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Sept. power spot prices fall as weather cools

ELECTRICITY PRICES traded at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) declined in September as cooler weather set in, dampening demand, according to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP).

Citing preliminary data from the WESM operator, the IEMOP said the average power price system-wide fell 34.7% month on month to P3.88 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in September.

IEMOP said that the available supply rose 3.2% to 20,348 megawatts (MW). Demand during the period dropped 3.4% to 13,700 MW.

WESM prices in Luzon fell 39.1% month on month to P3.80 per kWh.

The grid’s available supply increased 4.9% from a month earlier to 14,327 MW. Demand fell 4.3% to 9,746 MW.

The average spot price in the Visayas was P4.56 per kWh, down 34.2% from a month earlier.

Available supply rose 5.3% to 2,387 MW, against a decline in demand of 1.3% to 1,955 MW.

Meanwhile, the WESM spot average in Mindanao rose 3.3% month on month to P3.48 per kWh.

Supply decreased 4.2% to 3,635 MW, while demand dropped 1.3% to 1,999 MW.

“Compared to the prior billing month (August), the supply margin in Mindanao is lower for September,” Arjon B. Valencia, manager of corporate planning and communication at IEMOP, said via Viber.

Asked if the lower average spot price can be sustained in the remaining months of the year, Mr. Valencia said that it would depend on the performance of the power plants.

“If the performance of the plants is the same as this month, i.e., no large outage, yes, it is possible for the WESM price to remain the same or even fall, particularly with wind generation tending to be stronger during Amihan season,” he said.

IEMOP operates WESM, where energy companies can buy power when their long-term contracted supply is insufficient for customer needs. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Vape industry says compliance burden forcing sellers to close

CDC-UNSPLASH

UP TO 20% of the domestic vape industry has shut down due to onerous government regulations, according to an industry representative.

Joey Dulay, President of the Philippine E-Cigarette Industry Association, told a forum on Wednesday that importers are more capable of complying with regulations than domestic companies.

“But we are pushing them to try and comply,” he added.

Under Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, manufacturers or importers must register their products and secure licenses to operate.

They are also required to adhere to packaging standards and pay duties and taxes.

Manufacturers, distributors, and importers were given an 18-month transition period to comply with the regulations laid down in the Vape Law.

Mr. Dulay noted that many vape brands and manufacturers have yet to secure their Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Mark and Import Commodity Clearance Sticker from the DTI.

The PS mark ensures that products comply with the Philippine National Standards.

Despite the transition period, vape companies are still struggling to comply with regulations, Mr. Dulay said.

As of the end of August, the Bureau of Customs seized P6.5 billion worth of illegal vape products, mostly from China, Customs Intelligence Division Chief Leon P. Mogao told the forum.

Minimal Government Thinkers President Bienvenido S. Oplas, Jr. said that the government loses around P5 billion yearly from illicit vape products. However, this is expected to worsen amid the emergence of various forms of smuggling.

The government could lose around P10 billion in taxes every year due to vape smuggling, Mr. Oplas said via Viber. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

BFAR five-year plan to raise aquaculture competitiveness

BRUCE WARRINGTON-UNSPLASH

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said it will carry out a five-year plan to improve the competitiveness of the aquaculture industry.

“This five-year aquaculture plan will serve as a roadmap for developing a competitive aquaculture sector that meets global demands,” the BFAR said in a statement.

“This plan… ensures that all stakeholders, particularly the marginalized, have equitable access to resources and opportunities,” BFAR officer in charge Director Isidro M. Velayo, Jr. said.

Under the plan, BFAR seeks to ensure adequate supply of fry, reducing production costs, strengthening climate resilience, and diversifying the industry’s product offerings.

“It promotes responsible stewardship of our environment, enabling the industry to thrive without compromising the ecological balance,” he added.

Mr. Velayo called for more private and public collaboration in the programs being developed under the plan.

Aquaculture production during the third quarter fell 17.7% to 471,400 metric tons, accounting for 46.3% of total fisheries output, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. — Adrian H. Halili

IT-BPM sales on track to hit base-case goals, but short of aggressive targets

DCSTUDIO-FREEPIK

THE information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry said it is on track to exceed its base-case targets for revenue and employment this year.

IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Madrid said on the sidelines of the International IT-BPM Summit on Wednesday that the industry is “tracking above baseline. While 2024 may be slightly short of our aggressive goals, this isn’t a setback — it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve,” he added.

During his presentation, Mr. Madrid said industry revenue is expected to hit $38 billion this year on staffing of 1.82 million.

The headcount projection implies 120,000 new jobs or 7% growth, double the global rate.

“Despite challenges, our industry continues to be resilient,” he said.

“At this trajectory, we’ll achieve our baseline target by 2028, likely more. But let’s not settle for the baseline; let’s continue aiming high,” he added.

He said the headwinds include the talent and skills gap, the rising cost of doing business, issues with ease of doing business, and global competition.

Citing a survey, he said that 21% of IT-BPM firms consider the talent and skills gap a critical challenge for the industry.

“The demand for advanced digital skills like data analytics, programming, and machine learning, as well as soft skills and domain-specific skills in healthcare, accounting, and banking, outpaces our workforce’s current capabilities,” he said.

He said that operating costs in the Philippines remain higher compared to other destinations.

“We’re actively pushing for the revocation of additional taxes, and we’ve initiated discussions on rising healthcare costs,” he said, adding that the industry is working with the local government units and investment promotion agencies such as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

“On the bright side, we expect the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law to be passed soon, stabilizing incentives and restoring remote work privileges for PEZA locators,” he added.

He said new competitors are emerging like Colombia, South Africa, and Poland.

“While they lack the Philippines’ demographic advantage, we must innovate, differentiate, and leverage our strengths in language proficiency, cultural adaptability, and technical expertise,” he added.

Next year, Mr. Madrid said that the group will be recalibrating the targets contained in the IT-BPM Roadmap to take into account recent developments.

“The scheduled recalibration of the roadmap will happen in 2025,” he said.

“I think in 2025 we will still have positive growth. Maybe not 7% or 8%, but something more modest. But we will still grow. Beyond 2025? Maybe less certain,” he added.

In the roadmap, the IBPAP set a staffing target of 2.5 million and a revenue goal of $59 billion by 2028.  — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Marketers urged to integrate AI, sustainability into their operations

MARKETING professionals will need to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability into their operations to remain globally competitive, an industry group said.

“Our goal this year is to highlight the balance marketers must strike between the creativity of the human spirit and the capabilities of technology,” according to Kathy P. Mercado, president of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), at a pre-event conference on Wednesday.

“By exploring how we can blend human insight with machine intelligence, we hope to empower our participants to develop strategic solutions for today’s complex challenges,” she added.

PMA is hosting the 4th World Marketing Forum and the 53rd National Marketing Conference on Nov. 6-7, which is expected to gather around 1,700 marketing professionals worldwide.

Donald L. Lim, the overall conference chairman, said the Philippines must develop a reputation for providing marketing services.

“I think it’s all about time that we learn, and hopefully start creating our own story,” Mr. Lim said.

However, he said that marketers have to contend with a rapidly evolving digital landscape, changing customer behavior, and new societal expectations.

“We’re already seeing that the landscape has been changing. So, how did the digital arena work? How can you teach a student to create a marketing plan when they can do a marketing plan through chat GPT in five minutes?” he said.

“Consumers are also changing in a way. They’re bombarded with messages, and they need compelling and personalized experiences all because of technology,” he added.

He said marketing professionals must have a deeper understanding of emerging customer needs using AI, automation, and data insights.

He said that adopting a sustainable posture is no longer optional for marketers.

“You have to integrate responsible action into marketing activities. However, the problem with sustainability is that it is expensive,” he said.

He said marketing professionals should make use of technology to make sustainability solutions profitable.

“It’s how you connect the two dots. Technology means using AI and any other adjacent tools. You have to embrace technology, harness creativity, and integrate sustainability in all your business practices,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Why waiting for trouble is a costly gamble

Companies that choose to ignore minor warning signs of potential issues are gambling for high stakes with the odds stacked them. Believing that problems can be handled if and when they arise is a reactive mindset, fraught with peril.

Many businesses today face a myriad of risks which, if left unaddressed, often come with hefty price tags, such as unexpected financial losses, reputational damage, disrupted operations, and strained relationships with clients. The cost of the emergency response, legal repercussions, and recovery efforts can far exceed the investment in preventive measures. Proactive risk management is not just a buzzword; it’s a critical strategy for safeguarding the future of any organization.

THE HIGH COST OF REACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT
Reactive risk management means dealing with problems only after they happen. This approach is inherently flawed. The hidden costs include long-term impacts like loss of customer trust and brand reputation. For example, consider a major data breach: the immediate costs include legal fees, notification expenses, and potential fines. However, the long-term impacts, such as losing customer trust and damage to reputation can be even more severe.

WHY IS PROACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT CRITICAL?
Companies that embrace proactive risk management consistently assess potential threats and implement measures to counteract them. This forward-thinking approach helps them either avert or mitigate the consequences of adverse events. By identifying and addressing risks early on, businesses can avoid the significant expenses associated with crisis management. Furthermore, clients tend to have greater trust and confidence in a company that actively works to prevent issues and protect their interests.

Proactively managing potential risks is more vital than ever. The complexity of global markets, evolving regulatory frameworks, and technological progress present numerous challenges for companies. Proactive risk management equips organizations with the flexibility to swiftly and effectively react to these changes. This approach not only enables companies to stay ahead of emerging threats but also helps them seize new opportunities and sustain a competitive edge.

Take for example the compliance requirements under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). While it’s common to think that only banks and financial institutions need to follow these rules, many other types of businesses are now affected, such as auditing firms, real estate brokers, and legal advisors who may potentially be involved in money laundering or terrorist financing activities without even realizing it.

To avoid involvement in illegal activity, businesses should manage their risks proactively. This means regularly checking compliance with regulations and using real-time systems to spot suspicious behavior quickly. Doing this not only helps them protect their reputation and head off potential fines, but also enhances trust and credibility with clients, partners, and regulators. When people recognize that a company is dedicated to preventing illegal activity, they are more inclined to trust and engage with it. This forward-thinking strategy not only makes operations more secure but also improves the company’s reputation and dependability.

LEVERAGING MODERN TECHNOLOGY
With the advent of s artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, leveraging technology in risk management has become essential. These advanced tools are now fundamental to developing a robust risk management strategy, rather than being mere supplementary aids, by enabling organizations to predict and tackle potential threats with unparalleled precision and swiftness.

Moreover, automating routine tasks  significantly alleviates the workload on human resources. This allows teams to concentrate on strategic decision-making and problem-solving instead of manual data processing. This shift not only boosts productivity but also cultivates a more innovative and forward-thinking organizational culture.

PROACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT AS A WISE INVESTMENT
Investing in proactive risk management, despite its inherent challenges, is a prudent decision. While the initial costs, resistance to change, and skill gaps can be intimidating, the long-term advantages are substantial. At the core of any organization are its people, and proactive risk management requires the engagement and training of employees across all levels. Cultivating a culture of awareness and responsibility empowers everyone to identify and report potential risks. This investment should be seen as a strategic initiative with significant long-term benefits. Moreover, leadership is pivotal in establishing the tone for risk management. Executives and managers need to lead by example and demonstrate unwavering commitment to proactive strategies. This method not only fortifies the organization’s defenses but also enhances employee morale and trust.

To recap, waiting for trouble is a costly gamble that can jeopardize any organization’s stability and success. Proactive risk management, however, transforms uncertainty into a strategic advantage, safeguarding the company’s future and driving sustained growth.

Is your company ready to shift from reactive to proactive risk management? Start with a thorough risk assessment and develop a comprehensive plan. Remember, the cost of inaction is far greater than the investment in proactive measures.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Grace Abatayo is an assistant manager with the Territory Risk Management group of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC global network.

mary.grace.abatayo@pwc.com

Chavit: Suarez versus Navarrete title fight in the Philippines in Dec.

NEGOTIATIONS for the Suarez vs Navarrete fight are already in the works according to his manager and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson (second from right).

ANOTHER FILIPINO fighter stands to strike for a world boxing title — and he could achieve it at home.

WBO junior lightweight international champion and No. 1 contender Charly Suarez is in line to challenge reigning titlist Emanuel Navarrete of Mexico — if possible — in the Philippines this December.

Negotiations to make it happen is already in the works according to his manager and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson as Mr. Suarez worked his way to being a mandatory challenger with three straight wins in the United States for the coveted super featherweight belt.

“We’re willing to finance,” declared Mr. Singson during a press conference at the Corinthian Gardens in Quezon City.

“If possible, the fight will be here in the Philippines. We’re willing to finance the championship.”

Mr. Singson, who also announced his plans to run for Senate, has tasked Rick Navalta, Mr. Suarez’s handler in the United States, to spearhead the discussion with the camp of Mr. Navarrete led by Top Rank’s Bob Arum but he’s willing to talk to the big boss himself to make it happen — at whatever costs.

“For sure it would be tens of billions. It’s the championship. I’m willing to finance,” added Mr. Singson, also the man behind the country’s hosting of the prestigious Ms. Universe in 2016.

Plans for Mr. Navarrete (38-2-1) to defend his belt againsts his compatriot and interim belt holder Oscar Valdez, (32-2-0), is also in play but nothing in cast is stone that could turn the tide on Mr. Suarez, who demolished home bet Jorge Castañeda in Arizona last month with a third-round TKO to zoom to No. 1 in their division rankings.

If the deal is sealed, the 36-year-old Mr. Suarez (18-10-0) vowed to pour his all in front of Filipino home fans to join Melvin Jerusalem (WBC mininumweight) and Pedro Taduran (IBF minimumweight) as current Filipino world champions.

Mr. Suarez, under the watch of head trainer Delfin Boholst, who paid gratitude to Mr. Singson in backing his US campaigns from the get go.

Mr. Suarez is a former Olympian, three-time SEAG gold and Asian Games silver medalist. By December with a heavyweight backer, he could be a world champion at last. — John Bryan Ulanday

Tropang Giga welcome the long breather before the PBA semis resume

CHOT REYES — FIBA

AFTER the tough grind of every-other-day games, holder TNT welcomes the relatively long breather before plunging into the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals next week.

The Tropang Giga marched to the Final Four on Tuesday after dispatching quarterfinal rival NLEX in four matches,  and would only return to action at the start of the next round on Wednesday.

And their next opponent would even have to kill each other off in a deciding Game 5 this Saturday first, giving TNT extra prep time against whoever between Rain or Shine or Magnolia would eventually make it to the best-of-seven semis dance.

“Any chance that we get to rest and recover especially at this stage is crucial,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes, whose troops battled the Road Warriors four times in the six days.

Mr. Reyes stressed the challenge is to get the players led by import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, young gun Calvin Oftana and vets Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams and RR Pogoy recharged but sharp during this eight-day lull.

“It (break) is certainly going to be very valuable but it will only be valuable if we make good use of it,” he said.

“That rest,  you know how it is, right? There’s always going to be that give and take between resting and being fresh and just losing your edge. So we have to make a real good determination on the quality of our preparation and practices in these next few days,” he added.

Barangay Ginebra, the team TNT defeated for the crown in the last edition of the GC, is in the same boat.

After sweeping Meralco in the Last-8, 3-0, last Monday, the Tim Cone-coached squad waits for San Miguel Beer and Converge to settle their dispute for an F4 ticket first. The FiberXers stopped the Beermen’s sweep bid with a gutsy 114-112 steal on Monday, setting the stage for Game 4 on Friday. Should Converge make it back-to-back, it would come down to a sudden death on Sunday.

“At this point, no matter who we play — San Miguel or Converge — we know it’s going to be tough. It’s the playoffs so it’s going to be it’s not going to be easy whatever it is. But we got some time to prepare for either team,” said Ginebra’s heart and soul Justin Brownlee. — Olmin Leyba

PAL fueled team Sibol for esports cup in China

PHILIPPINE TEAM SIBOL

FLAG CARRIER Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), the official National Sports Association for Esports in the country, have collaborated to provide world-class travel arrangements for Sibol, the Philippines’ national esports team. Sibol competed in the inaugural China-ASEAN Esports Competition (CAEC) in Nanning.

Sibol MLBB was composed of reigning MLBB women’s world champions Smart Omega Empress, while Sibol HOK was represented by Team Boom.

This partnership marked the first time that Philippine Airlines partnered with PESO to fly national esports athletes. PAL flew Sibol’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Honor of Kings (HOK) teams, along with their support crew and media representatives, to China for the China-ASEAN Esports Competition.

“PAL is delighted to have partnered with Sibol in their journey to showcase Filipino esports talent on the global stage. Our commitment was to provide exceptional travel comfort and safety, ensuring Team Sibol arrived at the competition ready to compete at their best,” PAL Marketing Vice-President Alvin Miranda said.

“PAL’s support made a significant difference for our athletes. PESO is thankful for the support that they provided. They ensured that our athletes arrived comfortably with the confidence and focus needed to excel on the international stage,” PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo said.

The inaugural China-ASEAN Esports Competition was the highlight of the China-ASEAN Esports Industry Week. The event had a prize pool of RMB180,000, with RMB90,000 pot per gaming title. The two regions of China and Southeast Asia represent two of the world’s largest esports hubs. National teams from all ASEAN member states and China were invited to participate in the inaugural event.

Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty hold off Aces for 2-0 edge

SABRINA IONESCU — FACEBOOK.COM/WNBA

SABRINA IONESCU scored or assisted on almost every New York point in the fourth quarter, and she powered the host Liberty to an 88-84 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday and a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals.

Ionescu finished with 24 points and nine rebounds for the Liberty, who will aim to sweep the best-of-five series on Friday in Las Vegas.

New York saw a second-half lead of as many as 10 points vanish, as Las Vegas pulled into an 81-81 tie with 91 seconds remaining in regulation when Alysha Clark connected on a 3-pointer. The Liberty endured a scoring drought of almost three minutes early in the fourth quarter to facilitate the Aces’ comeback.

However, after Clark tied the contest with the last of her 13 points, Ionescu answered with a pull-up jumper that gave New York the lead for good with 1:15 to go.

Ionescu was in on 16 of the Liberty’s 19 points in the final period, either scoring or feeding teammates.

New York’s Breanna Stewart finished with 15 points, a game-high eight assists and seven rebounds, contributing in other ways on an off-shooting night. Stewart went 0-for-5 from 3-point range and 5-for-15 from the floor overall, and the Liberty were 9-for-29 (31%) from beyond the arc.

Las Vegas shot 12-for-27 (44.4%) from long distance. Jackie Young set the pace, going 4-for-8 on 3-point attempts en route to 17 points, while Clark finished 3-for-7 from deep. Chelsea Gray, who scored 14 points, added two 3-pointers, and Kelsey Plum scored all six of her points from behind the 3-point arc.

The Aces’ outside shooting helped keep Las Vegas in striking distance amid a slow start from A’ja Wilson. The 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player had just six points in the first half, but she came alive down the stretch to match Ionescu’s game-high 24 points.

Wilson added a team-high seven rebounds and scored 12 of her points in the fourth quarter, including a jumper with 5.8 seconds remaining that pulled Las Vegas within two points. The Aces could not force a turnover, however, and Stewart’s two late foul shots sealed New York’s fifth straight win over the two-time reigning WNBA champions dating back to the regular season.

LYNX STIFLE SUN IN GAME 2 TO EVEN SERIES
Courtney Williams scored 17 points to help the Minnesota Lynx beat the Connecticut Sun 77-70 in Game 2 on Tuesday night in Minneapolis to even their WNBA semifinal series.

Williams was one of three Lynx players to score in double figures as they tied the best-of-five series at 1-1. Alanna Smith scored 15 points and Kayla McBride added 11.

Minnesota won despite Napheesa Collier making a season-low three field goals. The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year finished with nine points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. For the Sun, who will host Game 3 of the series in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday, Alyssa Thomas had 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. DeWanna Bonner added 17 points, six rebounds and five steals, while Marina Mabrey had 15 points and DiJonai Carrington scored 14.

Connecticut had won seven straight games in Minnesota before this defeat.

The Sun led by a point early in the second quarter when Mabrey opened the frame with a 23-foot 3-pointer. But after the Lynx snatched the lead back thanks to an 8-2 run, Connecticut never tied the score again.

Williams powered an 11-4 run by the Lynx in the third, scoring nine points during that spurt that pushed the lead to 14 points with 2:10 remaining in the quarter.

Minnesota’s lead grew to 15, its largest advantage of the day, midway through the fourth quarter when Smith connected on a layup off an assist from Natisha Hiedeman. The Sun never got closer than seven points the rest of the way.

The Sun shot 36.4%from the floor while the Lynx shot 45.2%. Connecticut also made just five 3-pointers while Minnesota knocked down eight from deep range.

After missing the Sun’s previous two playoff games with an ankle injury, Tyasha Harris returned to the court but failed to score in seven minutes off the bench. — Reuters

MLB: Royals, Tigers, Mets win openers on the road

COLE RAGANS struck out eight over six scoreless innings in his playoff debut, Bobby Witt Jr. drove in the lone run and the Kansas City Royals blanked the host Baltimore Orioles 1-0 on Tuesday in an American League wild-card series opener.

Kansas City, which played its first playoff game since winning the 2015 World Series of Major League Baseball (MLB), can clinch the best-of-three series with a win on Wednesday.

Ragans (1-0) scattered four hits and did not walk a batter. He exited after the sixth inning with cramping in his left calf. Witt, also making his first postseason appearance, drove in Maikel Garcia with a two-out single against Corbin Burnes (0-1) to break a scoreless tie in the sixth inning.

Burnes shined in his Baltimore postseason debut, scattering five hits over eight-plus innings while striking out three. His only walk came with one out in the sixth. Garcia walked, stole second and advanced to third on a groundout before Witt singled through the left side to drive him home.

TIGERS 3, ASTROS 1
Tarik Skubal (1-0) twirled six shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out six, while the bottom of the order sparked an early rally that carried visiting Detroit over Houston in Game 1 of an AL wild-card series.

Jake Rogers and Trey Sweeney — batting eighth and ninth, respectively — and Matt Vierling hit successive RBI singles for the Tigers in the second inning.

Framber Valdez (0-1) allowed those three runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings for the Astros. Yordan Alvarez (double), Alex Bregman (single) and Yainer Diaz (RBI single) reached in succession to make it 3-1 in the ninth inning before Detroit’s Beau Brieske came in and notched the final two outs.

METS 8, BREWERS 4
Mark Vientos and J.D. Martinez each had a two-run single to fuel a five-run fifth inning and pace New York to a victory at Milwaukee in Game 1 of a National League wild-card series.

Mets starter Luis Severino (1-0) battled through six innings, giving up four runs, three earned, on eight hits. Jose Butto followed with two spotless innings, and Ryne Stanek pitched a perfect ninth.

Brice Turang had three hits and two runs for the Brewers, William Contreras drove in two runs, and Jackson Chourio contributed two hits. Joel Payamps (0-1) took the loss in relief.

PADRES 4, BRAVES 0
Michael King struck out 12 in seven shutout innings and Fernando Tatis, Jr. hit a massive two-run homer to help host San Diego shut out Atlanta in Game 1 of a National League wild-card series.

King allowed just five hits, walked none and retired the final 10 batters he faced in his first career postseason start. He fell four strikeouts short of the franchise postseason record, set by Kevin Brown in 1998.

Kyle Higashioka also homered and drove in another with a sacrifice fly for the Padres. Michael Harris II had two hits for the Braves. — Reuters

Iran says attack on Israel is over as fears grow of wider conflict

Israeli and Iranian flags are seen in this illustration taken, April 24, 2024. — REUTERS/DADO RUVIC/ILLUSTRATION

JERUSALEM/BEIRUT  — Iran said on Wednesday its missile attack on Israel, its biggest military assault on the country, was over, barring further provocation, while Israel and the United States promised to hit back as fears of a wider war intensified.

Israel will launch a “significant retaliation” within days that could target oil production facilities inside Iran and other strategic sites, US news website Axios reported on Wednesday citing Israeli officials.

Despite calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations (UN), the United States and the European Union, fighting between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah continued on Wednesday.

Israel renewed its bombardment of Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group, with at least a dozen airstrikes against what it said were targets belonging to the group.

Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from parts of the suburbs. Israel issued new evacuation orders for the area, which has largely emptied after days of heavy strikes.

Hezbollah said it confronted Israeli forces infiltrating the Lebanese town of Adaisseh early on Wednesday and forced them to retreat.

Iran said Tuesday’s assault on Israel was solely aimed at military facilities. Iran’s state news agency said three Israeli military bases had been targeted.

Tehran said its assault was a response to Israeli killings of militant leaders and aggression in Lebanon against Hezbollah and in Gaza.

“Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X early on Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to strike back. “Iran made a big mistake tonight — and it will pay for it,” he said at the outset of an emergency political security cabinet meeting late on Tuesday, according to a statement.

Washington said it would work with longtime ally Israel to ensure Iran faced “severe consequences” for Tuesday’s attack, which Israel said involved more than 180 ballistic missiles.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant late on Tuesday and said Washington was “well-postured” to defend its interests in the Middle East, the Pentagon said in a statement.

“The minister and I expressed mutual appreciation for the coordinated defense of Israel against nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran and committed to remain in close contact,” Austin said separately in a post on X.

US Navy warships fired about a dozen interceptors against Iranian missiles headed toward Israel, the Pentagon said. Britain said its forces played a part “in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East,” without elaborating.

The Pentagon said Tuesday’s airstrikes by Iran were about twice the size of April’s assault by Iran on Israel.

‘THE RESPONSE WILL BE PAINFUL’
Israel activated air defenses against Iran’s bombardment on Tuesday and most missiles were intercepted “by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States,” Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a video on X.

“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation,” he added.

Iran’s forces on Tuesday used hypersonic Fattah missiles for the first time, and 90% of its missiles successfully hit their targets in Israel, the Revolutionary Guards said.

In a statement on state media, the general staff of Iran’s armed forces said any Israeli response would be met with “vast destruction” of the latter’s infrastructure.

It also said it would target the regional assets of any Israeli ally that got involved.

Fears that Iran and the US could be drawn into a regional war have risen with Israel’s growing assault on Lebanon in the past two weeks, including the start of a ground operation there on Monday, while its conflict in the Gaza Strip is a year old.

US President Joseph R. Biden expressed full US support for Israel and described Iran’s attack as “ineffective.”

Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, backed Mr. Biden’s stance and said the US would not hesitate to defend its interests against Iran.

“We will act. Iran will soon feel the consequences of their actions. The response will be painful,” Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters.

QR CAN START HERE
The White House similarly promised “severe consequences” for Iran and spokesman Jake Sullivan told a Washington briefing the United States would “work with Israel to make that the case.”

Sullivan did not specify what those consequences might be.

In a statement, French President Emmanuel Macron said he strongly condemns Iran’s new attacks on Israel, adding that in a sign of its commitment to Israel’s security France mobilized its military resources in the Middle East on Wednesday.

The United Nations Security Council scheduled a meeting about the Middle East conflict for Wednesday, and the European Union called for an immediate ceasefire.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with his national security and economic advisers on Wednesday over the Middle East conflict and called for a swift but measured response to any impact on the country’s energy supply, his office said.

Nearly 1,900 people have been killed and more than 9,000 wounded in Lebanon in almost a year of cross-border fighting, most in the past two weeks, Lebanese government statistics showed on Tuesday. — Reuters

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