Malacanang urges mall operators to review
security measures to ensure safety of patrons
Malacanang appealed on Monday to all mall
operators to review their respective security measures and ensure that these
conform to strict monitoring and detection protocols in order to prevent the
entry of firearms and other illegal weapons into their premises.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda
issued the appeal in light of the recent robbing of a jewelry store at the
ground floor of the SM Megamall Department store in Mandaluyong City last
Saturday.
Speaking
to reporters during his regular press conference in Malacanang, Lacierda said
mall operators should conduct this strict review in close coordination with the
Philippine National Police to “reassure the public that patronizing their malls
is a safe weekend venture to go to.”
“In that
regard, we would like to appeal to the mall operators to study their security
measures and make sure that the security equipment that they have installed in
their premises does in fact detect the presence of firearms,” Lacierda said.
“What
they have to study (is) their security features again and try to see (if) there
was a failure of security measures undertaken by the mall operators, in the
hope that they can reassure the public that patronizing their malls is a safe
weekend venture to go to,” he added.
Lacierda
said it was important to maintain the safety within malls and other centers of
recreation as “there’s an emphasis on gathering in malls in spite of the fact
that these are... These malls have assumed a quasi-public character where,
despite being owned privately, people do patronize malls and spend their
weekends in malls whether they’re buying (something) or not..” PND (rck)
Malacanang assures government working towards
bringing Amalilio back to the Philippines to face charges
Malacanang said on Monday that the failed
attempt by National Bureau of Investigation agents to repatriate Aman Futures,
Inc. owner Manuel Amalilio back to the Philippines was just a “temporary
setback” that the government is working on in order to facilitate his immediate
return.
In a
press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda expressed confidence
that Amalilio, who is facing charges for duping thousands of residents of
Pagadian and other cities in Mindanao and the Visayas to invest their money in
his firm, with a promise that it would earn huge profits within a short period
of time, would eventually be brought back to the Philippines to face charges.
“Yes, we
can (assure them). Ito pong pagkabinbin lang sa pagpapabalik kay Ginoong
Amalilio ay, sinasabi nga ni Secretary Leila de Lima, temporary lang. We are
confident that, with the coordination of our Malaysian counterparts, we will be
able to bring back Mr. Amalilio,” Lacierda said.
“What
happened last Friday was a mere temporary setback. We are in the process of
bringing Mr. Amalilio back into the Philippines. So rest assured that we are
taking all efforts to ensure the repatriation of Mr. Amalilio to the
Philippines,” he added.
Escorted
by NBI agents, Amalilio was about to board a flight from Kota Kinabalu,
Malaysia for the Philippines last Friday when Malaysian officials prevented his
leaving due to issues regarding his citizenship. PND (rck)
Aquino lauds UP College of Medicine-PGH Iloilo
Alumni Foundation for efforts in improving health care in the country
President
Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the University of the Philippines College of
Medicine - Philippine General Hospital (UPCM-PGH) for its contribution to
provide comprehensive medical assistance for all citizens.
"The
UPCM-PGH has produced exemplary physicians, whose dedication to improving
health care in our country magnifies our efforts to provide comprehensive
medical assistance for all our citizens," the Chief Executive said in his
message to the UPCM-PGH Iloilo Alumni Foundation Inc. on the occasion of its
20th UPCM Grand Scientific Symposium on Monday.
President
Aquino said the event serves as an opportunity for the alumni foundation to
broaden its horizons and address today’s pressing medical concerns.
"Your contributions to research,
technology, and the expansion of knowledge in your field will accelerate our
collective development and inspire our doctors to work harder for the benefit
of our communities," the President said.
He noted
that a healthy and productive citizenry will guarantee the Filipino society’s
progress.
"May
this occasion strengthen your solidarity with the Filipino people as we secure
our country’s revitalization," he said. PND (js)
