A number of foreigners have been kidnapped for ransom in the southern Philippines. Areas within the region are used as bases by Islamist militants and rebel groups.
As deliveries are made they are scanned. Any deviation of more than a few minutes sets off an alarm back at the operations desk, and a human voice calls up the driver wanting to know why there is a delay.
Now, automated cars are being tested on roads. With companies from Google to Volvo putting large quantities of money into the technology, if it is to become legal, the thought of a commute without a packed train or having to concentrate on driving is an exciting one.
Research into novel materials, synthetic biology and regenerative medicine are among the fields that will no doubt produce fascinating but controversial advances.
Eighteen people, including an infant, were hurt and most are now in hospital. About 100 firefighters tackled the fire, using a ladder to rescue people.
In particular, the oceans are also vital as sponges for green house gases, taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere through two processes - dissolving straight into the water column and also through photosynthesis by phytoplankton.
Global fish stocks are exploited or depleted to such an extent that without urgent measures we may be the last generation to catch food from the oceans.