Top News Asia, Jupiter Street, Bel Air, Makati (2026)

29/08/2026

PNP Arrests Tenant Over Alleged ₱1-Million “Salisi” Theft in Quezon City

August 29, 2026 — The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a 34-year-old female tenant in connection with an alleged “salisi” theft involving jewelry worth approximately ₱1.007 million in South Triangle, Quezon City, on August 27, 2026.

Operatives of the Kamuning Police Station (PS-10) under the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) responded after the victim reported that three pouches containing high-value jewelry were missing from her pink sling bag. Initial investigation found that the victim had earlier seen the suspect inside her bedroom applying makeup, despite the suspect’s designated sleeping area being in the unit’s sala.

The victim later inspected the suspect’s sleeping area and reportedly recovered two bracelet chains inside a small transparent zip-lock bag. The bedroom key was also found near the suspect’s bed. A Buddha pendant valued at ₱250,000 was left behind, while its matching necklace was reportedly missing.

After learning that the suspect had returned to the condominium lobby, the victim alerted PS-10 personnel. Responding officers arrested the suspect and brought both parties to the police station for investigation and proper disposition.

The suspect is set to be referred to the Prosecutor’s Office for the filing of a complaint for Theft (Salisi). The allegations remain subject to investigation and the appropriate judicial process, with the suspect entitled to due process under the law. | via Ralph Esler

29/08/2026

Bangladesh, Germany, Colombia, Malaysia, Argentina, Cambodia and Poland: InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026 Honors Seven Ambassadors for Diplomatic Leadership

Seven nations. Seven distinguished envoys. One shared mission: building bridges through diplomacy, cooperation, and international friendship.

Leadership does not always happen in a boardroom or behind a podium. Sometimes, it takes place across negotiating tables, through cultural exchanges, quiet conversations, and relationships carefully built between nations.

At the InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026, seven distinguished ambassadors representing Bangladesh, Germany, Colombia, Malaysia, Argentina, Cambodia, and Poland were recognized under the Diplomatic Leadership category for their contributions to strengthening international relations and fostering meaningful partnerships between the Philippines and the global community.

The distinguished awardees were H.E. Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, Ambassador of Bangladesh; H.E. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, Ambassador of Germany; H.E. Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito, Ambassador of Colombia; H.E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia; H.E. Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Ambassador of Argentina; H.E. Sin Saream, Ambassador of Cambodia; and H.E. Katarzyna Wilkowiecka, Ambassador of Poland.

Their recognition gave the awards a distinctly international character, reminding everyone that leadership is not confined by geography—and neither are the opportunities created by strong diplomatic relationships.

Seven Countries, One Language: Cooperation

Each ambassador brought a unique national perspective and diplomatic tradition to the celebration, yet their work shared a common denominator: connection.

H.E. Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood represented Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and deepening people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and the Philippines.

Germany was represented by H.E. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, whose diplomatic leadership reflected the continuing partnership between Germany and the Philippines across areas such as trade, education, technology, culture, and institutional cooperation.

From Latin America, H.E. Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito represented Colombia, underscoring the importance of expanding connections between the Philippines and Colombia while creating greater opportunities between Southeast Asia and Latin America.

H.E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia, brought an important ASEAN perspective to the awards. With the Philippines and Malaysia sharing longstanding historical, cultural, economic, and regional ties, his recognition highlighted the continuing importance of ASEAN friendship and cooperation.

Representing Argentina, H.E. Ricardo Luis Bocalandro added another South American voice to the diplomatic circle. His recognition reflected the continuing potential for stronger Philippine-Argentine engagement and greater exchanges between Southeast Asia and South America.

H.E. Sin Saream, Ambassador of Cambodia, represented another valued ASEAN partner. His recognition reinforced the importance of regional solidarity, friendship, and cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.

Completing the diplomatic roster was H.E. Katarzyna Wilkowiecka, Ambassador of Poland, whose recognition celebrated the continuing relationship between Poland and the Philippines and the role of diplomacy in strengthening understanding between Europe and Southeast Asia.

Together, they represented seven countries, seven cultures, and seven diplomatic perspectives, yet one shared responsibility: to make borders less of a barrier and partnerships more of a possibility.

Celebrating Leadership at the Embassy of Indonesia

The InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026 was held on August 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila, as part of the celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day.

Presented by InCharge Magazine and TAG Media Group, under the leadership of media entrepreneur Grace Bondad Nicolas, the event brought together an impressive mix of diplomats, business leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, public servants, creatives, and changemakers.

The gathering celebrated achievement, but it also celebrated something equally important: relationships.

The Embassy of Indonesia provided an especially meaningful setting for an awards program that brought together representatives from different sectors and different nations. In many ways, the evening became a showcase of how leadership, friendship, and collaboration can cross borders.

When Leadership Goes Beyond a Title

The Diplomatic Leadership category also reflected the broader philosophy behind the InCharge Magazine CEO Awards.

Leadership was not measured simply by position, wealth, corporate size, or professional title. It was recognized through impact, service, innovation, influence, and the ability to create meaningful change.

Among the other distinguished awardees were fashion designer Albert Andrada, visual artist and photographer Filbert Diego Kung, entrepreneur and digital personality Tommy Tiangco, entrepreneur and aviator Capt. Mark Tan, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, Maria Charo Calalo, Glenda Hufano, and Elvi Sanchez-Quiazon.

The Government and Public Service Leadership category likewise recognized prominent personalities including Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., Senator Christopher Lawrence “B**g” Go, Atty. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, Nicolas D. Torre III, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Vice Mayor Sol Deloraya, Secretary Mel Senen Sevilla Sarmiento, and Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

The diversity of the awardees demonstrated a simple but powerful message: there is no single definition of leadership.

An Evening of Diplomacy, Friendship and Fellowship

The program began with a pictorial and interview session for the awardees, followed by registration, performances, and the formal opening of the ceremony.

The Philippine and Indonesian national anthems set the tone for an evening that celebrated both accomplishment and international friendship.

The program also featured a presentation about InCharge Magazine, welcome remarks from Andrew Troy Nicolas, Publisher and Chairman of TAG Media Group, and a keynote address from Embassy of Indonesia Chargé d’Affaires Victorina Hesti Dewayani.

The distinguished guest list included personalities from business, government, diplomacy, media, and civil society, among them Aficionado founder Joel Cruz, LGBT icon Barbie Arcache, Rotary Club’s Mache Torres, Manjit Reandi of Camp John Hay, Embassy of Japan Minister of Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi, Dr. Elton See Tan of The E Hotels and Resorts, Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco Group, Atty. Arnel Mateo of PCCI NCR, and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Los Baños, among others.

What emerged was more than an awards ceremony. It was a meeting of people who understand that partnerships—whether between companies, communities, institutions, or countries—begin with people willing to build them.

The Quiet Power of Diplomacy

Diplomatic leadership rarely comes with the instant applause enjoyed by a spectacular performance or a major business breakthrough.

Its impact is often quieter.

It can be found in a successful dialogue, a new partnership, a cultural exchange, an investment opportunity, a strengthened bilateral relationship, or simply a better understanding between two nations.

Ambassadors serve as bridges between governments and peoples. They open doors, facilitate conversations, encourage cooperation, and help create relationships that can survive changing economic and political landscapes.

That makes diplomacy one of the most enduring forms of leadership.

The recognition of the seven ambassadors therefore carried a significance beyond the awards themselves. It acknowledged the people working behind the scenes to ensure that international relationships continue to move forward.

Leadership Without Borders

The seven ambassadors will be featured in the succeeding issue of InCharge Magazine, in print and online, highlighting their diplomatic journeys, accomplishments, and contributions.

Through the CEO Awards, InCharge Magazine and TAG Media Group continue to celebrate individuals and institutions whose leadership creates opportunities, inspires others, and contributes to nation-building and regional development.

And perhaps the most fitting lesson from this year’s Diplomatic Leadership awardees is this:

Borders may define countries, but they should never define possibilities.

From Bangladesh to Germany, Colombia to Malaysia, Argentina to Cambodia, and Poland to the Philippines, seven ambassadors came together in Manila to represent something bigger than their respective nations.

They represented the power of dialogue.

The value of friendship.

The promise of cooperation.

And the enduring idea that the strongest leaders are not those who build higher walls, but those who build better bridges.

Seven ambassadors. Seven nations. One shared purpose.

Leadership, after all, knows no borders.

29/08/2026

PHIVOLCS Warns of Possible Lahars in Pinatubo, Taal Volcano Areas Amid Heavy Rains

August 29, 2026 — The DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) warned communities near Mount Pinatubo and Taal Volcano of possible lahars, muddy streamflows, and volcanic debris flows as southwest monsoon rains continue to affect western and central Luzon.

In its Lahar Advisory issued at 11:00 a.m. on August 29, PHIVOLCS said prolonged and intense rainfall could generate non-eruption lahars on major rivers draining western Pinatubo, where significant deposits from the 1991 pyroclastic density currents remain. These may affect communities in San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe, and Botolan in Zambales, as well as downstream areas in Tarlac and Pampanga.

Heavy rainfall may also trigger muddy streamflows, muddy runoff, and volcanic debris flows around Taal Volcano, particularly on the western and northern slopes of Taal Lake. Previously affected communities in Agoncillo, Laurel, and Talisay, Batangas may again experience muddy and debris flows as old volcanic deposits become saturated and remobilized.

DOST-PHIVOLCS urged communities and local government units in identified risk areas to closely monitor weather conditions and undertake pre-emptive measures to ensure public safety. | via Ralph Esler

29/08/2026

₱200K Worth of Illegal Imports Get the Ultimate “No Entry” Sign: Destroyed by BOC–POM

MANILA, Philippines — Some imported goods are meant to make it to Filipino tables. Others, apparently, were better suited for the shredder.

The Bureau of Customs–Port of Manila (BOC–POM) made that distinction very clear after condemning and destroying approximately ₱200,000 worth of non-compliant imported products, including processed food, frozen marine products, meat products, and other regulated commodities. This is what our office received yesterday, August 28, 2026 from BOC.

The message was simple: If it doesn’t meet the rules, it doesn’t make it to the market.

Before the goods met their final fate, however, they went through the proper legal process. The shipments were subjected to a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD), followed by an Order of Condemnation, ensuring that the disposal was not simply a case of “out with the old,” but a lawful and documented enforcement action.

And when it came to the final goodbye, there was no second chance for these questionable imports.

The condemned goods were rendered completely unfit for consumption through appropriate disposal methods, including shredding, crushing, and incineration. In other words, these products were given every possible assurance that they would never make a comeback on a Filipino dining table.

The condemnation proceedings were spearheaded by District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba, who issued the corresponding Mission Order authorizing the activity.

More importantly, the operation was conducted with the public watching.

Under the directive of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the entire condemnation process was streamed live through the official social media pages of the Port of Manila, giving the public a front-row seat to the proper disposition of the forfeited goods.

No smoke and mirrors, except, of course, for the smoke that may come with the lawful incineration process.

The move reinforces the Bureau’s continuing push for transparency, accountability, and stronger border protection, particularly when imported commodities could potentially compromise public health and safety.

The operation was carried out pursuant to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013, and other regulations governing the proper disposal of forfeited goods.

For the BOC–POM, enforcement is not simply about stopping questionable shipments at the border. It is also about ensuring that seized and forfeited products are properly handled from beginning to end.

Because in customs enforcement, the job doesn’t stop at “Seized.”

It ends at “Safely and lawfully destroyed.”

The ₱200,000 worth of non-compliant goods may have been destined for commercial shelves, but thanks to the enforcement efforts of BOC–POM, their final destination was considerably less appetizing.

The takeaway? When it comes to public safety, there are some imports that deserve neither a customs clearance nor a second serving.

📸BOC

29/08/2026

Lingap sa Mamamayan Brings Assistance to Students, Teachers in Leyte

August 28, 2026 - Students and teachers of San Guillermo National High School in Barangay San Guillermo, Palompon, Leyte received various forms of assistance from the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), in cooperation with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, through the Lingap sa Mamamayan program.

The school, which serves students from remote areas, was also affected by a fire. Among the assistance provided were care packages, school supplies, electric fans, computer sets, printers, emergency lights, electrical materials, and other essential items intended to support the needs of the school community.

Through the initiative, the Iglesia Ni Cristo and the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation extended support to help ease some of the challenges faced by the students and teachers and contribute to the continued delivery of education in the community. | via Ralph Esler

29/08/2026

Ariel Nepomuceno: When Customs Says “No,” It Means No—Even to 35 Tons of Goods

At the Bureau of Customs, some things simply do not get a second chance.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recently put a very literal meaning to the phrase “no entry, no exit, no exceptions.” More than 35.6 tons of abandoned and forfeited goods were condemned and properly disposed of, closing the book on shipments that had overstayed their welcome in the Customs system. This is accoridng to their Press Release dated August 28, 2026 that our office received.

In total, 340 Air Waybills (AWBs) covering goods valued at approximately ₱1.45 million were subjected to condemnation and disposal in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws.

And this was certainly no ordinary collection.

The shipments came from various countries and included v**e products, dysfunctional equipment, foodstuffs, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and assorted general merchandise. Some may have been useful somewhere, sometime, but once they violated Customs laws or were abandoned, their journey had reached its final destination: proper disposal.

The goods were condemned for violations of Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Ni****ne and Non-Ni****ne Products Regulation Act, and Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, among other applicable laws and regulations.

For Commissioner Nepomuceno, however, the story is not simply about getting rid of unwanted cargo.

It is about accountability from beginning to end.

Customs enforcement does not stop at seizure or forfeiture. There is another important chapter: making sure that goods forfeited in favor of the government are properly accounted for, handled, and disposed of according to law. In other words, even contraband and abandoned cargo deserve proper paperwork before they say their final goodbye.

That is where transparency comes in.

Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno continues to emphasize that responsible Customs administration means doing things by the book, and keeping the book open for accountability.

At the Port of NAIA, District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa likewise underscored the commitment to ensuring that abandoned and forfeited shipments are disposed of safely and properly under established Customs procedures.

The latest condemnation activity may sound like a straightforward cleanup operation, but it reflects something much bigger: the continuing transformation of Customs into an institution where enforcement, efficiency, transparency, and accountability travel together.

And apparently, some shipments have finally learned that not every package gets to its intended destination.

Under Nepomuceno’s leadership, the BOC remains firm in its dual responsibility, to facilitate legitimate trade while keeping a close watch on what enters and exits the country. It is a balancing act that requires both efficiency and vigilance.

The disposal of more than 35 tons of goods also sends a simple but powerful message: Customs enforcement has no “unfinished business.” From inspection and assessment to seizure, forfeiture, and final disposition, every stage matters.

Because when goods are abandoned or forfeited, they do not simply disappear into a warehouse and become someone else’s problem. They remain part of a government process that demands documentation, accountability, and lawful disposition.

That approach strengthens public confidence in the institution and reinforces the principle that Customs operations must be conducted with integrity at every turn.

For Commissioner Nepomuceno, modernizing Customs is not merely about technology, faster transactions, or streamlined procedures. It is also about building a culture where rules are respected, processes are transparent, and accountability is non-negotiable.

At BOC–NAIA, the message is clear: legitimate trade gets the green light, while unlawful or abandoned cargo gets shown the door, and this time, there is no return-to-sender option.

With firm enforcement and responsible administration, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and the Bureau of Customs continue to demonstrate that protecting the country’s borders is not just about stopping what should not enter.

It is also about ensuring that when the law says “forfeit,” “condemn,” and “dispose,” the process is carried out properly, transparently, and without cutting corners.

At Customs, accountability is not cargo. It is the destination.

📸BoC

29/08/2026

DSWD Prepositions Relief Supplies for Families Affected by Heavy Rains in Zambales

August 29, 2026 — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 3 – Central Luzon has prepositioned additional relief supplies for families affected by heavy rains in Barangay Santa Fe, San Marcelino, Zambales.

A total of 1,000 family food packs (FFPs) and 1,000 family kits have been prepared and positioned in Barangay Laoag, San Marcelino. The delivery was temporarily postponed due to adverse weather conditions and the rapidly rising river water, but the relief supplies remain ready for distribution once travel conditions become safe.

The DSWD said it continues to strengthen disaster preparedness and response efforts in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ensuring that assistance can be delivered safely, promptly, and efficiently to families affected by disasters. | via Ralph Esler

29/08/2026

BIR Commissioner Mendoza pushes fair, simple, and predictable tax administration at ECCP Tax Forum

August 29, 2026 - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza outlined the Bureau’s commitment to building a fair, simple, predictable, and partnership-driven tax administration during the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Tax Forum 2026 on August 13, 2026.

Held under the theme “From Preparation to Protection: Navigating Tax Compliance in a Changing Landscape,” the forum brought together business leaders and tax professionals to discuss tax compliance, regulatory developments, digitalization, audits, dispute resolution, and other concerns affecting businesses in the Philippines.

Mendoza presented four key commitments of the BIR: Predictability, Simplicity, Fairness, and Partnership, supported by the Bureau’s DARES reform and legacy agenda. He said the BIR is pursuing reforms to make tax compliance easier, improve consistency and accountability in audits, and focus enforcement on genuine compliance risks.

The BIR chief also emphasized the role of digitalization in simplifying taxpayer transactions, reducing processing time and discretion, and improving transparency. He likewise highlighted the importance of continued engagement with the private sector to ensure that reforms address actual business conditions and operational concerns.

The forum also featured discussions on tax policy and regulatory updates, digitalization, audits and dispute resolution, and the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax. BIR Deputy Commissioners Larry M. Barcelo and Marissa O. Cabreros, Assistant Commissioners Raquel Cristina V. Baltazar and Mariza R. Uy, and Collection Programs Division Chief Glenn Alde also participated in the sessions.

Mendoza reiterated the BIR’s commitment to improving tax administration while ensuring fair enforcement and making it easier for taxpayers to comply with their obligations. | via Ralph Esler

29/08/2026

Senator B**g Go Witnesses Severe Flooding in Masantol, Macabebe, Pampanga

August 28, 2026 — Senator B**g Go personally witnessed the severe flooding in the areas of Masantol and Macabebe in Pampanga, where widespread floodwaters made it difficult to distinguish roads from waterways.

While traveling through the heavily flooded areas, Go encountered strong winds and heavy rain, providing a firsthand view of the extent of the flooding and its impact on affected communities. The situation showed the difficulty faced by residents as floodwaters covered roads and reached areas near the shoreline.

Go said he would continue visiting communities affected by disasters whenever his time and circumstances allow, as he seeks to provide assistance and support to Filipinos in need. | via Ralph Esler

Video Courtesy: B**g Go/FB Live

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