Fighting crime on air

While the PNP and DILG are hard-pressed explaining why no public bidding was made for the procurement of 5,000 pistols, 204 cars and 12 motorcycle units to bolster police capability to go after criminals, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is literally taking crime fighting to new heights with unmanned, remote controlled drones. Officials said tests will be conducted on aircraft that have the capability to zoom in on a stand-off for a closer, quieter look, with real time video streamed within minutes to a portable computer system manned 250 feet below. The drones are cheaper, much lighter and smaller than those used by the military to fly over Iraq and Afghanistan. They will not be much bigger than a model airplane and will be limited initially to scanning rooftops for break-ins and searching for lost kids or hikers even at night through infrared sensors. They are about six-and-a-half feet wide, almost three feet long and can be easily folded to fit in the back seat of a squad car. They are powered by replaceable batteries that can last up to 70 minutes. Hopes are high that the aircraft, 20 of which are initially planned to beef up the LA County’s fleet of 18 choppers, could be used to go after criminals on the run and monitor hostage situations. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used by the Department of Homeland Security to patrol the waters and spot illegal crossings especially along the Mexican border. A drone costs some $20,000 to $30,000, while helicopters are said to cost millions in terms of fuel, maintenance and manpower. With a top speed of 29 mph though, the AUV couldn’t be counted on for car chases, and landing it could prove tricky.

Ties that no longer bind

The strong bond sealed during the early days of these two pioneers seems to be cracking. Long ago, these two were partners in manufacturing and selling of important commodities, with the tacit understanding that one would produce while the other one would sell. Suspicions of territorial encroachment however have deepened the division. The "seller’s group" got wind of reports that the manufacturing group bought a chain of distributors, in the process even establishing its own distribution network that offers phone-in or fax orders for doorstep deliveries of products that are said to be 10 percent cheaper than most other brands. In retaliation, the seller’s group has begun to take the products of the manufacturer off its shelves, and established its own manufacturing arm that produces cheaper products. This looks like a case of business unbinding strong ties of friendship. 

Reclaim Baguio’s lost charm

A group of concerned individuals are spearheading an email drive to have Baguio declared as a "Special Heritage Zone." The petitioners are lamenting the decay of the "City of Pines" and its lost charm and beauty brought about by degradation, commercialization and pollution. "We believe that due to its unique history and blend of culture, Baguio can be to the Philippines as Barcelona is to Spain, Chiang Mai is to Thailand, and San Francisco is to the United States: a main center of arts, culture, philosophy, education, tourism, sustainable development and environmental awareness," the petition said. The petitioners, which include members of the Heritage Conservation Society, Museum Volunteers of the Philippines, and private individuals both here and abroad, are calling on politicians both in the local and national governments to confer on the Pine City the status of a Special Heritage Zone preferably before the Baguio Centennial in 2009. This can help minimize and gradually control the degradation and further destruction of its already limited, cultural, environmental and aesthetic resources, the petition stressed.

Spy tidbiz: Manila Golf troublemaker

Manila Golf is undergoing major renovations at a cost of P500 million, turning it into a first class, all-weather golf course. One member known for being a  troublemaker is badmouthing some board members that they are making money out of the renovations. Spybiz sources told us the erring member, who is involved in the importation of high-end cars, is actually in trouble with the BIR with an alleged tax liability amounting to over P800 million. The troublemaker better watch out since the exclusive club, known for having Manila’s Top 500 businessmen as members, may just sic the BIR on him. One member, who is close to the Internal Revenue Commissioner, said that nowadays the BIR chief is under the gun to go after tax cheats with government needing the revenues badly.

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