig sabihin, bumabalik na naman ang droga. Kasi nobody in his right mind will do that heinous crime. Ni-rape mo na tapos patayin mo pa. Ibig sabihin bumabalik na naman ang droga.”

Senator

RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA

We, Filipinos, pray more often than not. When there’s a typhoon coming, when our homes are under water due to flooding, or when the ground shakes so strongly, we call help from the Almighty.

It’s understandable. After all, we are part of what scientists call as “the Ring of Fire.” Actually, it’s the area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

According to scientists, the Ring of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes. The Philippines, for instance, has around 200 volcanoes scattered all over the archipelago. Fortunately, only 25 are considered active.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says the active volcanoes in Mindanao are: Ragang and Matutum, both in Cotabato; Hibok-Hibok in Mambajao, Camiguin; Calayo in Valencia, Bukidnon; Bud Dajo on Jolo Island; Musuan in Bukidnon; and Makaturing in Lanao.

Most of the volcanoes in the country are also endowed with many natural springs. And it is for this reason that a research team from the University of the Philippines-Cebu and Adamson is exploring hot springs and vol-

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FINDING POSSIBLE MEDICINES FROM HOT SPRINGS

canic microorganisms for biotech and pharma applications.

They researchers believe microbial and natural product exploration of volcanoes and hot springs, which are underexplored habitats, will undoubtedly yield a huge repertoire of novel and biologically active compounds.

Microbial natural products (NPs) have been prominent sources of drugs for a long history, especially for cancer and infectious diseases and hot springs and volcanic environments represent valuable sources of novel NPs, yet largely untapped and understudied.

Dr. Fleurdeliz Maglangit headed the study, entitled “Bioactive Compounds from Hot Spring and Volcanic Microorganisms.” The researchers surveyed the bioactive NPs from hot springs and volcanic microbes from 2006–2022, highlighting their chemical structures and biological potential.

“Microbial pathogens or microorganisms that are capable of producing diseases, quickly evolve new ways to combat drug therapy, more rapidly than the introduction of new drugs and drug candidates to the clinical pipeline, that’s why new sources of biologically active compounds effective against drug resistant cells are urgently

needed,” said Dr. Maglangit.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization said resistant bacterial infections are now associated with nearly 4.95 million deaths per year. It also said that there’s now high levels of resistance in bacteria, causing life-threatening bloodstream infections, as well as increasing resistance to treatment in several bacteria causing common infections.

“Hot springs and volcanic environments have been shown to harbor high microbial biodiversity with unique metabolic profiles, yet they remained untapped and understudied for their production of novel druggable chemical entities,” Dr. Maglangit said.

The NPs isolated from hot springs and volcanic microbes represent structural diversity and novelty in comparison to the NPs isolated from terrestrial or marine habitats. The hot spring water temperatures provide favorable conditions for thermophilic microbes to generate a wide array of bioactive metabolites.

Hot springs are heated by geothermal heat – heat from the Earth’s interior. In volcanic areas, water may come into contact with very hot rock heated by magma. Hot springs in active volcanic zones may produce su-

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

Likely the son of Faustino Villa Abrille (the chief of the Spanish guardia civil who was as-signed in Davao to assume as district governor), José Fernández de Villa-Abrille y Calibana, a Spanish major general who commanded the Seville garrison in Andalusia, Spain, was born in Davao City on December 15, 1878, the year his father took over the administration of the province.

(The elder Villa-Abrille was a well-loved figure; his kindness gained him the sympathy of the natives. Under his watch, the Moro settlements known as rancherias were organized. He also banned the practice of human sacrifice and slavery, and punished those who violated.)

Gen. Villa-Abrille entered the Academia Infanteria de Filipinas in Manila on July 14, 1896. After completing the short course, he was given the

rank of second lieutenant on June 18, 1897, and participated in the Philippine campaign. Years after returning to his parents’ motherland, he was promoted to the rank of captain in 1905.

The general also participated in the Africa campaign where he was wounded. By 1930, he was already a brigadier general, and on February 15, 1933, he returned home to head a division. On May 20, 1935, he was chosen as commanding general of the second Organic Di-vision of the Army, in Seville City, and was in command of the territory of Andalusia in 1936 when a coup erupted. The putsch that led to the Spanish Civil War cost him his job. Aware of the plot of na-tionalist mutineers led by Gen. Gonzalo Queipo de Llano, he capitulated to the rebel forces.

Upon the instruction of

perheated water.

Also called thermal springs, “they are inhabited by heat-loving microorganisms or thermophiles that can thrive at high temperatures,” according to a press release from the Department of Science and Technology, which funded the research through the National Research Council of the Philippines.

“The diversity of these organisms has been mainly attributed to temperature. Other factors include pH, dissolved hydrogen sulfide levels, biogeography, and geological history,” the press release further said.

Thermophiles have attracted significant interest in recent years for their production of heat-stable enzymes for biotechnological applications including industrial, agriculture, and medical processes.

Maglangit’s team recommended the conduct of more extensive experiments, whether in animal models or human subjects since some of the compounds that have been identified from hot springs and volcanic microbes have only been tested in vitro.

Hot springs have been shown to host a wide variety of heat-tolerating or thermophilic microorganisms, and among these are the hot springs in Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna,

as well as the Wonder Lake hot springs, also in Laguna, and the two hot springs in BenguetBadekbek and Dalupirip.

Incidentally, the same research team is currently involved in a research project with Mainit Hot Springs located in Brgy. Montañeza, Malabuyoc, Cebu as the area of interest. Project ISAAC (Isolation, Screening, and Antimicrobial Activity of Compounds from Actinobacteria) aims to isolate, screen, and characterize thermophilic Actinobacteria for the production of bioactive compounds with the potential for drug development.

Right now, several thermophilic strains were isolated from Mainit Hot Springs with remarkable bioactivities against Gram-positive pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis compared with gentamicin or oxytetracycline antibiotic control. Isolation and characterization of the bioactive compounds are currently underway in their laboratories.

“The microbial species and chemical diversity in hot springs and volcanic habitats are indeed indicative of future exploration,” the press release said. “These novel microorganisms will also likely produce novel druggable molecules.”

SPANISH GENERAL BORN IN DAVAO

Gen. Quiepo, Gen. José Cuesta Monereo, commander of the Gen-eral Staff, planned a plot to mobilize 4,000 men to perform and consolidate the coup in Se-ville. Gen. Villa-Abrille was talked into joining by Gen. Quiepo, an old friend, but he turned it down, even denying there was any rebel activity in his area of responsibility.

On June 7, 1936, nearly all the commanding officers were on the rebel side and swore al-legiance to the Republic before Mariano Ruiz Funez, the minister for agriculture. Despite the development, José María Varela Renduelez, the civil governor, met with Gen. Villa-Abrille to tell him of the informed links between the soldiers in his garrison and the local right-wing ex-tremists. Still, the Davao-born officer rejected the connections.

In the talk, Gen. Vil-

la-Abrille failed to inform the governor that Gen. Quiepo, who was staying nearby, had repeatedly invited him to join the putsch but he steadily rejected the overtures.

Curiously, Gen. Villa-Abrille and the officers under his command did not resist the coup nor oppose the oppressive activities that Manila-born Gen. Antonio Castejón Espinosa, an African campaigner like him, started in the districts of Seville. Even the instruction of Gov. Varela for Gen. Villa-Abrille to respond to the rebels was ignored.

On July 18, Gen. Quiepo and a few Army officers barged into Gen. Villa-Abrille’s office, demanding which side he was on, that of the Republic or the Nationalists. The Davao-born general hesitated. Despite his indifference and that of several commanders under his command, he was arrested and

prosecuted. He was also threatened by Gen. Quiepo, who later took over his position as the most senior-ranked officer of the second Organic Division. With many of his men joining the rebellion, Gen. Villa-Abrille was discharged from the service in December 1936. And for his non-involvement in the popular coup, a court orga-nized by the Nationalists found him guilty and sentenced him to six years in prison in Febru-ary 1939. Seemingly unperturbed and composed, he completed his imprisonment in a villa near Cruz del Campo, in Seville, a military prison during the war and afterward. Soon after his release, he passed away in a Madrid pension in 1946. Nothing is known, though, whether the general, in his years of stay in Spain, ever mentioned a plan to visit his place of birth.

Pasig City — ScratchIt, instant ticket lottery game and scratch cards of Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corporation, announced the launch of its online game show and other online weekly shows hosted by long time comedian Long Mejia, recently.

The online game show PERA O SCRATCHIT was envisioned to provide entertainment and at the same time an opportunity for followers of the ScratchIt Facebook Page to win prizes of up to PhP200,000 weekly. Patterned after the actual act of “scratching cards” in PCSO’s lotto outlets, the game show allows contestants to choose among the various life-sized scratch cards available, Go Bananas, Go for Gold, Money Tree, and Red Hot 7’s guided by Long Mejia as the game master where they are made to choose between money or the expected prize hidden within the cards.

Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corporation General Manager said, “We have always shared the purpose of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office in providing help and assistance to our countrymen. And through these engaging and exciting infotainment programs like PERA o SCRATCHIT, we are able to provide much needed assistance to lucky followers who of course comes from all walks of life.”

Go added that one of the most recent winners of PERA o SCRATCHIT was a single mom of five children who works as an online seller and can now use the PhP200,000 to bury her child prop-

How to capture vivid quality content with the Redmi Note 12 Series

Level up your social media feed with the triple camera system, AI-powered imaging system, and other features

We live in a time where anything can be content – from the food and coffee we order, the cute things our pets do, to unique sights when we travel. With a few snaps on our phone cameras, we instantly have something to post on our social media pages anytime we want.

Today’s young generation, especially, isn’t shy to show off their personalities through their posts. This is why many actively post photos of whatever they’re up to, and even film themselves doing the latest TikTok or Instagram Reels trends with their friends. They don’t leave home without their trusty smartphones, and these days, they invest in ones with great cameras like the Redmi Note 12 Series.

The Redmi Note 12 Series comes in three variants, which all have impressive photography features that can capture vivid moments wherever you go. Here’s how users can make the most of its features for any type of content:

Experiment with all kinds of shots

With its powerful triple camera system, the Redmi Note 12 Series is great for experimenting with different types of shots. For instance, the 200MP ultra-wide camera allows users to zoom out for a wider field of view, which is ideal when they want to capture eye-catching landscapes while posing in front. Other camera settings include the optical image stabilization (OIS) for action shots, and macro camera for really close-up shots of flowers, raindrops, and more.

With the Redmi Note 12’s versatile camera system, users can add variety to their social media content and showcase their creativity in different ways with one flick of a finger.

Play with lighting

The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G has an AI-powered

Imaging Engine that can detect subjects and instantly enhance their photo quality no matter the lighting. The device is also equipped with the IMX766 sensor and Night Mode 2.0 that can produce brighter and clearer photos in any scenario. Likewise, the Redmi Note 12 has a Night Mode to capture subjects in vivid quality in dim settings. These features allow for creative shots no matter the time of day, so users have free rein to play with lighting.

Add personality to your photos and videos

Editing is crucial if users want to make their photos and videos stand out on their social media feeds. With the Redmi Note 12 Series’ 120Hz AMOLED display, users can view every detail of their shots clearly, and adjust them without any trouble. For those who want to change up the vibe, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G has a set of Film filters to add a retro touch to their content.

AboitizPower leads groundbreaking for new Maco de Oro science lab

students here.”

Groundbreaking for new science laboratory. Leading the ceremony are leaders from AboitizPower Thermal Group, Aboitiz Foundation Inc., 1001st Infantry PAG-ASA Brigade, and Municipality of Maco, together with Maco de Oro College administrators.

Maco de Oro College administrators and the Philippine Army 1001st Infantry PAG-ASA Brigade, led by Commander Col. Felix Ronnie Babac, also supported the event.

erly and use the remaining to aid in the education and welfare of her remaining children, and in her small business.

Nica Tan, Brand Manager of ScratchIT explained further that very much like PCSO lottery games, a percentage of proceeds whenever anyone uses or plays with their scratch cards, goes to a charitable cause supported by the PCSO. In fact, Go for Gold supports Filipino athletes who represent the country in international and local athletic events, like the most recent Asian Games held in Cambodia.

“We are able to help people collectively with the help of the PCSO through ScratchIt’s Go for Gold, Go Bananas, Money Tree, and Red Hot 7’s. Our online shows allow us to help Filipinos, most especially our followers directly,” ended Tan.

The other online shows presented were, “Putahe ni Master” where the winning recipe from a lucky follower worth less than PhP200 can win PhP1,000 if used in the program; “Joke Time with Master” where the featured jokes can win PhP1,000, and “Masuwerte Ka Ba? Mas Swerte with Master” where tips on how to be “lucky” are entertainingly disclosed to viewers.

ScratchIt invites individuals from all walks of life to participate in PERA O SCRATCHIT. Whether you are a stay at home mom, a part of workforce, or simply someone looking for an exciting way to have fun and potentially win money, this online game show has something for everyone.

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) Thermal Group, in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation and the local government of Maco, Davao de Oro, is set to build a one-storey, two-classroom science laboratory within Maco de Oro College. Expected to be completed within the year, the building will assist scientific learning and support the academic curriculum of students.

“This is a welcome addition to our educational facilities,” said Maco de Oro College President Dr. Anthony Pol P. Fulache. “It is great to see in action the cooperation among our government and private partners to support our students to maximize their learning.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by leaders from AboitizPower Thermal Group, the Aboitiz Foundation, and the local government of Maco led by Mayor Arthur Voltaire Rimando and Vice Mayor Dr. Alvera Veronica Rimando.

“We in AboitizPower are thrilled to make this dream possible for Maco De Oro College,” said AboitizPower Thermal Group VisMin President & COO Ronaldo Ramos.

“This is a legacy-defining project, together with our partners, Mayor and Vice Mayor Rimando. What we will do here, the science laboratory, will not just be a one-time benefit, but will benefit a whole generation of people in Maco,” he added.

Aboitiz Foundation President & COO Maribeth Marasigan emphasized how collaboration between businesses and communities is critical to the growth of both.

“At the heart of this occasion is the belief that education is the key to transformation. As we continue to evolve in an increasingly technological world, the demand for a workforce with strong STEM skills is greater than ever,” she explained. “We are proud to be partnering with AboitizPower, Maco de Oro College, and the Municipality of Maco to provide support and resources that will enhance the quality of STEM education for the

Last year, the Aboitiz Group also collaborated with Maco de Oro College in its marine protection activities, and in the implementation of coastal livelihood projects for families in the area. Maco Mayor Arthur Voltaire Rimando expressed his continued support for the programs extended to their municipality.

“As the father of this town, wala na akong ibang masasabi kundi masayang masaya talaga tayo! (As the father of this town, I have nothing else to say except that we are very happy!) We are so lucky, so fortunate, and we will always be proud of this engagement because I consider this as a lifetime achievement. Isa itong legacy, hindi na ito mawawala (This is a legacy, this will not be gone),” Rimando said.

“You (AboitizPower) have that unparalleled and unbounded courage to take a risk, because you have to invest a big amount in this very unique school... We cannot overemphasize our profound gratitude,” he added.

Upon completion of the science laboratory, around 350 students will benefit from the resources and infrastructure coming from AboitizPower’s donation.

ScratchIt launches exciting online game show, rewards Facebook page members with loads of prizes

ALPI showcases luxury developments, sustainable initiatives at CREBA gab

Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association, Inc. (CREBA), the country’s largest aggrupation of realtors and builders, staged its first Visayas- Mindanao Regional Housing and Real Estate Conference and Expo on April 26-28, 2023, at the SM Convention Trade Hall in General Santos City.

The three-day event brought together real estate and housing players from different regions to discuss the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Davao City’s premier real estate developer Aeon Luxe Properties Incorporated (ALPI) was invited to participate in the conference.

Partner brokers were present during the event as representatives for booth manning, where attendees could learn more about ALPI’s properties and speak with representatives from the company.

For ALPI, the conference provided an excellent opportunity to showcase its latest projects and share insights on the future of luxury real estate.

During the event, ALPI conducted a Product Knowledge Seminar led by ALPI Vice President for Sales and Marketing Jester Hospital along with Keller Williams Philippines Realty.

Keller Williams Philippines Realty is one of the accredited brokers of ALPI. It is also the biggest franchised residential real estate network in the US in terms of employed agents. ALPI’s participation in the CREBA conference is a significant opportunity for the company to network and collaborate with other industry players.

The event provided developers, investors, and stakeholders a platform to connect and explore potential partnerships and opportunities. Moreover, ALPI’s presence at the conference also reflects its support for the growth and development of the real estate industry in the Philippines.

By sharing its expertise and insights, ALPI continuously contributes to the sector’s advancement and helped shape its future direction.

speaker.

He challenged the Davao City police to assure Dabawenyos of their safety.

“I am challenging them to do their best. Gawin nila yung lahat dapat nilang gawin para masabi talaga ng mga Dabawenyo na Davao City is a very peaceful and safe place to live in. The mere fact na may ganon na heinous crime, isolated case or not, but then again it happened. So, gawin nila ang trabaho nila,” he said.

As of the lastest update of the case, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) is looking at five individuals as persons of interest in the rape and homicide of lanche Marie Bragas.

Last week, PRO 11 activated the “Special Investigation Task Force (SITG) Bragas” for the speedy resolution of the rape with homicide.

Bragas was found dead in a ditch of a banana plantation in Calinan District. Her body was found face down covered with dried banana leaves in an open pit at the Subasta Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Agricultural Cooperative (SARBAC).

Based on the report of the Regional Forensic Unit 11, which conducted the autopsy examination at the St. Peter Funeral Homes, the cause of death is due to asphyxia by manual strangulation while medico-legal evaluation showed “evidence of recent penetrating genital trauma.”

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investigation and immediately resolve the aforementioned case.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the victims,” she added.

The police are currently conducting a hot pursuit operation led by Provincial Director Colonel Harold Ramos, Pikit Municipal Police Station Chief of Police Lieutenant Col. John Miridel R. Calinga in collaboration with other law enforcers in the area.

M. Padillo

The municipality of Pikit is 3 and a half hours away from Davao City. By Maya

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setting up the first EV motorcycle manufacturing site in the Philippines.

The deal is expected to employ 200 workers for its assembly line, from manufacturing, packing and shipping 18,000 electric vehicles per year.

The cooperation agreement between the American and Filipino firms has a projected amount of $65 million.

Meanwhile, the DTI earlier said electric vehicles, including e-motorcycles, could possibly get their “tax break” in early 2024.

Marcos’ Executive Order No. 12 temporarily modifies the rates of import duty on electric vehicles, parts, and components. The EO will be subject to review one year from its implementation pursuant to the provisions of the issuance.

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doon pati [and] one company was deployed there,” he added.

With the alignment of state security forces in the area, authorities are ensuring that the threat will be diffused, the PNP chief said.

In a statement, PRO BAR chief Police Brigadier General Allan Nobleza said an alleged leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah made the threat on social media.

“The National Government, especially the leadership of the PNP, is very much concern about the security and safety of the people of Marogong, considering that the threat posed by DI-MG in this municipality is very eminent because of the pronouncement through the social media of the leader of DIMG,” Nobleza said without elaborating on the threat.

“We have deployed additional troops to oversee the peace and order in the area,” he added.

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under the Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF), will generate around PHP145.5 billion additional revenues from 2024 to 2028.

“The proposed tax revenue measures under the MTFF such as Package 4 or the Passive lncome and Financial lntermediary Taxation Act, VAT on digital service providers, and excise taxes on single-use plastics and pre-mixed alcohol are currently being deliberated and discussed at the House of Representatives and Senate, and expected to be implemented starting 2024,” Diokno said.

Broken down, the government expects to collect PHP29.1 billion in 2024; PHP29.5 billion in 2025; PHP29.4 billion in 2026; PHP29.1 billion in 2027; and PHP28.5 billion in 2028.

“The MTFF is the administration’s plan to promote fiscal sustainability and reduce the fiscal deficit while enabling economic growth,” Diokno said. (PNA)

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The report should include recommendations on short, medium, and long-term measures to manage inflation.

EO 28 also tasks the IAC-IMO to formulate and maintain a dashboard containing relevant information on prices, as well as the supply and demand for food and energy commodities.

Reorganization of EDC

Meanwhile, the new EO reorganizes and renames the EDC as EDG to ensure that the integration of programs, activities, and priorities toward sustained economic growth remains “efficient and effective.”

Under EO 28, the EDG will also be co-chaired by NEDA and DOF secretaries.

Members of EDG include the head of Presidential Management Staff and the secretaries of Agriculture, Budget, Energy, Information and Communications Technology, Interior and Local Government, Labor, Public Works and Highways, Science and Technology, Trade, Transportation, and Tourism departments.

“In view of the increasing prices of key commodities, particularly food and energy resources, the creation of an advisory body to the EDC, tasked to directly address inflation, will strengthen

concerned Police Provincial Offices (PPOs) and Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs) in enhancing and firmly establishing patrol operations as the nucleus of all police operations in the police stations.

Among the SOPs is upon entry, the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division (RPRMD) shall ensure that all police officers with the rank of patrolman and corporal shall remain to be assigned to the patrol unit. They can only be assigned to other units after serving at least three years as patrol officers and similar field functions and only after they have acquired and shown proficiency in patrol operations and other basic police functions.

In his message during the launch, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. emphasized that the PNP shall be relentless in the anti-criminality campaign through intensive police visibility and sincere police presence.

He also declared that the PNP will not rest until every Filipino feels safe and secure at home, on the streets, and in their places of work.

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“What we did was to allow 100 percent foreign equity in RE, including offshore wind. Before it was 60-40 so somehow, that hinders them from [entering in the country],” he said.

Aside from RE, Rodolfo said most of the investments that are in the pipeline will be invested in the telecommunications sector.

(PNA)

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The project will also provide potable water systems and post-harvest facilities such as storage units and trading posts, and support the development of agriculture and fishery enterprises in selected ancestral domains, integrating natural resource management and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, as well as adopting indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices to ensure sustainability and build climate resilience.

“Investments in infrastructure would improve access to all-weather roads which is expected to facilitate women’s access to health care, childbirth facilities and hospitals, social services, and education,” said World

the EDC, and reinforce existing government initiatives aimed to improve the economy and the quality of life of the Filipino people,” EO 28 read.

The EDG will be responsible for harmonizing, coordinating, complementing, and synergizing efforts to ensure the country’s rapid, inclusive, and sustained growth, according to the EO.

EO 28 mandates the EDG to promote an environment conducive to the growth and competitiveness of private enterprises and the creation of jobs that will empower people and provide them with opportunities to rise above poverty.

The EDG should also improve farms and rural enterprises, as well as trade policies vital to achieving food security and more equitable economic growth.

It is also directed to mitigate

wild postseason ride that already includes five wins when facing elimination — twice in the East semifinals after falling behind 3-2 to the 76ers, and now three straight times against the Heat.

The Celtics are 27-9 in Game 7s and have won their last four — including a 112-88 win against Philadelphia in the previous round that featured Tatum breaking out for 51 points, the most in a Game 7 in NBA history. Boston also beat the Heat in Game 7 in Miami in last year’s East finals when Jimmy Butler missed what would have been a go-ahead 3-pointer with about 17 seconds left.

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Revised Penal Code, if committed by a syndicate consisting of five or more individuals if the defraudation results in the misappropriation of money solicited by corporations/associations from the general public.”

“The totality of the testimonies of the witnesses, documentary evidence on record, and findings of the SEC all point to both accused Garcia and [Auditor] as the perpetrators of a grand scheme to defraud investors of their investments in their company, Rigen Marketing,” the court ruled.

Meanwhile, Rosenda Colorines Garcia, Christine Palijo, Romen Samuel Wabina, and Jemeilyn Tacay, who are all suspects of the same crime, are still at large.

It can be recalled that SEC has already warned the public not to invest in Rigen Marketing through a notice published on its website on May 24, 2019.

On June 11, 2019, the commission issued a cease and desist order, directing the group to cease its investment development activities if it does not obtain the necessary licenses from the commission.

The commission is actively prosecuting 375 individuals in 56 cases for violations of Republic Act No. 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code, and three cases for violations of the Revised Penal Code.

By Maya M. Padillo

Bank senior agriculturist Mio Takada.

“Prioritizing support to women’s groups and provision of associated skills training will expand economic opportunities for women, improving household incomes, and women’s welfare,” Takada added. (PNA)

inflation and ensure food and energy security, while balancing the interests of producers, consumers, and the economy.

It should also undertake research and development that are relevant to and supportive of the requirements of micro, small, and medium scale enterprises and for national industries.

It is also tasked to improve national productivity and competitiveness of domestic products and services, as well as ensure deep and wide distribution of economic opportunities and benefits to the Filipino people.

To avoid duplication of efforts and forum shopping, EO 28 instructs the EDG to defer to the NEDA Board on matters within its primary purview and its inter-agency committees, pursuant to EO 230 inked in 1987. (PNA)

The Heat are 6-5 all-time in Game 7s, losing their last two. Miami is 0-2 when facing such a game on the road.

The winner of Sunday’s matchup will advance to face the Western Conference champion Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.

Despite being denied a finals berth in three straight games, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said his message to the team after Saturday’s loss was just to focus on the next game. Let the past be the past.

“Let’s just rally around each other,” Spoelstra said. “These are emotional games and things can swing in that Game Seven. The pressure can go back and forth in Game 7s quite a bit. We’re not going anywhere.”

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But what may be most concerning for the Heat heading into Monday is the Celtics — typically reliant on their ability to make 3-point shots — were able to pull out Saturday’s win despite making a playoff-low 7 of 35 attempts from deep.

In addition, until Butler’s incredible flurry of 10 points in just over two minutes to put the Heat in front, he was mostly a non-factor on a night in which he went just 5 of 21 from the field. Over the past three games Butler has shot a combined 19 of 55.

He said it hasn’t shaken his resolve to do what he can to prevent what would be a disappointing finish for Miami.

“You’re going to get the same test until you pass it, I swear,” Butler said. “We were in this same position last year. We can do it. I know that we will do it. We’ve got to go on the road and win in a very, very, very tough environment.”

That environment just happens to be the city that is home to the first — and still only — team in Major League Baseball history to pull off a 3-0 series comeback.

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That squad, the 2004 World Series champion Red Sox, rallied from that hole in the American League Championship Series against the rival New York Yankees.

David Ortiz, the 2004 ALCS MVP, said it makes sense that the Celtics are in position to pull off what has previously been unthinkable.

“Yeah, and there’d be no better time than this one for that happen,” Ortiz said in an interview with The Associated Press. “If you do it in basketball, it’s got to be the same city.”

The Celtics are just 5-5 at home during these playoffs, but there is no place there would rather be with their season on the line.

“It’s going to be huge. The best two words in sports is ‘Game 7,’” Brown said. “And our home crowd, I know they’re going to bring the energy. So, I’m excited.”

There was no word on the status of Boston guard Malcolm Brogdon for Game Seven. The NBA Sixth Man of the Year missed Saturday night’s win with a right forearm strain. Boston’s reserves were outscored 22-11 in Brogdon’s absence. Robert Williams III went to the locker room late in the second quarter with a left wrist injury, but he returned in the second half and finished with 10 points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes on the night.

Celtics vs Heat: One last time

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after Boston’s dramatic win at Miami on Saturday night (Sunday, Manila

Jaylen Brown began thinking about the future. He raised his hands, put up seven fingers and began yelling, “Game Seven! Game Seven!”

Game Seven, indeed.

Brown and Boston are on the brink of history after Derrick White’s buzzer-beating putback lifted the Celtics to a 104-103 victory over the Heat in Game Six. One of the league’s most storied franchises is trying to become the first team in NBA playoffs history to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven series.

Next up is one more game in the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night in Boston. And it looks as if the back-and-forth series could be on its way to an epic conclusion.

The Celtics are the fourth NBA team to erase a 3-0 deficit in a bestof-seven series and force a deciding game. The previous three teams —

the 1951 New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, the 1994 Denver Nuggets in the second round and the 2003 Portland Trail Blazers in the first round — lost Game Seven, all on the road.

“We’ve got another chance, another opportunity,” said Jayson Tatum, who had 31 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in Game Six to join Larry Bird as the only other Celtic with double-digit playoff games with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. “It’s far from over. Still an uphill battle. But it always feels good to give yourself another chance, another opportunity.”

Boston is looking to extend a

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This should the feeling that coach Eric Spoelstra and his Heat team were subjected to when the curtains fell on them in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

Miami had it almost in the bag (almost ugh!) after five time AllStar Jimmy Butler calmly sank three charities on account of a foul called against Boston center Al Horford.

Everybody must have already thought (you and I included) that with just 3 ticks left in the game and the Heat ahead by one, 103102, it was near to impossible to reverse the result.

I didn’t know but the Celtics must be one with Brgy. Ginebra

practicing the “Never say die” mantra.

Imagine, Marcus Smart missed a hurried three pointer but the ball bounced exactly where Derrick White was and all he needed was to go for a buzzer-beating tip in.

Lo and behold, the spheroid went in a split second befoe the red light lip up.

‘Nganga’ ang Miami. Their jaws dropped as the refs’ review found the shot counted.

Butler claimed responsibility for the loss.

He promised to win Game 7 for Miami fans even if the battle was in a “foreign land.”

Yes, folks.

The momentum and the homecourt edge have shifted to Boston.

As the breaks went the Celtics’ way in Game 6, coach Joe Mazulla must be forewarning Jayson Tatum and company to be wary of a huge Miami comeback.

Spoelstra couldn’t hide his frustration. He just accepted the defeat.

“The ball bounced right where White was and it could not have bounced elsewhere,” in so many words Spoelstra sadly uttered.

But like Butler announced in a post game interview, the twotime NBA champion coach said they will go to Boston and claim what (should) be rightfully theirs.

I like the positive confidence the Fil-Am bench strategist is spewing even if the odds now are stacked up against the Heat.

Unlike other home crowds, the Boston fans are different.

They are boisterous and sometimes they yell vexatious remarks to unsettle the opposing teams.

Look, if the Heat played the way they performed in Games 5 and 6, then I’d say they will be in for a big surprise.

Butler underperformed in both matches and so did Lowery.

Kevin Love should be back to add more firepower and muscle under the boards.

If Spoelstra cannot limit Tatum’s and Jaylen Brown’s pro-

duction and conversely increase his forwards output, Boston will go to the Finals.

Spoelstra has another headache in Boston’s hulking center Robert Williams who intimidates every Heat player who tries to get inside the paint.

Well, if they lose, Miami will be the first team to be yanked out while holding a 0-3 edge.

But Spoelstra is no stranger to walking the tight rope.

Give or take, Game 7 will be a delight to all basketball fanatics. Be sure you have a six-pack beside you. No time to pee when the game is on. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

The Celtics and Heat play Game 7 this morning (Tuesday PH Time).

— Moments

time),

The Phoenix SUPER LPG Fuel Masters pose with local Surigaonon basketball players and officials, along with provincial governor Robert Lyndon Barbers, after a friendly match at the Surigao Provincial Sports Complex. Players Tyler Tio, Javee Mocon, Chris Lalata, RJ Jazul, Larry Muyang, JJ Alejandro, Ben Adamos, Kurt Lojera, Sean Manganti, RR Garcia, Simon Camacho, and Raul Soyud, together with Head Coach Jamike Jarin, and Team Manager Paolo Bugia were in Surigao City for the celebration of the 122nd Anniversary of Surigao Del Norte. Aside from gracing the concert and sports fest that capped off the month-long celebration, the PBA team also conducted an outreach program at Surigao del Norte National High School to donate sports equipment and gear. The Fuel Masters wrapped up their trip with a visit to one of the retail outlets of Phoenix SUPER LPG.

SWEEP

Aeon Luxe cagers bag Vegas League Hoops 17 Under crown

Aeon Luxe Properties Inc. came through from 18 points down to capture the Under 17 Division title in the 2023 Vegas League Hoops Inaugural Championships last Saturday (May 27) at the RMC Petro Gas Arena.

Powered by standouts from the Rizal Memorial Colleges and coached by Prince Macavinta, Aeon Luxe relied on a closing 12-2 run to turn the tables around Danjie in Game 2, 93-92 sealing their best of three finals series via a two-game sweep.

Randy Gimena emerged as the best player of the game with 24 points dropping six triples with four coming in a vicious 12-2 run in the fourth that keyed a come-from-behind win after being down by 18 in the first half.

Gimena also got help from Alvin Villanueva who was named Finals MVP.

Villanueva was also named to the Mythical Five selection along with teammate Jacob Farochillen, Team Danjie’s duo of Duke Solon and Ricky Sumagang and Max Ballers Clintone Pico.

The other members of team Aeon Luxe are Noel Lanceta, Bon Ervin Daja, Marco Sabio, JR Olanolan, Mark Montillano, Edric Villasor, Enrico Macavinta, Mark Delima and Josh Cabelis.

Team Danjie which paraded standouts from Holy Child School of Davao mentored by veteran bench tactician Roger Rabago settled for the runner-up honors.

League Director John Oropeza awarded the winners with their trophies after the game in the tournament backed by Aeon Luxe Properties Inc. and Gas Island and Congressman Pulong Duterte.

Team Aeon Luxe led by head coach Prince Macavinta.