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CEBU CITY – The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is now tracing the source of Chinese teabag-sealed drugs confiscated from a 43-year-old woman during a buy-bust operation on midnight of Tuesday.

Col. Josefino Ligan said the one-kilogram suspected shabu was seized from Noralyn Villesa Bordan alias "Inday Nora", a native of Sagay City, Negros Oriental.

Bordan was arrested by the Criminal Intelligence Branch headed by Major Randy Caballes in her apartment at Unit 4 Opra, Barangay Kalunasan, this city.

Ligan said the illegal drugs seized from Bordan was similarly packed to the almost 400 kilograms of shabu confiscated from a Chinese national in Makati City in November last year.

According to Caballes, the illegal drugs seized from Bordan has a Dangerous Drugs Board value of PHP6.8 million.

"In our (Philippine National Police) past seizure, we saw a similar packaging where the shabu is sealed in a Chinese teabag. The drugs from the suspect (Bordan) is also placed in a green tea bag with Chinese characters," Ligan said in Cebuano in a radio interview.

Bordan did not deny possessing the one kilo of shabu in her apartment. However, she claimed that she did not know that the Chinese teabag contained shabu.

"Dili sir, gibilin ran a sa ako sir. Wa man ko kahibalo unsa unod sa bag sir. Di man malantaw sa sulod sir kay nakaputos man (No sir, somebody left it to me, sir. I did not know what was inside the bag sir. It could not be known because it is sealed)," Bordan said in a video posted in social media.

Ligan said the shabu seized from the woman was part of a bigger stash of illegal drugs from Metro Manila.

The CCPO placed Bordan under profiling and background checking to identify other personalities who may had transacted with her in the past.

The suspect is now detained at the CCPO in Camp Sotero Cabahug while the police is set to file charges against her for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Ligan urged drug personalities in the city to stop their illegal activities particularly during the enhanced community quarantine, as the police continues to conduct operation against illegal drugs, gambling, and loose firearms. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY – Mayor Edgardo Labella announced Wednesday that the newborn infant tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has been cleared in a subsequent test.

"I am happy to announce that the newborn baby from Barangay Hipodromo found positive of coronavirus is now found to be negative. It means that the virus is gone from the baby's system," Labella said in Cebuano during a press conference on Wednesday.

Labella said the baby and the mother remain in a hospital here while Dr. Daisy Villa, chief of the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) is closely monitoring their health conditions.

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, regional director of the Department of Health in Region 7, said this unique case "needs further validation on how transmission occurred since the mother tested negative."

Meanwhile, Labella said the CCHD recorded 139 new Covid-19 patients in the city, bringing to 312 the total number of cases as of Wednesday.

Of the number, 123 are from the Cebu City Jail, nine from Barangay Labangon, three from Barangay Luz, and one each from C. Padilla, Kasambagan and Inayawan villages and the CCHD office.

In a press conference at his office, Labella said two of the cases in the city jail are personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology who are now receiving treatment in an isolation facility. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The City Council has asked power and water distribution utilities here to grant subsidies and discounts to consumers, as well as remove the penalties for delayed payments amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a resolution passed during Tuesday's special session, the Council urged the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) and the General Santos City Water District (GSCWD) to give due consideration to local consumers to help ease the impact of the Covid-19 threat.

City Councilor Vandyke Congson cited the effects of the ongoing enhanced community quarantine, which has restricted the movement of residents and led to the temporary closure of various businesses.

"This is the time for us to work together to help ease the burden of our constituents," Congson said.

In particular, the Council asked Socoteco II and GSCWD to subsidize the bills of their poor or "lifeline" consumers.

For the regular clients, the legislative body pushed for a 30-percent discount on the bills covering the quarantine period, set to end on April 30.

The City Council also urged the two entities to implement an installment program for the payment of bills for at least three months.

"We're also appealing to both utilities to stop the line disconnection for consumers who fail to pay their bills on time," Congson said.

In an advisory, the Socoteco II management said it has already waived the bills of its members who consume 25 kilowatts and below.

The Socoteco II also assured that the subsidy would not be passed on or billed to the consumers in the next billing cycles. (PNA)

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Northern Mindanao police officers have contributed over PHP8.5 million from their salaries to help government combat the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The contributions are part of the Philippine National Police's "Bayanihan Fund Challenge" to raise PHP200 million from police personnel in response to President Rodrigo R Duterte's call for unity against Covid-19, said Brig. Gen Rolando B. Anduyan, Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) director.

Anduyan made it clear that the contributions are "strictly voluntary" and each police personnel may choose the amount of their donation.

The initiative, he added, does not authorize automatic salary deduction or the use of funds sourced from the PNP appropriations.

Anduyan said the money voluntarily collected by PRO-10 will be turned over to the PNP Director for Comptrollership, the unit primarily responsible for the project, which in turn will turn the funds to the national treasury or to any of appropriate government agency.

As of Tuesday, April 21, PRO-10 said it has collected PHP1,583,000 from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion personnel; PHP987,700 from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office; PHP120,000 from COCPO field training program; PHP120,000 from the Iligan City Police Office;

Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office, PHP1,013,000; Misamis Occidental field training program, PHP100,000; Lanao del Norte PPO, PHP1,073,000; Lanao del Norte field training program, PHP100,000; Camiguin PPO, PHP259,000; Bukidnon PPO, PHP1,248,000; Misamis Oriental PPO, P707,200.

PRO-10 regional headquarters personnel, meanwhile, donated PHP1,114,420.

"PRO-10 under my leadership will always support the Bayanihan Fund Challenge of our organization under the leadership of PGen (Archie) Gamboa (PNP chief) to help the Filipino people who are suffering for this unexpected pandemic. I felt it in my bones, since I have seen the hardship of our Filipino people in the region and this noble activity will surely help a lot to our government in addressing the concerns of our country in these trying times," Anduyan said. (PNA)

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BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) said it has recorded a total of 3,408 violators of enhanced community quarantine guidelines being implemented in different provinces in the Caraga Region.

Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., PRO-13 director, said Tuesday the recorded violations from March 17 to April 20 include disobedience to ECQ rules, violation of curfew hours, hoarding and profiteering.

"We will continue enforcing the law and remind our stakeholders across the region that PRO-13 police forces are committed in the service to God, country, and fellowmen," Esquivel said.

Most of the individuals taken into custody violated curfew hours, totaling 2,028 violators, while those who disobeyed persons in authority numbered 1,154 violators.

Most of the violators were immediately released after counseling from local authorities, Esquivel said.

In the same period, police units throughout the region also launched 125 operations against hoarders and profiteers, resulting in the arrest of 47 individuals.

Esquivel said the 47 suspects will be charged with hoarding and profiteering, including applicable laws and executive orders issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in the wake of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic.

Region 13 (Caraga) is composed of five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands; cities of Bayugan, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao, Tandag, Bislig; and 67 municipalities. Butuan City is the regional center. (PNA)


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COTABATO CITY -- The island-provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have so far registered "zero" 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positive cases, the BARMM health ministry said Wednesday.

"The island-provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) have no confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic started in January," said Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, BARMM health minister, during a virtual press briefing here.

Dipatuan said while the BaSulTa has a total of 127 suspected cases, none tested positive for Covid-19.

"We have recorded a total of 235 suspected cases in the entire region but only 12 of the patients remain under strict monitoring and subject for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing," Dipatuan said.

Recently, the two suspected deaths in Sulu tested negative for Covid-19, according to the Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

"There are more municipalities in the region with no recorded cases. Among these are municipalities in Lanao del Sur," Dipatuan said.

Out of Lanao del Sur's 40 municipalities, he said only Kapatagan, Balabagan, Malabang, Picong, Saguiaran, Piagapo, and Marawi City are the areas where suspected cases of Covid-19 are still present.

"The same case with Maguindanao, not even ten percent of its total number of municipalities are affected, the province only has one positive and 19 suspected cases," Dipatuan added.

However, despite these notable developments in the said BARMM areas, the minister stressed there is still no reason to be complacent.

"We should remain on guard as we suspect that many of our suspected Covid-19 patients are hiding the truth due to fear that they have contracted the disease," Dipatuan said.

Dipatuan emphasized that individuals who went to events with known Covid-19 cases--such as the Tabligh gathering in Malaysia and cockfight derby in Davao City--should not be afraid to seek help from authorities.

"Help us, as you might pass the disease to your other family members if you keep on denying the truth," he said.

Meanwhile, the region's health minister acknowledged the efforts of the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in containing and preventing the further spread of the virus.

"The continuing decline in the number of Covid-19 cases has been a positive fortification on the region's IATF that continuously executes its responsibilities, including relief good operations throughout its area of responsibility," Dipatuan said.

As of Tuesday, a total of nine Covid-19 confirmed cases are recorded in the BARMM—eight from several towns of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, and one from Maguindanao – with both provinces situated in mainland Mindanao. (PNA)

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DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Indigenous Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) slammed a leftist party-list lawmaker and Sandugo--a Moro and Indigenous People's (IP) rights group--for allegedly misrepresenting themselves as the voice of the tribes in Mindanao.

In a statement Tuesday, MIPCEL called on Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat, Sandugo, and other "fake activists", to stop representing the IPs and refrain from "politicking" as the country reels from the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.

"They are not real IP rights advocates, despite their best efforts at projecting that they are such," MIPCEL said.

MIPCEL issued the statement after Cullamat, Sandugo, and other leftist groups opposed the government's plan to turn idle portions of ancestral domains into food production areas.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar told reporters last Thursday that the initiative would ensure food security for the IPs "and reduce their dependence on the commercial market".

In separate statements last week, however, Cullamat and Sandugo rejected the idea, saying food is already being grown in ancestral lands.

MIPCEL condemned Cullamat and Sandugo's position, saying they had "outwardly rejected" the assistance being offered by DA, which they said was the request of the IPs anyway.

"Why now? It is because we are on the verge of the traditional planting season in most ancestral domains, and the DA's assistance in providing farming implements and tools would go a long way to help secure our food security. The timing of these statements from Rep. Cullamat, Bayan Muna, and Sandugo, is not an accident," MIPCEL said.

MIPCEL accused Cullamat and leftist groups of deliberately opposing the DA proposal to keep tribal communities poor and hungry.

The group said Cullamat, Bayan Muna, and Sandugo were only pursuing their "ideological framework at our expense".

"These empty propaganda posturing must not derail nor discourage government to do its mandate of Protecting the Rights and Welfare of the IP/ICCs (Indigenous Cultural Communities) that includes helping us develop and secure food in our ancestral domains," MIPCEL added.

It also called on the DA and the National Commission on Indigenous People "to continue and promote the development of our ancestral domains. There will be no situation where there is no nuisance from this group".

While the group acknowledged that some of the leftist personalities are IP members, MIPCEL said Cullamat and other leftist IPs like her "consistently held the ideological line of Bayan Muna, often at the expense of the IPs".

"Yes, we know some of them as genuine members of ICC. But are they true community representatives? Were these political organizers and operators actually chosen by the Communities to be their representatives, through their traditional and culturally bound systems and practices? The clear answer is: no, they were not chosen," MIPCEL said. (PNA)

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COTABATO CITY – The Darul Ifta, the highest Islamic religious authority in the country, announced here that the fasting month of Ramadhan officially begins on Friday, April 24, after several moon sighting teams failed to see the crescent moon on Wednesday evening.

Members of Darul Ifta held moon sighting in various parts of the Bangsamoro region Wednesday to determine the official beginning of the fasting month of Ramadhan.

"By the authority vested in me as grand mufti in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), I hereby declare that we shall start the fasting month of Ramadhan on Friday, April 24," Abuhuraira Udasan, grand mufti (the titular head of the Muslim community) in the BARMM and head of Darul Ifta (Islamic House of Opinion), said Wednesday evening.

"The moon sighting teams failed to see the crescent moon tonight, so automatically fasting begins on Friday," Udasan said. He admitted that Muslims are facing a huge challenge due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Ramadhan observance is seen as more challenging this year with the whole country and the rest of the world fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in lockdown measures that have severely restricted the movement of people.

For instance, some religious scholars pointed out that difficulty in buying food for the breaking of the fast at dawn because of the existing lockdown measures.

Ustadz Abuhalil Upam, an Islamic preacher based here, said Islamic scholars believed this year's fasting requires more sacrifices due to the pandemic.

The fasting month is the 9th and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory for Muslims all over the world. It is also one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Udasan said the Darul Ifta has canceled all Islamic religious gatherings, including the temporary suspension of the congregational "Taraweeh" prayers in mosques due to the Covid-19 onslaught. (PNA)

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DUMAGUETE CITY – A member of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental was arrested on Tuesday for alleged violation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed in the province to prevent local transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the SK councilman as Rogen Clavicillas Mamigo, 22, male, single, and a resident of Barangay Poblacion Zamboanguita.

Initial police investigation said he was arrested for "serious disobedience to (an) Agent of Person in Authority in relation to Republic Act 11332 or "An Act Providing Policies and Prescribing Procedures on Surveillance and Response to Notifiable Diseases, Epidemics and Health Events of Public Health Concern".

The suspect who was driving a motorcycle, together with his backrider, Nathaniel Garcia, were caught in the act of roaming around town, not wearing helmets and face masks, around 9:25 a.m.

The motorcycle also had a temporary plate number.

Personnel from the Zamboanguita police station, who were conducting mobile patrol along the national highway in the town proper spotted them, When the suspects were asked to stop, they sped away, prompting the police to give chase.

When lawmen caught up with them, Mamigo was arrested but Garcia managed to run and has remained at large.

The SK "kagawad", is now under detention at the police station.

Under the ECQ guidelines, a motorcycle driver is allowed to travel provided that the person is wearing a helmet and a face mask. (PNA)



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – Residents of Barangay Balite here availed of fresh vegetables, fruits and marine products being sold at low prices at the "Kadiwa on Wheels" on Tuesday.

The mobile market project was rolled out by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to allow people to access food while under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Provincial agriculturist Ma. Gloria Carillo said the "Kadiwa on Wheels" is a collaborative project of the DA, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) with the support of the provincial government of Bulacan and the Malolos city government.

Carillo said the program also aims to provide a sure market for the farmers and fishermen.

"Kadiwa on Wheels helps our farmers and traders here in the province of Bulacan which made a second round in this city. Fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, fish and meats are offered at a reasonable price," she said.

Carillo thanked Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian for being the first to respond to Governor Daniel Fernando's call for the establishment of the mobile market in every town.

Gatchalian said he is grateful that his constituents do not have to go far to buy what they need.

He ensured that order and social distancing are strictly enforced to protect traders and buyers at the mobile market.

The Kadiwa on Wheels or "Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita" was launched in the province last Friday in Barangay Mabolo, then rolled out in Barangay Libtong in the Meycauayan City last Monday and returned to Barangay Balite on Tuesday.

Carmencita Nogoy, senior agriculturist and chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of DA-Region 3 (Central Luzon) earlier said the caravan also targets to reach Barangay Mulawin in the San Jose del Monte City. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY – At least 14 persons including four minors were rounded up by policemen on Tuesday night for violating the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) rules on curfew hours and liquor ban in separate operations in Polangui town and Ligao City in Albay.

In an interview Wednesday, Capt. Dexter Panganiban, Albay police spokesperson, said arrested for violating the curfew in Polangui at around 10 a.m. were Jonel Borja, 19, of Barangay Sugcad; Mark Antony Gandia, 33, of Barangay Basud; Arnold Dajuyo, 39, of Barangay Agos; Thomas Basco, 25, of Barangay Matacon; and Benjie Serio, 31, of Barangay Ubaliw.

"In Ligao City, police operatives caught seven persons including two minors having a drinking binge at around 6:30 p.m. in Barangay Layon," he said.

Arrested were Manuel Quinalayo Laurden, 24; Rey Pelnis Pabocon, 22; Diether Quinalayo Bautista, 25; Marlon Penis Pobocan, 25; and Mark Odono Quintan, 33.

Panganiban said the four arrested minors, who were not named, were brought to the custody of the police's women and children's protection unit. (PNA)



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MINGLANILLA, Cebu – Amid the increasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia will no longer allow persons from Cebu City to cross the borders if they are not on the list of authorized persons.

Under the new policy, persons who are supposed to be exempted but not on the list provided by the provincial government are prohibited to cross borders.

The move was to reduce the number of persons exempted from border restrictions, in a bid to prevent the disease from spreading outside the capital city.

"Since it would seem that Cebu City continues to increase its numbers in the positive cases that have already been confirmed by the DOH (Department of Health), I find it more prudent that aside from a general classification or a general sector nga atong ibutang diha nga exempted (that we considered exempted), we will now have to go down to specifics," Garcia was quoted as saying in the provincial capitol's official news site.

In a meeting with government line agencies, banks, telecommunication companies, utility providers, power producers, petroleum suppliers, and money remittance centers, Garcia required them to submit a list of their employees.

The employees' list will be subjected to review.

Garcia issued executive order 5-O exempting government officials, national government agencies, banks, petroleum suppliers, utility providers, money remittances, security agencies, among others from the ban to cross borders.

She subsequently issued EO 5-Q, superseding EO 5-O, that further trimmed down the exemptions.

Under the new EO, mayors and vice mayors are allowed to enter Cebu City and go back to their respective hometowns.

The same privilege will no longer be enjoyed by members of the diplomatic corps and consular offices as most of the foreign service offices are in Cebu City.

Health care professionals and workers in medical centers, including janitors, will be required to present to border control points their Professional Regulations Commission identification cards and certificate of employment.

In Garcia's "specifics" policy, national government agencies, utility providers, and other sectors listed as exempted under EO 5-O need to scrutinize its staffing and adopt a "new normal" operating scheme.

Non-city residents working at the provincial capitol will no longer be allowed to report as well as provincial workers who are residents of Cebu City barangays affected with Covid-19.

"We will have to implement even stricter controls karon (now). That is why we will go through each and every exemption and we would need your help in identifying because the province will now issue a pass. Aside from the ID, duna sad ipakita nga (something has to be shown like a) provincial government-issued pass," she said.

Garcia's decision to trim down exempted persons allowed to cross borders came after the Cebu City Health Department recorded 312 confirmed Covid-19 cases and six deaths.

The DOH-7 recorded only three cases from Cebu province, with one each from Cordova, Consolacion, and Talisay. However, highly-urbanized cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue recorded 13 and nine cases, respectively. (PNA)



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BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health in Caraga (DOH-13) on Wednesday night reported the third patient infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the region.

DOH-13 Director Jose Llacuna, Jr. said the confirmed case is one of the six samples in the third batch of rapid antibody tests conducted by the local government of Butuan City.

The five other samples turned out negative, he added.

"The last sample tested positive. Now we have a new case of Covid-19 infection, the third in the whole of Caraga region," Llacuna said.

The patient is a 10-year-old female from Butuan City with no health issues and no travel history outside the city, he added.

Llacuna said the patient had close contact with a person who was present during the 6-cock derby in Davao City.

The first reported Covid-19 infection in Caraga Region has a history of travel in Manila while the second case also had close contact with a person who attended the derby.

In a text message, Llacuna said the close contacts of the second and third patients were two different persons.

"At the moment we are closely coordinating with the city government of Butuan through the team of Mayor Ronnie Lagnada," Llacuna said.

Under the new guidelines, the contact tracing will be done by the local epidemiological surveillance unit headed by the city health officer and the chief of the city police office.

The task of the team is to monitor, survey and report suspected Covid-19 cases to the DOH regional office, he added. (PNA) 



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COTABATO CITY – Amid the global pandemic, protecting the environment, and preserving nature should continue, an official of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said Wednesday.

"While our utmost priority now is to help the national government in flattening the curve and preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus, we should not ignore our duty in preserving Mother Earth," said Minister Abdulraof Macacua of BARMM's Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and concurrent regional executive secretary.

Over the past several weeks, MENRE-BARMM has been promoting the "Kayod sa Bangsamoro" program that encourages the public to engage in backyard farming.

The program aims to provide "survival" gardens that promote food sustainability especially in these times when most areas are on lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-10).

The so-called "palaw" or forest rangers composed mostly of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front members are also at the forefront of implementing such initiatives by coordinating with local government units in ensuring that environmental sanitation activities are in place, especially with several relief programs taking place.

Despite the pandemic, the BARMM on Wednesday joined the rest of the country and the world in celebrating Earth Day this year.

Macacua urged communities under quarantine to protect the environment by practicing inventory of plastic use in offices and at home, proper use of energy, and the use of eco-friendly bags when going to the market.

"In a way, this crisis has revealed to us that pollution and other environmental hazards can be avoided if we have enough political will to do so," he said. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Arteche, Eastern Samar has already exceeded its target volume for the buying of locally-harvested rice from farmers in their town to boost its food supply during the health crisis.

Mayor Roland Boie Evardone said in a phone interview on Wednesday that as of April 20, the local government has already bought 61,958 kilograms of palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers, more than its 50,000 kilograms target.

The local government buys palay at PHP15 per kilogram for newly harvested rice and PHP18 per kilogram for the dried ones.

This is part of the local government's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) intervention to help both the vulnerable families and local farmers as well.

The official said the initiative is timely since this is the harvest season of rice farms in their town.

Many rice farmers, according to Evardone, opted to sell their produce to the local government since our trading price is PHP10 higher than those offered by private traders. For each sack of palay (50 kilograms), a farmer earns PHP750 to PHP900.

"Buying palay from rice farmers may be more expensive than buying it from the National Food Authority but our intention is not only to help local farmers earn as we face a health crisis, but also ensure that residents affected by movement restrictions have food on their table," Evardone added.

The local government bought the unhusked rice and milled it for distribution to 4,503 poor families. Fresh vegetables are also included in the relief packs.

"This came out because of the difficulty in transporting goods due to enhanced community quarantine and border checkpoints in different towns," Evardone said.

The mayor also noted the supply of canned goods in the town is about to be depleted due to travel restrictions.

"We have been coordinating with the vegetable farmers in our town to check the available supply that we can give as relief goods," he added.

Arteche town remains Covid-19 free and they are upbeat on keeping that status by enforcing local ordinances meant to protect residents from the deadly virus.

Among the directive is the mandatory wearing of face mask outdoors and liquor ban. Offenders will be fine with PHP500.

Located in the northeastern part of Eastern Samar province, Arteche is a fifth-class town near the boundary of Northern Samar province.

The entry to the north has been closed after the provincial government of Eastern Samar ordered the closure of all its borders to non-residents, except those delivering basic and essential needs. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – Two communist New People's Army (NPA) combatants surrendered to the government on Tuesday in the Davao de Oro town of Mawab, the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) said.

In a statement Wednesday, 71IB identified the surrenderers as "Lando," a supply officer, and "Narra," a political guide of the weakened NPA Guerrilla Front 2 operating in Davao de Oro.

The Army unit quoted Lando as saying that he was enticed to join the communist rebel movement after being promised land to till and financial support to his family known within the NPA as a Suporta sa Pamilya (SuPaMil).

However, Lando said none of these promises proved true. On the contrary, the surrenderer said he was disenchanted by the "injustices" he saw and experienced within the rebel movement, forcing him to return to the fold of the law.

One such experience, Lando said, was seeing a rebel leader known only as "Jupiter" molesting and raping the wives of ordinary NPA members.

The other surrenderer, Narra, also told 71IB about the presence of child warriors aged 12 in their unit, a violation of Republic Act 7610 known as Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act that prohibits the recruitment of minors in any armed group or to take part in fighting or be used as guides, carriers or spies.

"They also divulged that students from the University of the Philippines regularly join them in the hinterland -- the male students join the NPA for three months while female students join for a month, which serves as their training," the statement read.

Narra also told the military about the predicament of ordinary fighters like him, who he said are being forced to endure hunger while their leaders are well-provided with food.

The Army unit said Lando and Narra will be enrolled with the government's  Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

"The government is true to its word in helping the terrorist NPAs who wish to surrender," said Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander.

Gonzales also urged the remaining NPA combatants to surrender and live peaceful lives with their families.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

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COTABATO CITY – Amid the global pandemic, protecting the environment, and preserving nature should continue, an official of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said Wednesday.

"While our utmost priority now is to help the national government in flattening the curve and preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus, we should not ignore our duty in preserving Mother Earth," said Minister Abdulraof Macacua of BARMM's Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and concurrent regional executive secretary.

Over the past several weeks, MENRE-BARMM has been promoting the "Kayod sa Bangsamoro" program that encourages the public to engage in backyard farming.

The program aims to provide "survival" gardens that promote food sustainability especially in these times when most areas are on lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-10).

The so-called "palaw" or forest rangers composed mostly of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front members are also at the forefront of implementing such initiatives by coordinating with local government units in ensuring that environmental sanitation activities are in place, especially with several relief programs taking place.

Despite the pandemic, the BARMM on Wednesday joined the rest of the country and the world in celebrating Earth Day this year.

Macacua urged communities under quarantine to protect the environment by practicing inventory of plastic use in offices and at home, proper use of energy, and the use of eco-friendly bags when going to the market.

"In a way, this crisis has revealed to us that pollution and other environmental hazards can be avoided if we have enough political will to do so," he said. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Arteche, Eastern Samar has already exceeded its target volume for the buying of locally-harvested rice from farmers in their town to boost its food supply during the health crisis.

Mayor Roland Boie Evardone said in a phone interview on Wednesday that as of April 20, the local government has already bought 61,958 kilograms of palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers, more than its 50,000 kilograms target.

The local government buys palay at PHP15 per kilogram for newly harvested rice and PHP18 per kilogram for the dried ones.

This is part of the local government's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) intervention to help both the vulnerable families and local farmers as well.

The official said the initiative is timely since this is the harvest season of rice farms in their town.

Many rice farmers, according to Evardone, opted to sell their produce to the local government since our trading price is PHP10 higher than those offered by private traders. For each sack of palay (50 kilograms), a farmer earns PHP750 to PHP900.

"Buying palay from rice farmers may be more expensive than buying it from the National Food Authority but our intention is not only to help local farmers earn as we face a health crisis, but also ensure that residents affected by movement restrictions have food on their table," Evardone added.

The local government bought the unhusked rice and milled it for distribution to 4,503 poor families. Fresh vegetables are also included in the relief packs.

"This came out because of the difficulty in transporting goods due to enhanced community quarantine and border checkpoints in different towns," Evardone said.

The mayor also noted the supply of canned goods in the town is about to be depleted due to travel restrictions.

"We have been coordinating with the vegetable farmers in our town to check the available supply that we can give as relief goods," he added.

Arteche town remains Covid-19 free and they are upbeat on keeping that status by enforcing local ordinances meant to protect residents from the deadly virus.

Among the directive is the mandatory wearing of face mask outdoors and liquor ban. Offenders will be fine with PHP500.

Located in the northeastern part of Eastern Samar province, Arteche is a fifth-class town near the boundary of Northern Samar province.

The entry to the north has been closed after the provincial government of Eastern Samar ordered the closure of all its borders to non-residents, except those delivering basic and essential needs. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – Two communist New People's Army (NPA) combatants surrendered to the government on Tuesday in the Davao de Oro town of Mawab, the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) said.

In a statement Wednesday, 71IB identified the surrenderers as "Lando," a supply officer, and "Narra," a political guide of the weakened NPA Guerrilla Front 2 operating in Davao de Oro.

The Army unit quoted Lando as saying that he was enticed to join the communist rebel movement after being promised land to till and financial support to his family known within the NPA as a Suporta sa Pamilya (SuPaMil).

However, Lando said none of these promises proved true. On the contrary, the surrenderer said he was disenchanted by the "injustices" he saw and experienced within the rebel movement, forcing him to return to the fold of the law.

One such experience, Lando said, was seeing a rebel leader known only as "Jupiter" molesting and raping the wives of ordinary NPA members.

The other surrenderer, Narra, also told 71IB about the presence of child warriors aged 12 in their unit, a violation of Republic Act 7610 known as Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act that prohibits the recruitment of minors in any armed group or to take part in fighting or be used as guides, carriers or spies.

"They also divulged that students from the University of the Philippines regularly join them in the hinterland -- the male students join the NPA for three months while female students join for a month, which serves as their training," the statement read.

Narra also told the military about the predicament of ordinary fighters like him, who he said are being forced to endure hunger while their leaders are well-provided with food.

The Army unit said Lando and Narra will be enrolled with the government's  Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

"The government is true to its word in helping the terrorist NPAs who wish to surrender," said Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander.

Gonzales also urged the remaining NPA combatants to surrender and live peaceful lives with their families.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

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PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Government troops recovered an improvised explosive device (IED), high-powered firearms, and other war materiel following a clash against a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, the Army's 97th Infantry Battalion commander, said the firefight broke out on Tuesday while the troops were responding to the reported presence of NPA rebels in Barangay Balukbahan, Bayog town.

"The locals are already complaining of the exploitation and abuse of the NPA, coercing them to provide money and food to feed the armed group while we're on coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis," Boransing said.

He said the troops recovered an M16A1 assault rifle, an IED fashioned as a landmine, and other war materiel abandoned by the NPA rebels.

No one among the troops was killed or wounded.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, commended residents who "continuously take an active role in maintaining the peace and order situation in their communities by reporting the activities of the NPA rebels and other lawless elements."

"We will continue to put pressure on these terrorist groups to weaken their will to fight and force them to lay down their arms and abandon their useless armed struggle," Nicolas said.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, also lauded the troops for their "relentless dedication in ensuring the safety and security of the communities in their area of responsibility."

"Again, I urge the remaining NPA members to return to the fold of the law and avail of the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program," Ponio said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

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BAGUIO CITY – Early morning rains spoiled what could be a great firework display right before dawn Thursday.

The Lyrids meteor showers were deterred to make a show before dawn as slight rains started pouring here around 2 a.m. when the spectacle was about to start.

Some 10-20 meteors including fireballs were expected to illuminate the skies apparently emanating from the northeastern portion were the Lyra Constellation or the harp. The constellation can be easily found as it is highlighted by its main star, Vela, one of the sky's brightest.

The Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS) on its Facebook page said that around 10 meteors per hour were supposed to lit the skies during the Lyrids peak and last show today.

On Wednesday morning, some 15 Lyrid meteors were observed by members of the group at their respective residences in one of the major meteor showers annually. The PAS said that these "meteors are associated with Comet Thatcher's debris, which burns as it enters our atmosphere."

It said that the pre-dawn hours were the best time to see the annual spectacle which the PAS organizes in April but was skipped this year due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Facebook user and PAS member Biloy Baluso said that he was able to see the spectacle in his hometown in General Santos City around 4:40 a.m. of April 22 between the Aquarius and Aquila constellations.

Baluso enjoyed clear skies in the southern city, much to the annoyance of Baguio people hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectacle especially during the enhanced community quarantine where all are required to stay home especially at night.

Moderate rains came falling at around 2 a.m. that lasted until 2:40 a.m., tapered off at about 3 a.m. but then a steady drizzle ensued after.

Baguio has been under heavy clouds the past two weeks with some rains on occasions.

A clear sky could give the best view of the skies as the moon was at its darkest phase.

Facebook user Roger Desiderio said that he saw one near the star Altair, alpha of the constellation Aquila, another bright evening sparkler.

Some night watchmen took advantage also of the alignment of the three nearest planets to Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, which are still on full display at this time of the year.

Veteran photographer Noli Gabilo was disappointed anew after he failed to shoot on April 22 at a friend's place at QM Subdivision.

The Batanes-born photographer, who calls Baguio as a second home, had already set up his tripod at the house's terrace that serves as his observatory for his regular shoots only to be deterred by the rains.

"Ayon basang basa na ang tripod sa labas (There, the tripod is now soaked outside)," he said.

"There was a window yesterday, but then the fog came in," he said referring to his watch last April 22. (PNA)

 



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BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Wednesday ordered village officials to finish the distribution of the social amelioration program (SAP) cash aid to the families who are most affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until April 25.

"Nababagalan ako kaya binigyan natin sila ng deadline para gumalaw sila nang maayos (I feel it [distribution] is so slow that is why I gave them a deadline)," Magalong said during a media forum.

Magalong and officials of the city social welfare and development office (CSWDO) met with village chiefs on Wednesday to thresh-out the problems and issues on SAP distribution.

"If they cannot finish until Saturday, we will return the money to the DSWD and they will answer to their constituents who will not be able to receive their cash assistance," he said.

As of Wednesday, the city has distributed about 47 percent of the PHP248-million allocation for SAP beneficiaries in Baguio.

The city has targeted about 45 percent of its 100,000 household residents as beneficiaries of the national government's cash aid.

The city information office official social media account posted that as of April 22, 2020, the city government has disbursed a total of PHP93,677,000 SAP cash assistance to 17,160 household beneficiaries in the city's 128 barangays.

"If they (village officials and CSWDO) have to work overnight, they have to do it so that they can finish the work until Saturday," Magalong said.

To date, 300 city hall employees are helping the CSWDO validate the list of beneficiaries that village officials submit.

Earlier, the city government devised a system to facilitate the cash assistance program from the identification of the beneficiaries down to the release of the PHP5,500 cash aid or PHP11,000 for the two months of assistance for April and May.

Under the system, barangays will initially identify and screen the beneficiaries with the use of family profiling forms. The raw list will be submitted to the OCSWD for validation through house-to-house interviews.

The city will deploy enough validation teams to speed up the process. Qualified beneficiaries will be issued a coded social amelioration card (SAC).

After validation will be the processing of documents and payment and eventually, the release of the same with pay-outs to be done in the barangays.

The money of qualified residents whose documents have been validated in villages is immediately released. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY – The death toll of the government troops in the April 17 firefight in Sulu has risen to 12 as one of the 13 wounded soldiers expired, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Westmincom, said Staff Sgt. Alexander Bolesa died in a private hospital here at about 7 a.m. on Monday.

Sobejana said Bolesa succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds he sustained in the hour-long skirmish against Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sitio Bud Lubong, Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu last April 17.

The troopers were conducting combat operations when they encountered some 40 ASG bandits led by Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

"We mourn the loss of another comrade and sympathize with the bereaved families of Bolesa," Sobejana said. "I hope and pray that his family and friends will have strength during this time of loss of a brave soldier who fought for peace."

He said Westmincom would sustain its security operations and ensure austere enforcement of quarantine in its areas of operation.

The Sulu-based ASG bandits are still holding as captives five Indonesian fishermen, who were kidnapped off Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia on January 16. (PNA)

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BAGUIO CITY – A third village here has been locked down by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Thursday due to violations of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Magalong declared Barangay San Vicente to come at the heels of Barangay Fairview and Pinget village, the last has since then opened.

But rules on the closed villages are more stringent now with its residents not allowed to go out even during the market hours window schedule given to each of the 128 villages.

Under such status, access to and from the barangay will be restricted including their marketing schedule except for authorized persons outside residence (APOR).

On Wednesday, Magalong publicly announced the warning to San Vicente residents.

"They cannot even go out to buy food and other stuff now. They have to ask their barangay leaders to do it for them," said Magalong in the vernacular during Wednesday's Ugnayan with Baguio media at the Baguio City Multi-purpose Hall, comparing the same fate to residents of Fairview barangay.

"All entrance and exit points will be closely guarded now," Magalong added.

Magalong also warned residents of barangays East Quirino Hill and Dominican-Mirador to comply with ECQ guidelines or else suffer being locked down.

An area declared locked down due to violation of the ECQ has more stringent measures compared to the areas locked down due to a confirmed Covid-19 case.

Barangay Camp 7, particularly Woodsgate, Maria Basa in Pacdal, and part of Upper Dagsian remain in lock-down status for the presence of three Covid-19 patients.

The latest case is a 22-year-old female nurse at Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. She is a resident of Tawang village in nearby La Trinidad, Benguet.

Benguet had registered three confirmed Covid-19 cases. All of them have been discharged. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) is optimistic that its research on the prototyping of equipment that can be used by medical front-liners in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) would turn positive.

"In our research, we are investing in the prototyping of ventilators, ultraviolet C (UVC) sterilizer, and swab booth for our front-liners," ISAT-U president, Dr. Raul F. Muyong said in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday.

Muyong said they are preparing for the "rebound" when the need for these equipment increases.

He added that they have to prepare for June, July, August, September, and October.

The UVC sterilizer is essential to allow front-liners to reuse their hazardous material suits (hazmats).

The issue right now is that the protective suits are being disposed of after use so they have to produce more, Muyong said.

"We are requested by the chair of CHED (Commission on Higher Education) to work on this, being a university with facilities on fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab). Our Fab Lab here at ISAT-U is a shared service facility (SSF) provided by DTI (Department of Trade and Industry)," he said.

Being the host of the lone Fab Lab in Western Visayas, the university feels that it has a responsibility to help the government fight Covid-19, Muyong said.

"We are very much positive that through this research, we can produce something for humanity," he said.

The prototyping development spearheaded by the Office of Research and Extension, which is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and CHED, began this April and is expected to be completed by December.

The study takes time, particularly for ventilators, which has to go through testing and analysis, as well as approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The researchers also need the input of medical professionals who would be the end-users of the study.

The university first engaged in the production of washable face masks, face shields, and aerosol boxes.

It also assisted the Iloilo City government and Iloilo United Hazmat Volunteers in producing protective suits, such as hazmat jumpsuits and protective gowns for health practitioners in various Covid-19 centers and hospitals in Iloilo.

"We believe that ISAT-U has a social responsibility to help our front-liners and health practitioners in fighting Covid-19. As a university of science and technology, we have the capacity to produce washable face masks, face shields, aerosol boxes," Muyong said.

The department has mass-produced 12,285 washable face masks and is working on 15,000 more in preparation for the "new normal" when classes open in August.

"The new normal will require us to wear a face mask. Face mask is a must under the new normal," he said, adding that the university has 11,000 students in its campuses, excluding faculty and staff.

Muyong added that the completed face masks were distributed to the city and provincial governments of Iloilo, regional line government agencies, hospitals, barangays, and pharmacies.

On the other hand, with the use of the SSF Fab Lab, the university produced 2,033 improvised face shields that were distributed to local government units and hospitals and 50 aerosol boxes that are being used to intubate patients.

"We are closely working with our local government units in the distribution of face masks and face shields," he said, noting that they produce separate aerosol boxes for pediatrics, Ob-Gyne, and intubation of patients.

These boxes were sent to Capiz, Antique, Aklan, Iloilo, and even as far as Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

The aerosols were produced in consultation with medical doctors in Iloilo and the DOST through their health research.

"As long as there are requests, we will try to produce. But the challenge is materials," Muyong said. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY – Three health workers are among the six new confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases reported in Bicol, the Department of Health (DOH)-Region 5 said on Thursday.

DOH-5 regional director, Dr. Ernie Vera said the DOH Covid Tracker showed the six new cases bring to 28 the total confirmed cases in the region.

"From the 28 Covid patients, 20 recoveries were reported, four were admitted in government isolation facility, two were on home quarantine while two deaths (were) recorded," he said in an interview.

Vera said the health workers that contracted the viral disease are a 25-year-old male from Naga City in Camarines Sur; a 40-year-old male from Camalig, Albay; and a 43-year-old female from Guinobatan, also in Albay.

"All patients were asymptomatic and their histories of exposure are still being established," Vera said.

The three other new Covid-19 cases are a 64-year-old female from Tabaco City with history of travel to Quezon City and admitted at the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital; a 19-year-old male from Legazpi City who had close contact with a confirmed case; and a 33-year-old female for Legazpi City, whose exposure is being validated. (PNA)

 



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MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – A 70-year-old man is the first mortality here due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas reported on Wednesday night.

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-7 regional director, said the patient "expired due to severe acute respiratory disease due to Covid-19 pneumonia."

"He also has existing medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease," he said.

Cebu City remains the locality with the highest number of fatalities with six, two from Negros Oriental, and one from Talisay City in Cebu province.

The DOH-7 also recorded 144 additional confirmed Covid-19 cases in Central Visayas, with all cases in Cebu Island and the highest tested in Cebu City with 123 persons from the Cebu City Jail and 16 patients from five different barangays and in a city government office.

Coronavirus infection in Lapu-Lapu City rose to 18 after the five new cases discovered in Wednesday's tests. This city's confirmed cases remain at nine, three from Cebu province, four from Negros Oriental.

Apart from the female Chinese tourist infected with the virus last January, Bohol still has "zero Covid-19 transmission" while Siquijor is recognized to be the only province in the region to be coronavirus-free.

The new positive cases emerged from the 442 test results released by the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Sub-National Laboratory, Bernadas said on Wednesday.

"The increase in cases seen today (April 22) is a reminder of the importance of social/physical distancing in facilitating or preventing the transmission of infection," Bernadas said.

He said that when a high volume of people is confined in a small space, the highly communicable disease can easily be transmitted from an index case to one's close contacts.

Bernadas assured inmates and their families at the Cebu City Jail that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the local government, and the DOH-7 have been working together to test, isolate and treat those who are infected, he said.

"We appeal to the families of people deprived of liberty (PDLs) to stay in your homes. We assure you that measures are now being done to prevent further spread of Covid-19 and your loved ones are managed accordingly," he said. (PNA)



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MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Compassion toward fellow indigents becomes contagious among the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Pangasinan amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

 

Following the relief distribution of 4Ps beneficiaries in Asingan town to their indigent neighbors who are not yet part of the program, beneficiaries here pooled their emergency cash subsidies and donated relief goods to indigents in their communities.

 

On a Facebook post, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Ilocos regional office (DSWD-1) on Wednesday said the 4Ps beneficiaries donated PHP20 and PHP100 to buy relief goods.

 

DSWD-1 said some 30 families received the relief packs worth PHP150 to PHP200, which could last two days depending on the number of family members.

 

Each relief good contains a kilogram of rice, a sachet of powdered milk, 250 grams of sugar, a pack of biscuit, a bottle of fish paste or sauce, a small sachet of coffee, a can of sardines, two shampoo sachets, a sachet of toothpaste, a bar of laundry soap and a bath soap.

 

In some barangays, the relief packs include 500 grams of bihon and five eggs, the post read.

 

DSWD-1 said even some barangay officials, teachers, principals, and others have also donated cash, live chickens, and fresh vegetables that were also given as relief to those in need in their communities.

 

"The beneficiaries prioritized senior citizens who have no family members to help them, persons with disabilities, solo parents and other indigent families who are most in need and not yet included in the program," the post added.

 

DSWD-1 said the 4Ps beneficiaries plan to again distribute relief goods next month from the emergency subsidy they will be receiving in May.

 

In Asingan town, through the 4Ps beneficiaries effort, they distributed last week a total of 232 relief packs --33 packs for barangays Carosucan Sur, 32 for Toboy Riverside, 75 for Cabalitan, 13 for Dupac, and 79 for Calepaan.

 

Aside from the relief packs, they also gave PHP500 to Barangay Palaris, as well as snacks and washable face masks for their community's front-liners.

 

A group of 4Ps beneficiaries in Barangay San Leon, Balungao town has also donated vegetables from their own garden to their 20 other beneficiaries.

 

The group has its own vegetable garden since 2017. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) has assured the city government here that it has been strictly following protocols in handling coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients from other areas at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC).

The DOH issued the statement late Wednesday, hours after Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez raised concern over the transfer of Covid-19 infected persons to the regional health facility in the city.

"The problem is that these Covid-19 positive are residents of areas outside Tacloban, but they are presently at EVRMC. I don't see the logic why they have to bring patients with mild symptoms to Tacloban. That can be handled by isolation facilities of local government units and provincial hospitals," Romualdez said in a press briefing.

DOH regional director Minerva Molon said based on existing guidelines, Covid-19 patients with other serious illnesses should be admitted to a level 3 hospital such as the EVRMC.

The region only has two level 3 hospitals or tertiary hospital which can provide all the services. The other one is the privately-owned Divine Word Hospital, also located in the city.

"Five of the six confirmed cases in the region have co-morbidities such as asthma, hypertension, and diabetes. This is the reason why they were transported to the referral hospital. They need close monitoring and proper management," Molon stated.

Of the six cases in the region, only two are confined at the old EVRMC on Magsaysay Boulevard, less than a kilometer from city's commercial district. The other four patients already recovered and were discharged.

These patients are from Catarman, Northern Samar; Calbayog City, Samar; Tarangnan, Samar; and Burauen, Leyte.

For Romualdez, transferring all Covid-19 patients to the city is a major setback to the city's aim to bring normalcy amid the health crisis.

The city with a population of about 250,000 people in the regional capital of Eastern Visayas is home to major universities, malls, banks, and other big businesses.

For humanitarian reasons, the city government will allow the entry of patients with severe symptoms, Romualdez said.

"With this situation, the risk of transmitting the virus to our health workers is high. I am worried that health workers in Tacloban may catch the virus from this patient," he added.

The mayor urged local government units outside the city to strengthen the capacity of their health facilities in handling Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms and those probable and suspected virus carriers.

"While we still have Covid-19 at EVRMC, it's hard to lift movement restrictions in Tacloban, thus paralyzing the operation of our universities, financial institutions, and other businesses," Romualdez said.

The mayor said he will formally ask Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to consider his request.

The DOH assured the mayor that it adheres to the guidelines provided by the DOH central office as recommended by the World Health Organization, mandating level 3 hospitals to prioritize the management of confirmed Covid-19 cases and suspected carriers with severe or critical symptoms, with other serious illness, and elderlies as referred from other hospitals.

All the DOH specialist physicians, pulmonologists, and infectious diseases capable of handling Covid-19 cases are in EVRMC.

The EVRMC is following the infectious protective control measure in the transport of patients with Covid-19. The staff transporting the patient is trained in infectious control such as wearing of personal protective equipment and secured a division between the driver of the ambulance and the patient.

After the transport, the ambulance and the equipment used are disinfected.

After the patient is transported to the referral hospital, he or she will not be allowed to bring someone to look after him or her during confinement.

Patients will be discharged from the hospital once their conditions improve with the assessment of the physician in charge and if the repeat swab will turn negative for the virus. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY – More recipients of government financial assistance in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City were arrested for engaging in illegal activities on Wednesday night.

At around 10:30 p.m., Rene Dequeña, 42, was arrested by personnel of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Station 10 at a quarantine checkpoint in Zone 12 of Barangay Handumanan.

The suspect, who was driving a motorcycle with a home quarantine pass from Barangay 16, yielded a .357-caliber revolver loaded with four live ammunition, a small plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, two pieces of improvised tooter, a wallet containing PHP1,999, among other items.

Lt. Col. Ariel Pico, public information officer of BCPO, said on Thursday that Dequeña is a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.

In Victorias City, three men were caught playing the card game "tong-its" in Crossing Mallorca, Barangay 19.

The suspects were identified as Mario Glenn Dimataga, 51; Jose Ruben Panggo, 50; and Fritz Hubierna, 43.

According to the police, two of the suspects are 4Ps beneficiaries while the other is a recipient of the social amelioration grant for those affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Operatives seized from the suspects a set deck of cards, a table mat, three plastic chairs, and PHP3,560 bet money.

They told the police they were playing "tong-its" to overcome their boredom while under ECQ.

Every month, 4Ps beneficiaries receive cash assistance from the government and were also given social amelioration grant during the quarantine period.

On Monday and Tuesday, nine residents of Victorias City, who also received cash assistance from the government, were arrested for engaging in illegal drugs and illegal gambling. (PNA)



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SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Tourism Ilocos regional office (DOT-1) has started an online class for some 500 tourism workers amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

 

In a phone interview Thursday, DOT-1 regional director Joseph Francisco Ortega said the online class is one of the measures they have taken to help workers who have temporarily lost their jobs due to the crisis brought by the pandemic.

 

He said the online class tackles lessons such as starting or adapting to the new normal, how to create alternative work during the pandemic, and mental health issues.

 

"DOT-1 uses the online platform zoom for this program, while the lecturers are accredited speakers. It was started this week," he said.

 

The tourism industry is one of the most affected during this crisis and while the DOT central office readies the Tourism Response and Recovery Program, the regional office also prepares the mind-set of the tourism workers, Ortega said.

 

"When this pandemic is over, there will be new norms and for sure, people will flock into tourism spots so through this class, the workers will be prepared. While the mental health issue is often overlooked but it is being dealt with in the class as it is necessary," he said.

 

He added the online class at present still encounters some hindrance such as limited slots due to the capacity of the zoom application used, as well as the unavailability of internet connection of some tourism workers.

 

Meanwhile, DOT-1 has already assisted 165 foreign tourists who were stranded due to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

 

 "We have ongoing assistance (to) 76 more stranded foreign tourists, 52 of them have canceled flights while 24 already have confirmed flights," he said.

 

Ortega added DOT-1's assistance includes the provision of transportation if the foreigner does not have money, or car rentals if the foreigner has money, and acquiring health certificate that is required for travel back to their home country.

 

Some 50 domestic tourists were also assisted while there are also some who were not yet able to return to their province.

 

"We have posted on our Facebook page (Department of Tourism Region 1) other updates and contact numbers so they could reach us if there are tourists in the region who needed assistance," he said. (PNA



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ILOILO CITY – As Iloilo province observes the enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak, residents of Alimodian town have made use of their ample time at home to spread good vibes online through a "cooking with style" challenge.

Everyone in town seemed to have rummaged through their closets to pull off their best cooking outfit, Phaul Rey Tolentino, who initiated the online challenge, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday.

Most of the participants in the challenge transformed themselves into royalties as most of them wore elegant ball gowns, suits, and Barong Tagalog, Tolentino said.

"Some even used extra accessories, like the one who put the ingredients in a branded bag," he said.

Tolentino conceptualized the challenge after a photo of Alimodian Mayor Geefre Alonsabe made a buzz on social media.

Alonsabe was photographed wearing a duster while cooking food for the front-liners.

Tolentino said he read negative comments about the photo, citing that the mayor wearing such attire is "unbecoming" of a public official.

"I wanted to point out that anyone can wear whatever he or she wants while in the kitchen," he said, adding that Alonsabe has inspired the town folks to help front-liners by any means during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The negative feedback prompted Tolentino to wear a Barong Tagalog while cooking their dinner on April 20 and to start the online challenge.

Anyone from Alimodian can post their entries on Facebook and the winner will be identified on Saturday through the number of likes.

A private individual initially gave PHP5,000 for the first prize while Mayor Alonsabe and Vice Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche pitched in a total of PHP5,000 for consolation prizes.

 The winners of the challenge have been encouraged to share a part of their prize to the front-liners.

"This is the contribution of Alimodian town to our netizens, this entertainment, in this time of crisis," he said.  (PNA)




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COTABATO CITY – The creation of a dedicated hotline to locate North Cotabato residents who attended the Davao cockfight derby last month has proven to be crucial in the province's fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Dr. Philbert Malaluan, head of the provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Covid-19 incident command post, said the launch of the TF Sabong hotline has helped local authorities effectively trace potential Covid-19 patients who attended the Davao derby that has been linked to several infections.

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco earlier created the sub-TF Sabong and launched hotline numbers for the public to share information on the identities and location of residents present in the March 6 to 13 cockfight.

Catamco also created tracer teams to locate the derby attendees in North Cotabato's 17 municipalities and Kidapawan City.

At least 11 derby attendees from various parts of Mindanao have tested positive for Covid-19 and died.

Malaluan, who is also a member of North Cotabato's Provincial Board, said that through the TF Sabong hotline, the IATF on Covid-19 learned that there were 227 derby attendees from North Cotabato – not 56 as earlier reported -- who may have had close contact with Covid-19 positive attendees.

Kidapawan City has the highest number of derby attendees with 53, including a City Council member, followed by Kabacan with 22, Carmen (21), and Makilala (19).

Malaluan said 208 of the 227 attendees have been cleared by local health offices.

"These 208 people have undergone 14-day straight quarantine with no coronavirus symptoms," he added.

The "cleared" derby attendees are 15 from Pikit town, Antipas (14), Libungan (14), M'lang (13), Pres. Roxas (9), Pigcawayan (, Matalam (6), Tulunan (5), Arakan (2), Magpet (2), Alamada (1) and Aleosan (1).

Malaluan said 19 more attendees remained not cleared by health authorities, 15 of whom are on home quarantine and four were admitted in Kidapawan City isolation facility.

The results of their laboratory tests have yet to be known.

Those not yet cleared were from Kabacan with five persons, Kidapawan City (4), Makilala (4), Carmen (1), and Midsayap (1).

"They are regularly monitored by the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) and isolation facility front-liners," Malaluan said.

Among the derby attendees from the province, two were found positive of the virus.

They are PH 3272 from Midsayap, who has fully recovered and is now with his family, and PH 3989 from Kidapawan City, whose laboratory test result is still pending.

Malaluan appealed to anyone with information of derby attendees to update the task force through hotline number 0961-578-3048.

"So far, so good. The work of TF Sabong contact tracing continues," he said, adding that the provincial government remains on top of the situation. (PNA)

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DIGOS CITY – The management of Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. (Dasureco) has approved an allocation of PHP8 million for its "member-consumer-owners" (MCO) with monthly consumption of not more than 30-kilowatt-hour.

Ferdinand Canastra, Dasureco OIC-general manager, said Thursday the coop's "Pantawid Liwanag Kuryente Mo, May Tabang ang Dasureco" initiative is in line with the government's Bayanihan to Heal As One Act (RA 11469), signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last month to combat the 2019 coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

A Dasureco board resolution described the PHP8-million appropriation as part of the utility's social responsibility program to ease the impact of the pandemic on its poor consumer-members.

"The support fund will be given to residential 'lifeline' consumers of Dasureco which they considered as among the low-income sector whose monthly power consumptions will not exceed 30-kilowatt-hours per month," Canastra said.

He said MCOs consuming not less than 30KwH per month are also granted with a 60 percent "lifeline discount" in accordance with existing laws.

Based on Dasureco, there are at least 53,000 MCOs that can benefit from the program who will no longer be required to pay their power bills for March and April.

"And if in case the beneficiaries have paid their bills for March and April such payment will be considered as an advance payment for their power bills in May and June 2020," Canastra said.

Dasureco, which caters to power consumers in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental, said it will send "Pantawid Liwanag" coupons to pre-identified beneficiaries as proof they are qualified for the free two-month electric bill. (PNA)

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COTABATO CITY – A 28-year-old housewife's decision to return the extra PHP5,000 financial assistance from the government has gone viral, as she appealed to fellow citizens to give way to the needy.

Whendy Pido of Barangay Basak, Magpet, North Cotabato politely turned down the PHP5,000 from the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) aimed at helping the poor amid the enhanced community quarantine and lockdowns across the country to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Pido, a housewife, gave back the extra PHP5,000 cash because her husband, who resides in another barangay, already received the financial aid.

She said in the vernacular, "I am poor and I know this is a big help for me but I also know there are others who need it more than I do. I will give way (to) them."

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco has lauded Pido for her act of kindness and consideration.

"All of us are affected by this pandemic, yet there is a mother who also deserved the assistance but decided to beg off the SAP and asked the social workers to give it to others who also deserved the amount," Catamco said in the vernacular.

Informed that her upright action landed on social media, Pido said she was not expecting it.

"All I want is (for) others to also receive the assistance so all of us are happy," she added, appealing to other residents who are economically stable to instead refuse the SAP so it can be given to thsoe who are in dire need.

Pido is a former overseas worker whose husband, a tenant farmer from another village, only earns PHP200 daily during planting and harvest season. (PNA)

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BALANGA CITY, Bataan – For three straight days, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Bataan remained at 81, the Provincial Health Office reported on Thursday.

Governor Albert Garcia considered this as good news and expressed the hope that infections brought about by the deadly virus will continue to be on a downtrend.

The same number of 15 recoveries and four deaths also remain.

Dr. Rosanna Buccahan, chief of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), said since the declaration on January 31 of the first suspected Covid-19 case in Bataan, 1,116 people have undergone laboratory test for the virus.

Of this number, 444 were found negative of coronavirus and the rest are still awaiting the results.

Both Garcia and Buccahan advised residents to stay in their homes and take extra precautions to prevent contracting Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Garcia thanked the Bataan Filipino–Chinese Chamber of Commerce for donating 10 boxes of personal protective equipment and 5,000 face mask; the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers for isolation gowns; and Philippine Resins Industries Inc. for face shields and face masks for the province's front-liners. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine National Railways (PNR) announced on Thursday that a Diesel Multiple-Unit (DMU) train has arrived in Naga City on Thursday to do a trial run in preparation for the hauling of medical supplies to Bicol amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Lawyer Celeste Lauta, PNR assistant general manager, told the Philippine News Agency that the test run would determine the capability of the DMU train in bringing cargo supplies to the region from Metro Manila.

These supplies, she said, are those needed by the Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police in their fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Bicol.

Lauta said "once the train test run is successful, we will request the Interagency Task Force approval following the ECQ Safety Health and Environment Protocol for the PNR to resume the Manila-Naga train operations".

Several problems including those concerning informal settlers and severe damage to the tracks have caused PNR services to cease, although the current administration has been consistently working to make PNR fully operational anew. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – The Samar Provincial Hospital (SPH) in Catbalogan City, Samar is ready to accept coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients from their province if they will be rejected at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) here.

The provincial hospital said in a statement on Thursday that they have been preparing a facility in coordination with the provincial government, provincial health office, and the Department of Health (DOH) since January.

"In fact, the DOH inspected our Covid-19 isolation ward on March 20, 2020, which is a separate unit from the main building. Since the first week of April, we have been receiving patients from Tarangnan, the municipality declared by DOH to have local transmission of the viral disease," the statement said.

Currently, there are seven patients from Tarangnan identified as suspected virus carriers admitted at the isolation ward of the hospital.

Tarangnan has three Covid-19 infected persons with two of them already out of the hospital and now reunited with their families. They, however, are still on strict home isolation for 14 days.

"We will not refuse any admissions from the same area in the days to come. We only transfer complicated cases (unmanageable in our facility) to EVRMC which is the identified as referral hospital by the DOH," the hospital added.

The 120-bed SPH issued the statement a day after Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez raised concern over the transfer of Covid-19 infected persons from provinces to the state-run regional health facility in the city.

The mayor said in a press briefing on Wednesday at the city hall that he did not see the logic why provinces have to bring patients with mild symptoms to Tacloban if the case can be handled by isolation facilities of local government units and provincial hospitals.

Based on existing DOH guidelines, Covid-19 patients with other serious illnesses should be admitted to a level 3 hospital such as the EVRMC. The region has only two level 3 hospitals. The other one is the privately-owned Divine Word Hospital, also located in the city.

SPH has already started the initiative to capacitate the province on mass testing using the rapid antibody test kit. The plan to establish its own bio-molecular laboratory is on the pipeline as well.

The Samar provincial government earlier announced its intention to put up their own Covid-19 testing center in partnership with the Samar State University. (PNA)




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ILOILO CITY – The public has been encouraged to plant vegetables as one way of ensuring food security and supporting the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Laban sa Covid-19 (ALPAS) or Plant, Plant, Plant Program.

 "Families are encouraged to plant vegetables using available spaces in their backyard or through improvised containers to address food security during this time of health crisis while most of us are staying in our homes," DA 6 (Western Visayas) executive director, Remelyn Recoter, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday.

The DA has allotted PHP2.6 million for the procurement of vegetable seeds under ALPAS. Since it is still in the procurement process, the target is to distribute the seeds until May 18.

 However, the DA High-Value Crops Program has provided 9,473 packets or 251 kg. of assorted vegetable seeds to individuals and groups in the region since it began distribution on April 2.

To inspire the public to plant, the regional office initiated the "Binhi Ko, Tanom Ko, Post Ko" campaign where those who availed of vegetable seeds from the DA are encouraged to post in their social media account pictures of the seeds or the status of their planting activities.

They can use #postyourown veggies and tag the DA - Regional Agri-Fishery Information Division (RAFID) RFO VI Facebook Account.

"Social media is a promising approach to reach our people, to inspire them or get them involved towards a good cause," Recoter added.

Those who would like to avail of seeds may get in touch with their nearest agriculture office or the nearest DA Outreach Station.

In a previous interview, Recoter expressed her hope that local government units (LGUs) would include vegetable products in the relief assistance for their constituents.

She said this is possible because under the Bayanihan Act and with the national health emergency, they are already allowed to use their calamity funds.

 "In their food packs, instead of sardines and noodles, hopefully, there are variations," Recoter said, adding that vegetables can boost the immune system.

She expressed hope that the LGUs would procure the produce of their farmer-constituents so they still have income amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, based on available data, Recoter said Western Visayas remains sufficient in rice, livestock, and chicken.

Rice harvest from January to February and the March projection was at 410,000 metric tons while the region's quarterly demand is only 262,000 metric tons.

The region is 156 percent rice sufficient, she said.

On the other hand, Western Visayas had a 250-percent sufficiency level in terms of hogs in 2019.

Based on the hog inventory in January, the per capita consumption monthly is less than 1 kg., she said.

The available supply is at 28,000 metric tons and the annual demand is 5,000 metric tons.

"Since there are no more tourists, we have sufficient supply of pork, more than 80 percent of our swine industry is being grown in backyards," Recoter said.

She said the region has 10,234 metric tons of chicken supply as of the end of March and has plenty of poultry integrators and large poultry farms. (PNA)

 



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional (CLMMRH) here is maintaining strict infection protocols to ensure that its healthcare workers are protected from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

This was assured by Dr. Julius Drilon, medical center chief, on Thursday after it was confirmed that the 69-year-old patient brought to their facility has tested positive almost three weeks after he passed away.

"The CLMMRH assures the public that the hospital observes and adheres to strict infection protocols to protect its healthcare workers from acquiring the infection," Drilon said in a statement.

"We appeal to the public not to discriminate healthcare workers as we continue to serve the people in this challenging time," he added.

Drilon also said one of the personnel who attended to the patient has a reactive result to the rapid Covid-19 anti-body test.

"But this does not confirm that the healthcare worker is Covid-19 positive until the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab test will turn out positive," he said.

As part of protocol, all healthcare workers involved in the management of the patient underwent quarantine, rapid testing, and swabs for confirmatory reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing.

Some 13 healthcare workers who had exposure to the patients were swabbed by the personnel of the City Health Office.

According to the statement issued by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the patient's body was wrapped in white impermeable plastic with tape all over it and labeled as "infectious".

The body was kept in the hospital morgue overnight and was no longer brought to the patient's residence. Staff of a funeral home took the remains from the hospital and brought it to the cemetery for immediate burial.

The city's first Covid-19 fatality was a 62-year-old female patient who died on March 31.

She was a close contact of Patient No. 7, a 40-year-old male, confined in the isolation facility of a hospital in Bacolod.

The two recorded mortalities in Bacolod are among the eight positive cases in the city. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY – The place of residence of Bacolod's second coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) fatality in Purok Sabes, Barangay Villamonte has been sealed off as a measure to contain the infection.

"In principle, the area has already been sealed off," village chief Rommel Flores said on Thursday, adding that they were just finalizing the households that would be covered by the lockdown – either those within the 25-meter or 50-meter radius.

The 69-year-old man, who had no recent travel history, passed away on April 9, hours after he was brought to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) here.

However, the result of his post-mortem swab test was released only on April 21, and he was listed as the eighth confirmed case and the second Covid-19 fatality in Bacolod.

Flores said he has directed the purok officials to be vigilant and has asked the Bacolod City Police Office Station 4 to also keep watch of the area.

"We want to protect our residents. We are prepared to sustain the program to take care of the people, especially those in Purok Sabes," he added.

On Wednesday, personnel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office disinfected Purok Sabes and its neighboring areas.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of Bacolod City Inter-Agency Task Force Against Covid-19, said he visited Purok Sabes on Thursday and has observed that the area was congested.

Familiaran said he was concerned with the health status of the residents since the family members of Patient No. 8 have also been going around the place.

"I advised the people here to seek medical attention if they have flu-like symptoms. I'm also hoping and praying that the family members of the patient will have negative results," he said.

Swab samples were already taken from the nine members of the patient's household. They have been isolated in one of the city's patient care centers on Wednesday afternoon.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the contract tracing of persons who have been exposed to the patient from Barangay Villamonte is ongoing.

"With this sad happening, we express our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the patient. This is news that should remind us all of the seriousness of this health crisis we are facing," Leonardia added. (PNA)

 



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SAN FABIAN, Pangasinan — The agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Pangasinan have distributed relief goods to their members and some even to non-members in their communities.

 

The Aramal-Tocok Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in San Fabian has distributed relief packs containing rice and eggs to its 140 members as the first batch of their relief operation.

 

In Mapandan town, the Women's Unity for Progress and Farmer's MPC of Barangay Primicias offered free water refilling for its members and non-members in their community.

 

The Lambayan MPC, also in Mapandan town, has distributed five kilograms of rice each to its 621 members, while the other 58 members were given cash worth five kilos of rice through their savings account.

 

The group has also distributed food packs to the front-liners in their public market.

 

Meanwhile, the Colayo Organic Farmers Association Inc. in Bani town has given five kilograms of rice each as relief to its 65 members.

 

The Mapolopolo Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Basista town has distributed rice and canned goods to its members and some non-members.

 

The Bayanihan Hundred Islands Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Alaminos City has donated sacks of rice to the local government unit.

 

Members of the San Fabian Council of Women Inc. in Barangay Poblacion San Fabian town received relief packs containing rice, biscuits, and milk. The group has a total of 550 members.

 

The Southern Binmaley Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Binmaley town offered food, chairs, and light to their barangay security force manning checkpoints in their community.

 

Moreover, the Bantog Samahang Nayon MPC in Asingan town has distributed relief packs to its indigent members and families in their community.

 

Pangasinan has a total of 86 ARBOs.

 

In a phone interview Thursday, Pangasinan provincial agrarian reform program officer Ma. Ana Francisco said the Department of Agrarian Reform continuously assists the ARBOs in marketing their products, as well as in providing necessary permits for the delivery of their goods.

 

"We have given them (a) quarantine pass and we help them market their products to the local government units. In fact, some ARBOs are now planting again," she said.

 

The DAR-Pangasinan also issued identification cards to the certificate of land ownership award holders as well as leaseholders for them to be easily linked to national government agencies, she added.

 

Francisco said some of the agrarian reform beneficiaries, who are planting in one hectare or less land, were listed as recipients of the Department of Agriculture's (DA) cash subsidy to small farmers.

 

"There are about 191 of them, and we hope they will be approved by the DA," she added. (PNA)



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) will allocate irrigation water to the National Irrigation Administration's (NIA) south zone service areas in this province starting in June.

Sevillo David Jr., NWRB executive director, said on Thursday that 15 cubic meters per second (cms) will initially be allocated for the irrigation of farmlands in the southern part of the province.

"This is to support the government's program on food security which is equally important in sustaining the food requirement of our people under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ)," David said in a statement.

Noel Miranda, president of the Irrigators Association Federation of Pandi, Bustos, Plaridel and Bocaue Working Station No. 2 of the NIA, identified the towns included in the south zone service areas as Bustos, Plaridel, Pandi, Bocaue, Guiguinto, Balagtas, Bulakan, Malolos, Calumpit and Hagonoy, which have some 5,800 hectares of combined irrigated farmlands.

The NWRB suspended the allocation of irrigation water in those areas during the dry cropping season from January to April as the water elevation of Angat Dam did not reach its ideal 212-meter level at the end of last year.

Last January, the NWRB only allocated 20 cms of irrigation water to the north service areas of NIA-Bulacan, which include the towns of Pulilan, Baliwag, part of Calumpit and San Rafael in Bulacan and San Simon, San Luis, Candaba and Apalit in Pampanga that have a total irrigated rice lands of some 16,000 hectares.

Miranda said it will be advantageous to farmers of the south service areas of NIA which were deprived of irrigation water for the dry cropping season to start planting early this coming wet season.

"Ayon sa NIA hold muna lahat ng irrigation project except sa repair ng rubber gate sa Bustos Dam na before June 1 ay matatapos na (According to NIA, all irrigation projects were put on hold except the repair of the rubber gate in Bustos Dam which will finish before June 1)," he said.

On water sufficiency, the NWRB assured that water in Angat Dam is sustainable until the onset of rainy season in June.

As of Thursday morning, water elevation at Angat Dam was 191.85 meters, which is 11.85 meters above the minimum operating level of 180 meters and more than eight meters higher than the level of the dam on the same date last year.

With rainfall projection indicating near normal condition until September, the water level in Angat Dam is projected not to reach below the minimum operating level of 180 meters despite the full water allocation to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the releases for irrigation supply to Bulacan farmlands for the wet cropping season this June.

David said the NWRB is coordinating with MWSS and NIA in sustaining their requirements and in providing steady supply for the public considering the importance of water in fighting off the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). (PNA)

 



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SORSOGON CITY – Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero has allowed the partial operation of hardware stores and pet shops in the province of Sorsogon.

In his Executive Order No. 23-2020 dated April 22, 2020, Escudero said the permission being granted was based on Memorandum No. 20-16 of the Department of Trade and Industry issued last April 13.

The governor's order states that the operation shall be limited only to facilitating pick-up and deliveries but no over-the-counter transactions, walk-in or retail sales.

"Business owners (have) to observe contact-less operation and other quarantine rules and regulations," Escudero said.

Sorsogon province is strictly implementing the enhanced community quarantine with hopes to remain free of the coronavirus disease 2019. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY – The city government here has tapped the Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, Inc. as a referral facility for indigent patients with mild to moderate symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said on Thursday that the City Council approved and ratified the city's contract with the private hospital to accommodate suspect or probable patients, during its session on Wednesday.

"This will meet the urgent need for a medical facility dedicated for (those) coming from indigent families, and to supplement the bed capacity of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital and other private hospitals for such cases," Leonardia said.

Under the agreement, the Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital will dedicate its 34-room south wing to become the Bacolod City Respiratory Referral Center (BCRRC).

Meanwhile, the city government will provide additional equipment, such as 17 beds, a portable X-ray machine, an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, a defibrillator, an emergency cart, and a video laryngoscope, as well as consumable supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing kits.

The hospital will provide the medical, nursing, utility, and administrative staff for the BCRRC while the city government will deploy 10 registered nurses to work the third shift every 14 days.

Leonardia acknowledged the hospital owners and management led by chairperson Dr. Evangeline Johnson and president Dr. Lucho Giovanni Giron for generously offering the south wing to the city.

"This is private sector contribution at its best," he said.

As part of its response to the Covid-19 crisis, the city government has also set up a patient care center for suspected carriers in the former campus of the South Hills Academy in Barangay Alijis.

It also opened the Bacolod Respiratory Outpatient Center inside the BAYS Center to serve as a consulting center for mild respiratory cases.

As of Wednesday night, Bacolod had eight positive cases, two of whom had died while one is still confined in a hospital. The other five patients are on home quarantine.

The city also has 69 probable cases, 34 of whom had been discharged while 13 are currently confined. Seven are in home-care.

A total of 15 of the 69 probable cases have expired. Of the 15, two tested positive and they are among the eight confirmed cases. Six were found negative while the results of the remaining seven are still pending. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – Joint operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here arrested Thursday a suspected drug pusher tagged as a "high-value individual" and seized from him some 50 grams of suspected shabu.

The suspect, identified as Jerico Catayoc Calumba, 40, single, of Labangon, Cebu City and temporarily residing at Barangay Batinguel here, was arrested around 3:30 p.m. at Purok St. John, Barangay Calindagan in this capital city.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) said elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Special Operations Group, and PDEA-7 arrested the suspect during a buy-bust operation where he allegedly sold suspected shabu to an undercover operative.

The confiscated drug had an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of PHP340,000.

The suspect, who is in the police's database of "drug personalities", is now detained as charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are now being readied against him. (PNA)

 



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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The chiefs of police of the 18 Municipal Police Stations (MPS) in Antique have been directed to apprehend curfew violators without warning starting Thursday evening.

Lt. Col. Norby Escobar, Antique Police Provincial Office Deputy Director for Operations, said in an interview they had already received a directive from the Police Regional Office (PRO 6) to implement "physical arrest" of curfew violators immediately without warning.

"The directive actually comes from Philippine National Police chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa to conduct immediate physical arrest without warning," he said.

He said that apart from curfew violators, they would also arrest those who are not using a face mask, which is now mandatory, and those who do not observe physical distancing.

Antique has been observing curfew hours, from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. starting March 17, as mandated under Executive Order 35 signed by Governor Rhodora Cadiao.

Executive Order 40 made it mandatory the use of face mask in public places.

Meanwhile, from March 17 to April 22m the police had already apprehended 116 persons due to curfew violations. Escobar said that the apprehension reports came from 13 police stations.

He said of the 116 apprehensions, 88 persons were warned, one was fined, seven under inquest, and 20 are for regular filing of their cases in the court.

Persons apprehended due to curfew, like in Sibalom and Culasi towns, were made to hold vigil in front of empty coffins placed in the gymnasiums and were released after the curfew hours.

The curfew had been implemented to make the people stay at home early to prevent the spread of coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19). (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – The Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO) Inc. said consumers with a 20-kilowatt hour or less consumption for May 2020 will no longer need to pay their electric bills.

The zero-amount due will automatically reflect on the monthly bill of qualified residential consumers, SOLECO said in a statement on Thursday.

"This is one of our corporate social responsibility programs that aim to help our poor consumers ease their regular expenses to sustain their families amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic," it added.

The power firm cited the program will benefit 32,000 consumers that would entail over PHP3 million.

They are the cooperative's lifeline consumers or residential users and around one-third of its over 100,000 members.

SOLECO clarified commercial and industrial utility consumers are excluded in the program.

"The budget for this program was taken from the realigned funds of our canceled activities due to this pandemic. Unfortunately, not all members could benefit the program since we must be financially capable to maintain our operations in the next months amid the health crisis," it added.

According to SOLECO, they are one of the utility firms in Eastern Visayas with large aid package benefits for its consumer-owners amid the health crisis.

Meanwhile, the power firm announced that payment of March and April 2020 power bills is extended until July without surcharges in response to the nationwide effort to prevent the spread of the highly conta



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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas has approved the use of schools as isolation facilities in five municipalities of Antique.

DepEd Antique Schools Superintendent Felisa Beriong said in an interview Thursday that the requests of mayors from the towns of Hamtic, Tibiao, Sibalom, Libertad and San Jose de Buenavista have been approved by their regional office.

"The local government unit (LGU) will have to sign a document agreeing on the terms and conditions set by DepEd such as they will manage the facility, maintain its cleanliness and pay the electricity bill," she said.

The LGU will also provide security and food for its constituents under quarantine.

Beriong said there are seven additional towns that requested for the use of schools as isolation facilities as of Thursday.

They are also waiting for the six other municipalities to submit their requests to the DepEd.  Antique has 18 municipalities.

The letter should come with an accompanying certification from the Municipal Health Office (MHO) that the school has the necessary water system and toilet to be used by those undergoing quarantine.

Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao in a meeting with mayors of the province on Wednesday has instructed local chief executives to identify a school that will be used as an isolation facility. It will be in preparation for the influx of their constituents coming home on May 1 when the moderate community quarantine (MCQ) is implemented.

Cadiao said Antiqueños from outside of the province will be allowed to come home during the MCQ. However, since they will come from various places in the country, mostly from Manila where there are coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) confirmed cases, then they would have to be transported directly to the patient care centers for their quarantine. (PNA)



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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas has approved the use of schools as isolation facilities in five municipalities of Antique.

DepEd Antique Schools Superintendent Felisa Beriong said in an interview Thursday that the requests of mayors from the towns of Hamtic, Tibiao, Sibalom, Libertad and San Jose de Buenavista have been approved by their regional office.

"The local government unit (LGU) will have to sign a document agreeing on the terms and conditions set by DepEd such as they will manage the facility, maintain its cleanliness and pay the electricity bill," she said.

The LGU will also provide security and food for its constituents under quarantine.

Beriong said there are seven additional towns that requested for the use of schools as isolation facilities as of Thursday.

They are also waiting for the six other municipalities to submit their requests to the DepEd.  Antique has 18 municipalities.

The letter should come with an accompanying certification from the Municipal Health Office (MHO) that the school has the necessary water system and toilet to be used by those undergoing quarantine.

Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao in a meeting with mayors of the province on Wednesday has instructed local chief executives to identify a school that will be used as an isolation facility. It will be in preparation for the influx of their constituents coming home on May 1 when the moderate community quarantine (MCQ) is implemented.

Cadiao said Antiqueños from outside of the province will be allowed to come home during the MCQ. However, since they will come from various places in the country, mostly from Manila where there are coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) confirmed cases, then they would have to be transported directly to the patient care centers for their quarantine. (PNA)




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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday ferried 12 foreigners of different nationalities from Negros Oriental to Cebu City where they would board a sweeper flight.

The foreigners were stranded after the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to prevent a community spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Dumaguete City Tourism Officer Jacqueline Veloso Antonio said the foreigners boarded the BRP Capones-MRRV 4404 vessel of the PCG at the port here on Wednesday night, after having gone through the proper protocols and documentation.

The 12 included five Spanish, four Koreans, two Germans and one Czech, said Lt. Senior Grade Donna Liza Duran-Ramacho, station commander of PCG-Dumaguete.

She said the vessel had earlier passed by Bohol and Siquijor to pick up other stranded foreigners before proceeding to Dumaguete. It left the port here at around 2 a.m.

This was the third Coast Guard repatriation trip in Dumaguete, as requested by the Department of Tourism in Region 7 (DOT-7), Ramacho said.

Officials and representatives of the PCG, Department of Foreign Affairs, DOT-7, Philippine Ports Authority, Department of Health-Integrated Provincial Health Office in Negros Oriental, the Dumaguete City Tourism Office and Negros Oriental Provincial Tourism Office, among others, were on hand to help facilitate the foreigners' departure and boarding processes.

Capt. Agapito Bibat, commanding officer of the BRP Capones-MRRV 4404, said a total of 46 foreigners were picked up and brought to Cebu from Bohol, 22; Negros Oriental, 12; and Siquijor, 12.

Likewise, he said they picked up swab specimens for Covid-19 testing in Cebu City from Bohol and Siquijor.

Assisting Bibat in the embarkation and disembarkation process was the vessel's executive officer, Lt. Alex Branzuela, who also aided in the delivery of personal protective equipment and medical supplies for Negros Oriental and other areas within their area of operations.

The foreign nationals were expected to depart on flights out of Cebu to their respective countries Thursday, Antonio said. (PNA)



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LAOAG CITY – The municipal chief executive here has put Barangay 15 under lockdown effective Thursday until April 26.

This came following an announcement of Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc that a 77-year-old female resident of the said village in San Guillermo Poblacion has been identified as suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patient who is now under close observation at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center.

While the patient's swab test result is still pending, Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, through Executive Order No. MMK 018, declared a lockdown and containment of the said village to strictly ensure no exit of residents except for health workers, officers and members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and government workers rendering emergency front-line services, service workers who are working in pharmacies, drug stores and death care service establishments, village officials, and media workers accredited by the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the Inter-Agency Task Force for Covid-19.

Based on the mayor's order, no one in San Guillermo may be allowed to go out of the house and loiter on the streets.

"Mass gathering such as parties including religious and traditional services are prohibited, not even (with) physical distancing," the mayor's order said.

Village officials are asked to provide the residents with their essential needs during the lockdown period. (PNA)

 



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LEGAZPI CITY – Some 20 pedicab or "padyak" drivers affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Bacacay town in Albay received food packs from the municipal police office on Thursday.

Staff Sergeant Maureen Eva Vera, Bacacay Police Station Community Relations personnel, told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview that the initiative provided assistance to members of one of the most vulnerable sectors whose livelihood is severely affected by the ECQ.

"The 20 padyak drivers belong to the indigent sector of the community. They were economically affected since they can no longer sustain their financial needs after the mass transportation is suspended," Vera said.

She said the handing out of food packs was initiated by their station to decrease the number of violators of the ECQ guidelines of the town.

"Together with the other force multipliers of different barangays of Bacacay, we continue to implement curfew hours and ECQ to preempt the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), particularly the (rules on) social distancing, no backride policy, and the suspended mass transport particularly 'padyak'," Vera said.

Aside from the food packs, the Bacacay Municipal Police Station also distributed free washable face masks to some individuals passing the quarantine control point.

Major Jan King Calipay, Bacacay chief of police, in a separate interview, said he is encouraging the townsfolk to be part of the solution rather than the problem brought about by the health crisis.

"We have to follow the guidelines implemented by the national government in fighting this unseen enemy. In return, we will ensure the peace and order and public safety of every Bacacayanos," he said. (PNA)

 



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CEBU CITY – The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in this city will be extended until May 15, not May 30 as earlier announced by Mayor Edgardo Labella.

In a clarificatory statement on Thursday, Labella said he will be issuing an executive order on the extension of the ECQ next week.

The ECQ is supposed to end on April 28, but Labella announced during Wednesday's press conference at the city hall that he was extending it in the "light of the increasing number of individuals found positive of coronavirus disease (Covid-19)".

"There is a need to extend our ECQ in Cebu City as Covid-19 cases continue to rise due to the fact that we have been doing targeted, massive testing or residents in the barangays, where there are positive cases," he said, adding that he based the decision on the recommendations of health experts in the city.

He said the increasing number of Covid-19 cases being reported has caused "concern and worry for all of us".

"We have been hoping for the best, but at the same time, expecting the worst that could happen in order for us to be prepared in addressing this pandemic," the mayor said, adding that what the city government "needs right now is the full cooperation of everyone as we continue to fight this invisible enemy".

Labella urged the city residents to religiously follow city government-mandated protocols and safety measures, and further directed them to stay at home, observe proper hygiene, and pray for the safety of everyone. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – The Sangguniang Panlungsod has ensured that patients afflicted with and those who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will not suffer discrimination as the local government here gears up for the gradual lifting of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) after April 30.

Councilor Candice Magdalane A. Tupas, during their session on Thursday, pushed for the amendment of the city's Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, declaring as unlawful certain acts and conduct of discrimination against "persons who are inflicted with viral and contagious diseases, including but not limited to Covid-19, as well as their close contact" provided that they receive proper treatment and follow safety protocols.

The amended ordinance was passed on final reading.

"These patients with viral and contagious diseases, they follow safety protocols and they know that since it is contagious, they will not try to infect others. They are responsible patients," Tupas told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.

She said amending the ordinance was necessary and urgent since it answers the question of what would happen to them, as the city is "almost towards the end" of the ECQ.

Tupas said she has been receiving text messages, which seemed informative but are malicious, such as recovered patients should not join others at the table when eating because the virus is still in their system and they have not completely recovered.

"There is no study that the virus stays in our system after recovery," said the councilor, who is a medical doctor by profession.

While there are no recorded cases of discrimination in Iloilo City, there have been accounts of it happening in other places, she said, adding that recovered patients can go back to work because they would be given a health certificate by a hospital or the city health office.

Just like anyone else, they should also maintain social distancing, wear mask, and continue hand washing, Tupas said.

Violation of the ordinance would mean a penalty of PHP1,000 on first offense; PHP2,000 and 10 days imprisonment on second offense; and PHP5,000 and 15 days imprisonment on third offense.

 "What I am urging is that we become more compassionate towards people. They didn't want that. As long as they get treated and they follow the quarantine period, they get treated or admitted in a hospital, and as long that they recover, then we should treat them with utmost compassion and respect," she said.

 It was the second time that City Ordinance 2018-090 was amended since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On March 24, it was amended through Ordinance 2020 058, making it unlawful to discriminate front-line workers, particularly health workers.

 Data from the Department of Health showed that Iloilo City, as of April 23, had seven confirmed cases – three are under home quarantine, two are still in hospital, one has recovered, and one had died. (PNA)



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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 3 (Central Luzon) dispersed on Thursday some 390,000 fingerlings to man-made impoundments in Nueva Ecija.

A total of 40,000 carp and 350,00 GET EXCEL tilapia fingerlings were separately released by the BFAR Provincial Fisheries Office and the Fingerlings Dispersal Unit in small water impounding projects (SWIP) in Pantabangan Dam and Sta. Rosa, both in Nueva Ecija.

BFAR-Central Luzon director Wilfredo Cruz, in a statement, said the man-made impoundments were primarily built for rainwater storage but carp and tilapia thrive in the waters, giving benefits to some 700 fisher folks in the communities.

"The activity was conducted to repopulate both species and improve the productivity of the reservoirs," Cruz said.

He said that BFAR also awarded on Wednesday some 100,000 GET EXCEL tilapia fingerlings to fisher folks in San Miguel, Bulacan.

"GET EXCEL tilapia is an improved breed developed by the government and distributed not only to increase production but to ensure quality as well," he said.

Cruz also said although food supply is stable in Central Luzon, the back-up plan is still essential to ensure continuous food security amid the continuous threat brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"As a coping strategy, BFAR-Central Luzon carries on with activities such as these to ensure that there is a steady fish supply for the region," he said.

Cruz also said BFAR is conducting daily price monitoring in major markets and landing centers throughout the region to avoid illegal price manipulation and hoarding during the enhanced community quarantine period.

He said provincial technical staff and law enforcement personnel were deployed to collect and use real time data in order to anticipate, and ideally, avoid interruptions in the supply of fish and other fishery commodities.

He added that the volume and origin of fish supplies are also closely monitored.

"Disruptive events such as this pandemic must be met with a response that will safeguard the population. The price monitoring action will help to avoid panic and unrest while at the same time, contributing a sense of control and confidence in the stream of fish and other food supply in the region," Cruz said. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – Four of the five health workers in Western Visayas who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have recovered, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 6 (Western Visayas) said on Thursday.

Five health workers composed of three doctors, one nurse, and one radio technologist were confirmed to have been infected by the virus, Dr. Renilyn Reyes, head of the DOH-CHD 6's Public Health Program Development said in virtual presser.

Two of the health workers with confirmed Covid-19 case are from this city, two are from Iloilo province, and one is from Aklan. "Four have recovered while one is awaiting result," she said.

The health worker, whose repeat test for Covid-19 is yet to be released, is currently asymptomatic.

Reyes cleared that none among the five have contracted the sickness during their duties in health facilities.

"These five cases are not related in taking care of Covid-19 patient. There is a huge chance that they got the infection outside Western Visayas. Four have history of travel and one has exposure to a person who traveled outside Western Visayas," she said.

The latest onset of sickness among the five is dated April 3 while the earliest reported was March 10.

"The onset of illness is already far so it is possible that the cause (of infection) is the travel or exposure (outside the region)," she said.

She said the regional health office recorded 109 contacts of the five, in which 63 were tested for Covid-19.

Of those tested, 49 turned out negative; one was positive and was identified as a household member of one of the health workers; while the rest are awaiting results.

She said the DOH gets different data specific on health workers as doctors, nurses, and other health workers are in the front-line in managing Covid-19 cases.

"The DOH recognizes the benefits of our health workers," she said.

Meanwhile, Reyes said that there is no additional case of Covid-19 in Western Visayas on Thursday.

The cases are still at 55 with Iloilo having the most number of Covid-19-positive cases with 18. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) now has a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) emergency quarantine facility, a top official said Thursday.

The San Miguel Corp. (SMC), a Filipino multinational publicly listed conglomerate holding company, donated to Westmincom a 15-room Covid-19 emergency quarantine facility on Wednesday.

The facility is located inside Camp General Arturo Enrile, which houses the military's support command in Barangay Malagutay here.

"Even though we are still in the middle of a crisis, we believe that we can achieve more when we do things together," SMC representative, Cyril Palono, said during the turnover of the quarantine facility.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom commander, thanked SMC for the donation as he underscored the need "to converge all our efforts."

"We have to fight as one so that we will heal as one,"
Sobejana said.

"We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to San Miguel Corp. for the support and assistance they extended, which truly motivate us to continue this battle against our invisible enemy." (PNA)


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COTABATO CITY – Local electric utility provider Cotabato Light and Power Company (CLPC) has joined the bandwagon of private companies helping front-liners work better to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

CLPC donated medical supplies Wednesday to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC), the referral hospital for Covid-19 cases in Central Mindanao.

"We really appreciate the efforts of CLPC and the Aboitiz Foundation," said Dr. Helen Yambao, chief of hospital, during the turnover ceremony.

CLPC--an affiliate of the Aboitiz Power Corporation--distributes power in this city and parts of neighboring Datu Odin Sinsuat and Sultan Kudarat towns in Maguindanao.

"The support provided by CLPC and the Aboitiz Foundation allowed us to remain responsive to the demands of the current public health emergency. [This] institution has served as a beacon of light and hope in this difficult battle," Yambao said.

The donated items include 11,000 surgical masks, 1,000 nitrile gloves, 8,000 surgical gloves, 371 safety goggles, 14 Infra-red thermometers, 127 digital contact thermometers, and 12 liters of alcohol.

"We are very grateful for the incredible work that our frontliners willingly provide during these current times, and we at CLPC and the Aboitiz group are pleased to lend our full support in making sure that they are properly equipped with all they need," said CLPC president and chief operating officer, Valentin Saludes III.

Earlier, CLPC also donated 3,648 assorted canned goods and 125 sacks of rice to the local government units of Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, and Datu Odin Sinsuat towns.

Likewise, the Cotabato Light "Kaibigans" (Friends of Cotabato Light) raised PHP245,800 for the procurement of additional medical supplies and personal protective equipment for front-liners. (PNA

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DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Z. Duterte appealed Wednesday to members of families who have 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients to refrain from going out of their homes.

In a radio interview, Mayor Sara urged families with infected members to stop moving in order to stop the spread of the virus.

"We know you, so please help us by not going out from your homes to stop the spread of the virus and wait for 14 days," the mayor said.

Duterte also urged the family members to call the Covid-19 Operation Center if they need to buy supplies and other essential needs.

"Just let us know and we will deliver the food supply to your respective houses," she added.

As of Wednesday (April 22), Duterte said the city had 160 suspected cases admitted to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and three other care centers.

She also reiterated the reminder for the residents to limit their movement, noting that the potential sources of infections are public utility vehicles, grocery, drugstores, remittance centers, banks, and markets.

She also asked the public to avoid barangays with recorded Covid-19 cases, where random testing is being done. She also assured residents of locked down villages they will be supplied with food. (PNA)

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ZAMBOANGA CITY – Six Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed while eight soldiers wounded after a firefight broke out anew in the military's continuing offensives in the province of Sulu, officials said Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the firefight broke out around 6 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

Sobejana said the 34-minute clash ensued as the troops chanced upon a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits while conducting combat operation.

Government troops recovered the remains of the three slain bandits following the encounter, he said, identifying them as Guro Khalid, Udal Muhamadar Said, and a certain Budah.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said three more ASG followers were killed while several others wounded based on the reports of the community.

Sobejana and Vinluan were unable to release the identities of the wounded soldiers, except to say they belong to the Army's 45th Infantry Battalion.

The wounded soldiers were immediately rushed to Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu, and later airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.

The troops launched an "all-out offensive" against the ASG bandits after the April 17 firefight that resulted in the death of 12 soldiers and the wounding of 12 others in Sitio Bud Lubong, Barangay Danag, Patikul.

Maj. John Arvin Encinas, Westmincom spokesperson, said the troops have already recovered the personal belongings of the troops killed in the April 17 clash.

"We are sustaining our focused military operations in Sulu to finish the Abu sayyaf Group and bring about peace in the said province," Sobejana said. (PNA

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BUTUAN CITY – The Land Transportation Office in Caraga Region (LTO-13) has assured there will be no penalty for the late renewal of registration of vehicles. noting that the region remains under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Urbano Maglines, Jr., the chief of operation and spokesperson of LTO-13, told the Philippine News Agency on Thursday (April 23) that around 39,123 vehicles in the entire region are set for registration renewal beginning March to April this year.

The number is based on the data on the motor vehicles registered in the same period in 2019.

Maglines said the waived penalty is based on the directives from the LTO head office, adding the same consideration will also apply for the succeeding months until the ECQ is lifted.

LTO-13 stopped the registration and renewal of registration and licenses on March 18 upon the declaration of ECQ in the region

Data provided by LTO-13 indicated that in March 2019, a total of 21,303 motor vehicles were registered in the area with 24,788 registration transactions were handled, 15,601 licenses and permits issued, 25,401 license transactions handled, and 1,032 apprehension cases.

The total revenue collection in March 2019 reached up to over PHP36.7 million.

In April last year, a total of 17,829 motor vehicles were registered in Caraga Region with 20,081 registration transactions handled, 15,048 licenses and permits issued, 22,804 license transactions handled, and 703 apprehension cases with a total revenue collection of PHP34,918,424.60.

Maglines said increased revenue collection was also recorded in LTO-13 from January to February 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

The total revenue collection during the first two months this year was recorded at PHP89,503,400.15 or an increase of PHP20,044,034.80 compared to PHP69,459,365.35 revenue collection in the same period last year.

In a separate interview, Thursday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga Region OIC Regional Director Nordy Plaza emphasized that LTO-13 now operates with skeletal force, most of the staff required to report are those in the law enforcement operations.

"Our law enforcement personnel are now assigned as front-liners in quarantine checkpoints while the others are tasked to ferry the health workers in Butuan City through the free transportation program of LTO-13," Plaza said. (PNA)

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DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Z. Duterte condemned the attack perpetrated by the communist New People's Army (NPA) on a remote village in Paquibato District here Wednesday afternoon.

"We condemn this attack as this happened at a time when we are supposed to be working together against the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19)," Mayor Sara said of the attack on Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Malabog.

Capt. Erick Wynmer Calulot, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 1003rd Infantry Batallion (1003IB), said a firefight broke out when troops belonging to the 16th Infantry Battalion encountered an undetermined number of NPA fighters under Guerilla Front 55 in the area.

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Two soldiers were slightly wounded during the encounter, Calulot said, adding that the communist guerillas had intended to disrupt the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in the area.

The SAP financial aid is being distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to poor families to cushion the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mayor Sara said the attack "shamelessly exposed" the communist rebel movement "as the devil incarnate."

"The cowardly attack, which was carried out with the use of a bomb, only proved that the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and the National Democratic Front (NDF) are truly the enemy of the people and the government," she said.

Mayor Sara pointed out that the attack came despite the reciprocal ceasefire declared by the CPP-NPA-NDF on March 29, days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a ceasefire with the NPA so that government forces could focus on helping health workers contain Covid-19.

"The terroristic attack came days after it (the NPA) announced, along with the CPP, that it was extending its self-declared ceasefire to April 30 — that we can only say now as a total sham. We can clearly expect nothing from the NPA terrorists — not even the slightest compassion for the people. It cannot even feign concern," she said.

Mayor Sara accused the rebel group of only concerning itself with "death, destruction, and taking over the government."

"We call on the public to reject the NPA terrorists, work together and strongly resist its perverted political agenda, and drive them completely out of our communities," the presidential daughter added.

The CPP-NPA-NDF is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (BFAR) in Davao Oriental Wednesday conducted a fish seeding activity expected to benefit indigenous peoples (IPs) in several upland communities.

In a statement on Thursday, PAO and the fishery section of BFAR-11 said the "Communal Waters Fish Seeding" project aims to ensure food security for the province -- especially the IP communities who live upstream of the rivers and lakes where the fingerlings were released.

Around 110,000 tilapia and carp fingerlings were released in some of the province's rivers and lakes by PAO and BFAR personnel, said Provincial Fishery Officer Felipe Montera.

In four months, Montera said about 90 percent of the fingerlings are expected to reach maturity, reaching the upstream parts of these rivers where most IP residents in ancestral domains live.

"Tilapia are non-territorial species that survive in the upstream where ancestral domains are located," he said.

The fingerlings were released in Taga-um-um Creek and Mayo River in Mati City, Cambaleon Lake in San Isidro town, Sumlog River in Lupon town, Pungotun Creek in Banaybanay town, San Miguel River and Hulid River in Cateel town;

Dapnan River and Baganga River in Baganga town, Caraga River in Caraga town, Barangay Central River and Lake Diomaboc in Sitio Matabang, Taocanga which are both in Manay town, and Mamayopay River and Quinonoan River in the town of Tarragona.

Ednar Dayanghirang, chief of staff of the Provincial Governor's Office, said the project forms part of the various livelihood initiatives in response to the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.

Dayanghirang noted that the livelihoods of the residents -- especially the IPs -- have been disrupted and the province's food security has been put at risk with the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine. (PNA)

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The local government unit here has vowed to go after those involved in authorized reproduction of Barangay Exit Passes (BEPs), as part of the broader strategies to strengthen existing community quarantine measures.

This came after two residents in Barangay Bayanga were held by police for allegedly duplicating the BEP on Thursday.

Authorities warned violators will be charged with falsification of public documents and violation of Executive Order No. 062-2020 that mandates the use of BEP as a containment measure against Covid-19.

Antonio Resma, city's Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB) chief, said a pregnant woman was arrested on Wednesday for also allegedly using a fake exit pass.

He said they were conducting random inspection in Sitio Calaanan, Barangay Canitoan, when the woman caught the RCB's attention.

"We asked for her barangay exit pass, but what she showed us was a photocopy and not the original one," Resma said.

BEP allows residents to go out of their houses to buy essential items such as food or medicine. It can also be used by residents when they transact business at financial establishments such as banks or money-transfer outlets, and government offices outside their barangay.

Those who are sick, pregnant, or elderly are not allowed to use the BEP, nor are they permitted to go out except in emergency or medical situations.

Maj. Aldren Baculio, the Bulua police commander, said the person who photocopied the exit pass seized from the woman will be held liable for falsification of public documents.

Mayor Oscar Moreno earlier underscored the importance of limiting the movement of people and transportation in the city, saying this was one of the more effective ways "to beat the coronavirus."

"We can flatten the curve by staying home," Moreno said.

 Maj. Evan Viñas, city police spokesperson, said in a separate interview that since the BEP was implemented on April 20, dozens have been caught without an exit pass.

On April 21, Viñas said 113 persons were nabbed for failing to present a BEP or wear a face mask, which was made compulsory by the city government.

Viñas said that since the curfew was implemented on March 19, some 2,700 persons have been arrested.

He said quarantine violators are reprimanded and are ordered to watch a video documentary on the coronavirus as part of the information campaign of the government.

"We want them to be aware of the risks of the coronavirus so that they will abide by the laws the government has set to fight the virus," he said. (PNA)

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ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on 2019 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) here started implementing a quarantine pass scheme Thursday to further limit the number of people in public areas.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued Executive Order No. 563-2020, which seeks to implement the use of quarantine pass following observation that the number of people and vehicles--mostly private-owned--swelled in numbers after the Holy Week observance.

Salazar said the considerable number of people and motorists on the road has even caused traffic jams in major thoroughfares leading to the city proper.

She said the quarantine pass system is based on the April 18 advisory of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that encouraged local government units to schedule or cluster communities or barangays whose residents "may be allowed to go out."

The city government has so far issued a total of 219,692 quarantine passes, which has two categories.

Holders of quarantine pass "A" are allowed to go out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while "B" is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No quarantine pass is issued for Sunday.

"The number of quarantine passes issued to barangays is based on the 2015 census with the projection for 2020," Salazar said.

She assured they will validate claims from several families complaining they have not received their quarantine pass.

"If we issue more passes, it will defeat the purpose of the executive order," she said, adding some barangay officials may have not properly carried out the instructions concerning the issuance of quarantine pass.

"This order (E.O. 563-2020) will be implemented with the full force of the law," she said, adding she expects the full cooperation of the public. (PNA)

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BACOLOD CITY – Two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who were part of the group who arrived in Negros Occidental on April 14, have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). 

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced the latest confirmed cases on Thursday night while the two patients are being quarantined at the Provincial Healing Center, a patient care center opened by the Capitol in EB Magalona town.

"Both are OFWs (whom) we allowed to come home. They came from Cebu and passed by our port in Escalante City. They are both asymptomatic, which means they don't have symptoms," Lacson said in a statement.

This brings the total number of confirmed Covid-19 in Negros Occidental to four. 

Based on the information provided by the provincial government, Patient No. 3 is a 38-year-old man, who traveled from The Netherlands and arrived in the Philippines on March 24. He is a resident of Silay City.

Meanwhile, Patient No. 4, a 50-year-old man, arrived in the country from Finland on March 17. He is from Candoni town.

Both patients have not been able to see their families yet since they were immediately placed under mandatory quarantine after they arrived in the province.

They were among the group of 35 OFWs, who included 20 residents of various towns and cities in the province, as well as 15 from Bacolod City, who traveled from the port of Tabuelan town in Cebu and arrived in Barcelona port in Escalante City.

After their arrival, they boarded two buses that directly brought them to the patient care center in northern Negros.

Earlier, Zeaphard Caelian, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division, said they were allowed to enter Negros Occidental after submitting a certificate of completion of the required 14-day quarantine in their host-province or place of origin.

Once they arrive, they are subjected to another 14-day quarantine regardless of the quarantine they have undergone in the host-province or place of origin, he added.

The process is based on the protocols set for the repatriation of OFWs, Caelian said.

Negros Occidental's Patient No. 1, a 41-year-old woman from EB Magalona, has already recovered while Patient No. 2, a resident of La Castellana, is under quarantine in the patient care center of the central Negros town. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY – Muslims here will celebrate the holy month of Ramadhan without congregational prayers and gathering in support of the city government's efforts to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat to public health.

Dr. Ijoden Saripada Mamacol, executive director of Cebu City's Office of Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC), said leaders of different Muslim organizations in the city "highly recommended the temporary suspension of congregational prayers and tarawih prayer" due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The suspension of Muslim religious activities may also affect the culmination of Ramadhan on the day of Eid al Fitr.

Mamacol said his office has consulted the Cebu Mufti Alim Majid Said, the Sugbo Muslims Imam, and Ustadz Organization, religious leaders, and some Muslim community leaders in arriving at the best decision amid the ECQ.

"As officially declared by Mufti of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that our Ramadhan will begin this April 24, I would like to extend my greetings to my fellow Muslims 'Ramadhan Mubarak' (blessed happy Ramadhan)," he said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Mamacol explained that the holy month in every ninth month of the Islamic calendar is a time for religious gatherings of Muslim families to celebrate, read the Quran, and pray to become closer to Allah.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadhan is a time for Muslims to do fasting and iftar (breaking of the fast), he said.

During the month, Muslims converge in a masjid (mosque) and do the congregational prayers every evening, which they call the "tarawih" prayer.

"This year, our Ramadhan is very challenging for us and (will be celebrated) very different from the past. Unfortunately for us Muslims, our holy month falls in this time that (the) Covid-19 pandemic persists," Mamacol said.

He encouraged his fellow Muslims to observe "Ramadhan in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic" by obeying the protocol set by health officials, such as social distancing, wearing of face mask, hand washing, and staying and praying at home.

"I think once it (ECQ) will be lifted, we can do the congregational prayers, and, inshallah (God willing), normal life will be back," Mamacol said. (PNA) 

 



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CEBU CITY – The PHP100-million patient care center (PCC) at the North Reclamation Area (NRA) here Friday began accepting patients with mild to moderate symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

It is the second isolation center to be opened here to cater to those with mild symptoms. The first, the Bayanihan Cebu Field Center - Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu along Gen. Maxilom Avenue, supported by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, began accepting patients last Tuesday.

Mayor Edgardo Labella said the facility's design strictly followed the protocols and standards set by the Department of Health (DOH).

It has 200 beds that are separated in cubicles and the building will be equipped with a negative pressure ventilation system to block the airborne transmission of the virus and prevent contaminated air from escaping the facility, Labella said.

The facility, he said, will be fully furnished with hospital equipment used in isolating and treating patients with mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19.

Labella, meanwhile, brushed aside criticism from Vice Mayor Michael Rama who questioned the alleged delay in the use of the facility as the coronavirus transmission in the city continues to increase daily.

In his post on social media, Rama said the facility was supposed to be completed in 10 days.

He lamented the alleged slow action of the city in combating the Covid-19 crisis.

"That's his (Rama) opinion and we have a job to do. We will stay focused and not be affected by any comment," Labella said.

The opening of the NRA facility came amid the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) report late Thursday on 18 new infections -- 15 from Sitio Callejon, Barangay Labangon; one from Sitio Tinabangay, Alaska, Mambaling; and two from the Cebu City Jail.

As of Thursday, Cebu City had 328 Covid-19-positive cases, with 16 patients who have tested as laboratory negative, and zero death.

On the same day, the total number of Covid-19 cases in Labangon spiked to 28, from 13 on Wednesday, prompting Labangon village chief, Victor Buendia, to order the strengthening of the barangay-wide lockdown to prevent further viral contagion.

The increase of Covid-19 cases started in Sitio Zapatera, Barangay Luz with 139 positive cases, according to the CCHD report.

Zapatera residents who are considered "infected" are now in an isolation facility in nearby Barrio Luz National High School, while those living in bigger houses are allowed to stay in tightly-watched home quarantine. (PNA)  

 



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ILOILO CITY – Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has expressed support for the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), saying the provincial government would heed the national government's latest directives to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday extended anew the ECQ in Metro Manila and select areas that are considered at high risk for Covid-19. The proposed extension of the ECQ in Iloilo is "subject to re-checking."

"We will follow the directives of the national government although it is clear to us that adjustments have to be made. If there are quarantine measures, three things should be sustained: the local government unit, hospital, and economy," Defensor said in an interview.

The province started to implement the ECQ last March 20. It was supposed to end on April 14 but was extended up to April 30.

Before the President's second extension of the ECQ, Defensor said he was planning to modify the quarantine after April 30 and change the general rule of closing all establishments except those that provide basic necessities.

He said those that would remain closed after April 30 will be establishments where the promotion of social distancing is very difficult and those that encourage crowding, such as cinemas.

Defensor also planned to revive the transportation sector, provided that social distancing protocols are observed.

However, with the recommendation of the IATF, the plans for the modified ECQ would not be implemented at the moment, he said.

"The adjustment that we have to make with ECQ will have to be based on what we need to do with the local economy. But again, we will follow the directives of the national government because it is correct," he said.

The extension of the ECQ will allow the province to sustain its efforts in the protection against Covid-19.

Defensor said quarantine measures had been effective in preventing inter-municipality transmission.

"All restrictions that we made, the ECQ, are effective in the province and the city of Iloilo. We will not relax because it is still premature. We don't want the Covid-19 to blow up here just like what happened in other places because if that happens, we will surely regret it," he said.

As of April 23, Iloilo has recorded the most number of Covid-19 cases in Western Visayas with 18. (PNA)

 



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TACLOBAN CITY – The island town of Zumarraga, Samar province has passed ordinances that will protect its residents from the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The town council on Thursday approved two ordinances to fight the spread of the virus -- Municipal Ordinance No. 47-2020 or the 'No Mask, No Entry' policy and Municipal Ordinance No. 46-2020, which outlaws discrimination against Covid-19 patients and front-liners.

In a phone interview Friday, Mayor Myrna Tan said prohibited acts under the anti-Covid-19 discrimination include harassment, humiliation, or causing stigma to people who are infected, under investigation, or under monitoring for Covid-19, and health workers.

"Posting on social media or announcing or spreading that a person is Covid-19 positive whether it is confirmed or not is also punishable," Tan said.

Violators will be fined with PHP2,500 or face imprisonment of not more than six months or depending on the discretion of the court. If the violator is a public official, aside from the maximum penalty, they will also face administrative cases.

Meanwhile, the 'No Mask, No Entry' ordinance also directs residents to follow social distancing when they are in public places, public transport, or in establishments.

A written warning will be sent to individuals and establishments for the first offense, community service for eight hours for the second offense, and a fine of PHPP1, 000 for the establishment, and a fine of PHP2,500 for the individual.

For the third offense of business establishments, owners will be fined with PHP2,500 and their business permit will be suspended.

The town remains Covid-19-free and no resident is categorized as a probable and suspected carrier of Covid-19 as of Friday.

Tan said she wants to assure the more than 16,000 residents living in 25 villages of the municipality that they are doing all that they can to serve and protect the people of Zumarraga amidst this crisis.

"We are calling the attention of everyone to please practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette, always do physical distancing and wear a facemask when going outdoors, and stay at home and follow the quarantine protocols for your safety," Tan said.

Zumarraga is a 5th-class island town in Samar province with a population of 16,295. (PNA)



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BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan – Authorities here have arrested seven persons, three of whom are village officials, for gambling and drinking liquor amid the extremely enhanced community quarantine in the province.

 

In an interview Friday, Bayambang town police chief Lt. Col. Norman Florentino said the suspects were nabbed on Thursday in a farm owned by Barangay chairman Ricardo Benitez of Buenlag 1st.

 

Aside from Benitez, chairmen Renato Rosario of Barangay Tamaro and Romeo Caranto of Barangay Banagan were also arrested.

 

"Yung dalawang kapitan ay nahuli namin na nagsusugal kasama ang isang sibilyan, habang yung isang kapitan ay nakikipag-inuman kasama yung tatlong iba pa (The two barangay captains with another civilian were gambling while the other barangay captain was drinking liquor with three other civilians)," he said.

 

Florentino, however, did not identify the four other civilians who were with the barangay officials when arrested.

 

The suspects are detained at Bayambang Police Station and will be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (illegal gambling), in relation to Republic Act 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. (PNA)



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ASINGAN, Pangasinan — A person with disability (PWD) here has been sewing personal protective equipment (PPE) suits and face masks for front-liners for free amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

 

Samuel Villoria, president of PWD Federation in this town, produces at least eight PPE suits daily with the materials provided by Vice Mayor Heidee Chua, Councilor Alra Chua, and Nieves Pascua Bates, a private citizen here.

 

"Kasi sabi nila pag tumulong ka sa kapwa ng taos puso, mas maganda kaysa yung wala ka naman maitutulong puro ka reklamo. Tumulong ka na lang (They said it is better to help from the heart to your fellow instead of complaining and not helping at all)," Villoria said as posted by the Public Information Office (PIO) Asingan in its Facebook page on Thursday.

 

Since he started offering his service for free, Villoria was able to produce 80 PPE suits for front-liners.

 

Villoria was also able to produce more than 100 face masks that were donated to the front-liners in the town's Rural Health Unit, Philippine National Police, and barangays.

 

"Let us just help (in any way we can) and let us be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. For me, I guess it is better to help than complain," he said.

 

Villoria became a PWD when he encountered an accident that led to the amputation of his right leg. He is a tailor of uniforms in the town. (PNA)

 

 



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BAGUIO CITY – Violators of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will face outright arrest and imprisonment, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) said on Thursday.

BCPO director Col. Allen Rae Co said that a recent memorandum from the Philippine National Police national headquarters mandates that all violators of ECQ be immediately arrested and jailed.

BCPO received the memo from PNP-Directorate for Operations (TDO) Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Luis Licup ordered the sanctions for ECQ violators, the report added.

The memorandum issued April 22 set the additional guidance of PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa on the ECQ and boosted Mayor Benjamin Magalong's directive last week to immediately arrest ECQ lawbreakers as he saw the need for harsher penalties.

Co said that with directives, there will be no more warnings, instead, an outright arrest will be undertaken.

"So, we would like to reiterate our warning (to the public) to stay at home or be imprisoned," Co said.

ECQ violators will be charged with violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health concern Act), and Republic Act No. 11469 or An Act Declaring the Existence of a National Health Emergency Arising from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) situation.

The law is national policy authorizing President Rodrigo Duterte for a limited period and subject to restrictions, to exercise powers necessary and proper to carry out the policy considering the gravity of the present situation.

Co warned that violators will also face criminal charges for breaching Republic Act 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act), and Presidential Proclamation (PP) 922 or State of Public Health Emergency.

"They will also have criminal records that will be reflected once they apply for Police and NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance," he said.

Co said that 127 violators have been nabbed in the first four days of the intensified ECQ implementation that imposes the 24 hours curfew.

Police records show that 21 offenders were caught during the first day of implementation last Sunday, April 19; there were 42 on the second, and 32 on the third day. Co said they will sustain the crackdown "for the good of the many" until the possible lifting of the Luzon-wide ECQ. (PNA)  

 



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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) is warning the public against the recruitment of the Communist Part of the Philippines (CPP)-New People's Army (NPA) terrorists or CNTs in the hinterland of the province.

APPO deputy director for operations, Lt. Col. Norby Escobar said Friday they received a report on CNT recruitment of minors in the municipality of Sibalom.

On April 18, five minors who were captured by the Philippine Army (PA) during their encounter with the CNT in Miag-ao, Iloilo were from Sibalom.

"Parents have to safeguard their children because minors could easily be persuaded by the CNTs," he said in an interview.

Escobar said that minors purportedly asked permission from their parents a week ago to go to Barangay Bulalakaw, a mountainous part at the border of Antique and Iloilo provinces, to collect honey that they would sell.

However, Escobar said that based on the report of the PA 61st Infantry Battalion led by its commanding officer Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, the minors were captured during their 35-minute encounter with the CNTs.

In press statement on April 18, the PA said soldiers encountered around 40 CNTs believed to be members of the Suyak Platoon in Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao that morning.

The troops launched an operation in response to a report about the CNT training of their new recruits.

Meanwhile, Sibalom Mayor Gian Carlo Occeña, in a statement, said that the municipality condemns the rebels' act of terrorism that threatens not only the townspeople but also other municipalities.

"For years, we try to preserve the peace and feeling of security enjoyed by our people and we will not allow that this be destroyed," Occeña said.

"Let us be vigilant, take care of our young and shield them from their (CNT) influence," he added. (PNA) 



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COTABATO CITY – Two persons suspected to have contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have died, the Department of Health in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) reported Thursday.

Of the recorded 24 deaths in Soccsksargen, only one--identified as PH600--was confirmed to have died from the virus.

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco said one of the two latest deaths reported by DOH-Soccsksargen was a 65-year-old male from North Cotabato province.

The governor did not name the patient or his hometown in compliance with the health department's protocol.

"The patient died on April 22 due to acute myocardial infarction, community-acquired pneumonia, high-risk severe anemia, at chronic kidney disease stage V," Catamco said, citing the DOH Covid-19 situation report released Thursday.

Catamco said swab samples were taken from the patient who passed away without the laboratory results yet. "Sad news," the governor said.

The second patient to have died was a 50-year-old male from Sultan Kudarat province who expired on April 23 due to acute respiratory disease and complications. The result of his laboratory test is still pending.

A breakdown per classification of Covid-19 cases in the region was one confirmed and 23 other suspected cases.

Moreover, a summary of Covid-19 specimen results indicated one positive (PH600) case, 17 negative cases, three pending cases, and another three with no specimen collected yet. (PNA)

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TACLOBAN CITY – The crime incidence in Eastern Visayas dropped by 36.82 percent during the community quarantine period, the regional police office here reported on Friday.

Based on data sent to reporters, the police recorded a crime volume of 633 from March 16 to April 16, lower than the 1,002 crimes recorded in the same period last year.

Crimes against persons decreased from 159 to 47 incidents. These include rape, homicide, murder, and physical injury.

Meanwhile, crime against property, ranging from theft, robbery to qualified theft, was down to 23 incidents, compared to 79 during the same period last year.

Non-index crimes also declined by 26.3 percent from 694 to 563 recorded incidents. These are violations of special laws, such as illegal logging or local ordinances.

In Eastern Visayas, all six provinces have declared community quarantine in mid-March as an urgent response to prevent the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, Police Regional Office 8 (Eastern Visayas) director, said the region is generally peaceful amid the global health crisis.

"This may be because we have organized over 200 quarantine control points all over the region. The latest crime rate is an indicator of our cooperation and synergy in the fight against criminality. Let us continue to be united in our quest towards a peaceful place to live in," Balba said in a virtual press briefing on Friday.

The regional police office has also captured 11 most wanted persons and 697 other offenders during its 30-day operations from March 11 to April 9. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – The national government has granted this city some PHP73.9 million to boost its response capabilities in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

 

Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin said the city council has already approved the supplemental budget equivalent to its monthly revenue allotment.

 

"It is now with our executive department. We hope that this fund (would) be used immediately to address issues and concerns regarding the Covid-19," Yaokasin said in a statement on Friday.

 

The Bayanihan grant to cities and towns from the national government will be solely used for Covid-19-related response, he said.

 

This includes the purchase of personal protective equipment, vitamins and medicines, hospital equipment, disinfecting supplies, and expenses for food, transportation, and accommodation of medical front-liners and other local personnel involved in the Covid-19 fight.

 

Yaokasin said it could be used as well to augment the city's calamity fund, purchase relief goods for affected households, and establish isolation facilities for suspected and probable carriers, stand-alone or mobile testing laboratory, temporary shelter for the homeless, and other Covid-19-related expenses.

 

The financial grant was sourced from discontinued projects of some government agencies under Republic Act 11465, or the 2020 General Appropriations Fund, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

 

Meanwhile, to protect its borders from the highly contagious disease, the city has intensified its movement restrictions until April 28.

 

Tacloban City, home to about 250,000 people and the major commercial district of Eastern Visayas, remains free from Covid-19, according to the Department of Health.

 

The Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center here, the region's referral hospital for coronavirus patients, caters to confirmed cases from other provinces.

 

As of Wednesday, the city had nine suspected carriers of the virus – five were in the hospital and four were on strict home isolation. (PNA)

 



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The 79-year-old man from Tayasan, Negros Oriental who died early this week under suspicion of contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has tested negative of the virus.

In a statement Friday, Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Liland Estacion, head of the health committee of the province's Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Covid-19, said this was confirmed via the result of throat swab samples taken from the patient.

The laboratory result returned here late Thursday from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City, along with 30 other throat swab results, which all turned out negative, she said.

The man from Tayasan was a terminally-ill patient, with co-morbidities such as cancer, diabetes, and pneumonia, Estacion said.

He was admitted at a private hospital in the city on Sunday and died shortly after midnight Wednesday, pending laboratory test results.

Estacion said the man was swabbed on Tuesday after exhibiting symptoms associated with Covid-19.

Meanwhile, the PHO has sent 39 new throat swab samples to the VSMMC for testing.

Latest data from the PHO as of late Thursday afternoon also showed an increase in the number of probable Covid-19 cases.

The report showed 11 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and four cases of Moderate Acute Respiratory Infection (MARI).

Those with influenza-like illness (ILI) without co-morbidities remained at 25 while ILI with co-morbidities dropped to only one.

On Wednesday, the data showed six SARI cases, seven MARI cases, 25 ILI without co-morbidities, and three ILI with co-morbidities.

Under the new classification of Covid-19 cases being used by the Department of Health (DOH), ILIs (both with or without co-morbidities) fall under the classification as "suspect", while SARI and MARI cases are considered as "probable".

The early classification of Covid-19 cases, namely, Patients Under Investigation (PUI) and Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) had also been dropped.

While the DOH is using its latest three classifications of Covid-19 cases – suspect, probable, and confirmed – health authorities here are still using the SARI, MARI, and ILI classification according to guidelines set by the DOH Region 7 (Central Visayas), said DOH Negros Oriental provincial chief, Dr. Socrates Villamor. (PNA



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BAGUIO CITY – Two artists separated more than 8,200 miles are bringing smiles to indigent indigenous people and front line health care workers.

For 61-year-old architect Fredi Agunoy, it is the indigent Dumagat indigenous peoples of Dingalan, Aurora as his beneficiaries in his watercolor, pen, and ink on paper works that are sold online.

In Detroit, Michigan, former Baguio journalist turned children's literature writer, turned painter Anna Carbonell, does stone artworks which she gives for free to 10 health workers in a hospital at the former capital of the United States.

She has help from a 10-year-old daughter, Maria who paints side by side with her.

Agunoy satisfies himself with a daily grind of painting or sketching on his small one square meter spot at his residence in Quezon City.

"It is another start of the day and paint again I am in my one square meter spot," wrote the founder of the Baguio-based Salonpas Group of Artists on his Facebook wall every morning.

Salonpas is an arts group composed of senior citizens that calls home his residence cum gallery in Baguio, Fred's Apartment.

But if he has his way, he would rather be in a rustic coastal town further east with the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop.

"I wish I am on my farm, tending to my plants, crops, and fruits," said the semi-retired architect who is more than happy to harvest his produce, go fishing, do afternoon strolls, and dips in the Pacific Ocean.

Agunoy has relinquished most of his work to his son Alfie, a University of Santo Tomas architecture school graduate, after a stroke some years back.

Now, he spends most of his time in Baguio with his artist-friends that include noted Ibaloy painter Roland Bay-an and Salvador Cabrera, Jr., nephew of national artist Benedicto Cabrera; Dingalan, Aurora with his other artists-friends; and, in Quezon City to spend time with his grandchildren and another circle of visual artists.

The more than 40 days of quarantine has seen him exploit watercolor painting and developed a new style where he merged his cartooning skills to his medium.

It was cartooning that sent him to school from high school to Araullo University's architectural school in his hometown of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija as a school organ staff member.

His works on nine-inch by 12-inch paper are sold at a minimum donation of PHP1,000 only.

This is "to support food rationing for our Dumagat community (in Dingalan, Aurora) this April," said Agunoy of his daily output that he puts on his Facebook wall.

The physical works are now on display on the walls of his Quezon City residence; those sold will be delivered once the ECQ is lifted.

He said that his fellow artists in Dingalan, whom he organized to make an art community like the Tam-awan Village here in Baguio, are doing the hard work of distributing the food they gather thanks to their artworks which have been sold to patrons.

The Dingalan Artists Village had been set up within his farm where art festivals have been held in several and regular occasions –many are environmental in theme.

Agunoy said the next round of food distribution will come from income realized from the sale of a new batch of artworks that include six of his new artworks.

"I want another round (of food rationing) this May," he said.

"Nasa anim pa lang, hindi ko ina-announce ang price (There are six [of my artworks that have been sold already for this round] although I have not announced the price [of each art work])," he told the Philippine News Agency.

"I want them to like my [art work] more than the price. If they ask the price, I said that it is only for donation and not the regular cost of the work," he added.

Meanwhile, Carbonell does paintings on stones with her daughter to bring smiles for health care workers from eight hospitals in Detroit and nearby villages.

"Great, the stone art, everyone loved it," she told the PNA through social media message.

Carbonell may not be able to go to the hospitals but she sends her works through doctors who work at said hospitals who live within her neighborhood.

"It was very tough for me to send that art stones to the hospitals and clinics because of social distancing. But through God's way, it did, and yes it had reached them and surely gave them a smile," she wrote on her FB wall.

"The mission continues on spreading more smiles among health care workers. Thank you for all the services, stay safe (referring to the health care workers," she added.

Among the hospitals where Cabonells's art stones found a new owner are Beaumont Hospital, Henry Ford Hospital, Providence Hospital, Sinai Grace Hospital, all in Detroit, Michigan.

Carbonell, a certified respiratory therapist, sent her first batch of art stones to the medical health workers on April 16.

Agunoy may not have met Carbonell but are Facebook friends where they express admiration for newly finished works they post on their respective FB walls. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – The local government here will wait for the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on the recommendation to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the metropolis until May 15.

 

In a media interview on Friday, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told him the task force would like to know certain data such as the availability of isolation centers, testing centers, and test kits.

 

The Inter-Agency Task Force recommended that the ECQ in Iloilo and Antique be extended until May 15 but is subject for re-checking.

 

Treñas said if the national government will extend the ECQ in the city, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide food assistance, among others.

 

"But I want everyone to know that we move toward (the) gradual exit of the ECQ," he said.

 

Treñas said the city is adversely affected economically since the ECQ was implemented in March. 

 

He admitted they are worried because the city has also its obligations.

 

He added that if the ECQ is extended, the proposed exit plan presented by professors from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) will proceed once it is lifted.

 

"We are ready with the study. It only needs little polishing and will be ready to be submitted for critiquing," he said.

 

The UP professors on April 20 presented a working draft of the study on "Gradual Easing of Enhanced Community Quarantine Scheme in Iloilo City: Inputs to the Lockdown Exit Plan" as the city already started to plan out for the lifting of the ECQ supposedly after April 30.

 

Meanwhile, the mayor met with the city's Finance Team for a discussion of economic measures that will be implemented for the rest of the year.

 

Iloilo City is one of the cities in the country that is not dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) fund. 

 

He said 60 percent of the city's revenue is dependent on local income, and 40 percent comes from IRA.

 

"We will be waiting for them. They promised to release (their recommendations) as much as possible Wednesday or Thursday next week so that we will be guided whether we go on modified community quarantine, or if the ECQ is extended," he said. (PNA)



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CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – The provincial government started on Thursday the simultaneous swab testing priority patients in the 24 towns of the province, Governor Daniel Fernando said.

In a statement on Friday, he said medical workers used the 100 test kits given by the Department of Health (DOH) where the specimens were prepared, labeled properly, and transmitted to the Lung Center of the Philippines for testing.

"The specimen coming from LGUs will be submitted to the Provincial Health Office-Public Health (PHO-PH) that will facilitate immediate packaging and transport of specimen to the Lung Center of the Philippines," Fernando said.

He added that the province is waiting for the arrival of equipment to formally open the Bulacan Covid-19 Center that will house confirmed patients.

Vice Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, also the provincial health committee chair, recommended for the province to have more isolation or quarantine areas by including hotels and resorts under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or the Republic Act No. 11469.

So far, there are four patient care centers in the province to accommodate Covid-19 cases.

These are the new building of the Bulacan Medical Center, MAB building in Barangay San Pablo here, the College of Social Science and Philosophy building of the Bulacan State University-Main Campus and the Provincial Government of Bulacan-Governance Center.

Aside from patient care centers, isolation units at the Bulacan Medical Center, Baliwag District Hospital, Calumpit District Hospital, Emilio G. Perez District Hospital, Gregorio del Pilar District Hospital, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital, San Miguel District Hospital and the newly-built Bulacan Medical Center Emergency Quarantine Facility are already operating under the provincial government.

Meanwhile, six more positive Covid-19 patients have recovered after they tested negative for the virus on Thursday.

This brought to 12 the total number of recoveries in the province.

Among those Covid-19 patients who recovered came from Guiguinto, Bulakan, Marilao, City of Malolos and Pulilan.

Based on the report from the Provincial Health Office, Bulacan has 104 confirmed Covid-19 patients with 24 deaths.

To date, the province has also 184 probable cases and 443 suspect cases. (PNA)



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ANGELES CITY, Pampanga –The city government will start its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) mass testing on April 29, using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved rapid testing kits.

In a statement on Friday, Mayor Carmelo Lazatin said the objective of the mass testing is to identify asymptomatic patients, especially those on the front lines, and isolate them immediately.

Lazatin said the city government has appropriated some PHP88 million to procure 30,000 rapid testing kits, four units of ventilators, cardiac monitors, additional personal protective equipment (PPE), and facemasks for the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC).

The RLMMC was designated by the city government as its Covid-19 testing center.

Likewise, Lazatin said the city government also allotted PHP2 million for the Philippine Red Cross to secure slots for Angeles City residents' Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing.

Based on guidelines released by the city government, patients will need to be assessed first in the triage area at the RLMMC to determine under which sub-group the patient belongs to.

The testing center shall refer to the sub-groups of at-risk individuals to determine who should be prioritized.

Only FDA-approved antibody test kits will be used and only medical technologists/practitioners may prescribe and administer antibody-based tests.

Releasing and interpretation of results will be assigned to doctors in charge of Covid-19 patients. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The provincial government of South Cotabato is developing a mobile application that would help speed up the tracing of people who might be exposed to persons infected with the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the province's information technology department is currently working on the application and targeting its rollout before businesses in the province will start to normalize.

Tamayo said the app will be deployed in business establishments that will open once the local government decides to ease the movement restrictions and the enhanced community quarantine.

He said all persons entering the establishments, especially shopping malls, will be logged into a database to facilitate faster contact-tracing in case one of them will eventually turn out positive of Covid-19.

"We're working on a system that can be deployed in tablets and cell phones," he said in a statement on Friday.

Tamayo said the system will be complemented later by the rollout of the planned province-wide identification or ID system.

In February, Tamayo directed the purchase of ID makers to print "common ID cards" for every resident of the province. The IDs may be used to log into the system when entering the establishments and their assigned numbers will be recorded in the database.

The logs will include the date and time when a person enters a specific business establishment, Tamayo said.

"It will be useful, for instance in a drug store, when one of the customers would test positive for Covid-19. Through the database, we can trace everyone who was catered in a specific period that the patient was there," he said.

The availability of a reliable contact tracing system was among the four major criteria earlier set by the provincial government in considering the possible reopening of the local economy after the end of the quarantine period on April 30.

The other considerations are the "flattening of the curve" or the reduction of Covid-19 cases for 14 days, availability of the patient care center in case of an outbreak and, the availability of medical front-liners and personal protective equipment.

As of Thursday evening, the Integrated Provincial Health Office said a total of 135 suspect Covid-19 patients are being monitored within the province's 10 towns and lone city.

It listed zero probable cases so far and one recovery out of the three confirmed Covid-19 patients in the area. (PNA)

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DAVAO CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 (Davao region) said Thursday it has granted more than PHP120 million in cash assistance under its three programs for employees/workers, in both formal and informal sectors, who have been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

Information officer of DOLE-11, Edward Monreal, said the three programs are the Covid-19 Adjustments Measures Program (CAMP), Abot Kamay Ang Pagtulong (AKAP), and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Under CAMP, about 12,589 workers from 783 private establishments in the region were given cash assistance amounting to PHP62.9 million.

"This is a one-time assistance of PHP5,000 pesos each given to affected workers due to temporary closure of their establishments," Monreal said.

He said through AKAP, some 550 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) received PHP10,000 each for a total of PHP5.5 million.

Meanwhile, about 13,336 TUPAD beneficiaries from the region were given assistance, each of whom received PHP396 per day for 10 days for a total of PHP3,960, Monreal said.

"The total amount disbursed for this program amounted to PHP52 million," he said.

The TUPAD beneficiaries were identified through the provincial labor offices, in coordination with the different barangays.

Monreal said payouts under the "Tupad Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko" program are ongoing. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) here is now processing its application and filling out the necessary forms with the Department of Health (DOH) to be accredited as testing facility for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a statement Friday, Assistant Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Liland Estacion, who also heads the health committee of the province's Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19, said they are fast-tracking compliance of requirements so that the NOPH can be certified as a Covid-19 testing center.

Once this happens, laboratory test results of suspect Covid-19 patients here will be released "real-time", much faster than the current pace, Estacion said.

Currently, the turn-around time for throat swab test results is 48 hours from the time the samples are received at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City, the nearest Covid-19 testing facility in the region, she said.

Estacion said the throat swab samples have a shelf life of 72 hours, hence, these must be sent before and within that period to Cebu.

Given the limited sea travel between here and Cebu due to the enhanced community quarantine imposed in both provinces, they have to send the samples via "slow boat" that takes about six to eight hours of travel, or sometimes request a Coast Guard vessel to pick up the samples.

The NOPH, once it becomes a DOH-accredited facility, will be using the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRt-PCR) test kits, which are more accurate than the rapid testing kits, she said.

The Philippines had received its first PCR testing kits from the World Health Organization, and are being used at the VSMMC, she added.

Estacion said while the rapid testing kits are much cheaper, they are only 40 percent accurate compared to the laboratory-based PCR testing.

Three nurses will be trained to do the PCR testing here in preparation for the DOH-accreditation.

She added that a laboratory will be set up at the NOPH solely dedicated to Covid-19 testing and assured the public that proper protocols shall be adopted, particularly providing laboratory personnel with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

Meanwhile, Estacion said there is no word yet as to how the PCR kits will be procured, whether it will be provided by the DOH for free, or that the provincial government will have to purchase these.

All other concerns on the accreditation will be known in the coming days, she said. (PNA)



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ROSALES, Pangasinan – Authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with an attempt to smuggle people to Pangasinan using an ambulance owned by the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Barbara town.

 

The ambulance was intercepted at the boundary of the province in Rosales town, where policemen manning the checkpoint discovered two persons from Quezon City trying to get in.

 

Based on the police investigation, the ambulance was driven by Mark Arky Idos, who was accompanied by Dennis Paragas, both residents of Sta. Barbara town. They were allegedly instructed by their Rural Health Unit (RHU) to fetch live-in partners Elicia Von Giese and Daryson Paragas.

 

Giese and Paragas allegedly came from Quezon City onboard a car but were barred entry upon reaching the border checkpoint, the police report said.

 

"The couple eventually made a U-turn and alighted (from) their car along the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway exit, and called their relative from Sta. Barbara. Moments later, an ambulance came to fetch them," the report added.

 

The ambulance, however, was intercepted upon its return to the province where the policemen saw the two familiar faces of the live-in partners who were earlier denied entry to the province.

 

The couple, the ambulance driver and his companion are currently under the custody of Rosales Police and charges in violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act will be filed against them.

 

Under the extremely enhanced community quarantine (EECQ), Governor Amado Espino III ordered that entry to the province of unauthorized persons outside residence (UPOR) is strictly prohibited.

 

The province of Pangasinan is under the EECQ until midnight on April 30. (PNA) 

 



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BAGUIO CITY – The city government here is mulling on giving PHP300 per day subsidy to around 300 to 500 public utility jeepney drivers who will transport residents during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until the end of 2020.

"We can afford it," said budget officer Leticia Clemente during the management committee meeting on Friday where the draft proposals from various sectors handled by the department were reported.

Clemente said the city can give a stimulus package to help both the drivers of public utility vehicles and the commuters who currently pay a minimum of PHP20 fare.

Village officials earlier met with public transport groups that agreed to charge a minimum of PHP20 fare to help jeepney drivers. The fare was based on cost as well as in consideration of the implementation of the social distancing where the capacity of the jeepney has been halved.

Clemente said the subsidy will cost the city about PHP3.6 million a month as it allocated coronavirus disease (Covid) response fund of PHP248 million.

She said they can sustain the subsidy for three months until the end of the year and slowly ease the burden of commuters paying the fare.

"Tulong na rin natin kasi kawawa din ang drivers kung ibababa baka hindi na sila magpasada magiging kawawa naman ang mga pasahero (It will come as our assistance to the lowly driver who may not agree to service passengers which if it happens will affect the commuters)," Clemente said.

The total Covid budget comes from the PHP30-million disaster risk reduction management fund. The PHP150-million additional fund that was realigned from the unimplemented infrastructure project of the city and PHP70 million that "Bayanihan fund" from the national government. (PNA)

 



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BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong is confident the city will be removed from the list of local governments that will be subjected to an extended enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as it pursues recovery and transition plans.

"We hope we will not be included," Magalong said on Friday following the Palace's announcement of the inclusion of Benguet on the list of areas in the country, which will be subjected to extended ECQ until May 15

Magalong said it is not just the number of cases that should be considered but also the system put in place by local governments to address the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

He said the city has several programs in place like the rapid test, assuring personal protective equipment supplies, an effective contact tracing system, area protection measures, availability of quarantine areas and centers, as well as the 'control' over the jurisdiction and the people within it.

Magalong welcomed the development, saying the city's ongoing sectoral planning activities to come up with post-ECQ recovery and transition plan anchored on the gradual easing up and reopening of essential economic activities will go on as scheduled.

During the week, the city held several consultations with representatives of the different sectors to gather inputs for inclusion in the city's recovery plan, which will start implementation after April 30.

Among the sectors include are business, transport, agriculture, tourism, governance, and medical, which will be aligned with each other.

Magalong said the current ECQ protocols and Covid-19 control systems will continuously be improved.

Baguio's prevailing Covid statistics are: 18 confirmed cases, five are active cases with the patients confined in medical facilities; 12 discharged from a hospital and one death. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) regional office here will start next week the mass testing of suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) carriers in Eastern Visayas.

 

In a virtual press briefing here on Friday, DOH Regional Director Minerva Molon said mass testing will be done in four areas in the region with confirmed cases of Covid-19. 

 

These are Catarman, Northern Samar; Calbayog City, Samar; Tarangnan, Samar; and Burauen, Leyte.

 

"The targets are suspected Covid-19 carriers who are either hospitalized or at home isolation, health workers, vulnerable groups like elderly and those with other serious illness and pregnant women who live in areas with confirmed Covid-19 case," Molon said.

 

Village front-liners in communities with identified confirmed cases are also considered for mass testing.

 

The regional office initially identified 138 individuals who will undergo mass testing using oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabbing. The figure does not include the people identified by the local government units in their contact tracing.

 

After samples are taken, this will be sent to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City.

 

The lack of personal protective equipment remains to be a challenge in doing mass testing in the region, Molon said.

 

"Provisions of personal protective equipment (PPE) remain a challenge for us because the supply for Eastern Visayas does not arrive yet. So right now, we will depend on the local government units," she said.

 

At least seven residents in the region have tested positive of Covid-19 since March. 

 

While four are already discharged from hospital care and management, two are still confined at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, the region's referral hospital for Covid-19 patients.

 

The seventh patient, which was confirmed by DOH late Friday, will be admitted at Burauen District Hospital in Burauen, Leyte. 

 

The latest case is a 25-year-old niece of the first case in Burauen town. (PNA)

 



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BACOLOD CITY – Two Philippine Army soldiers were injured while four communist rebels were killed in a clash in Barangay Gawahon in Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Friday morning.

The wounded were identified as Cpl. Ramy Chiefe and Cpl. Louie Maghanoy of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB).

According to the report of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB), troopers saw the communist-terrorists drag away their four dead comrades, and heavy bloodstains were found in the rebels' route of withdrawal. Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd IBde, said the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) are deliberately sabotaging the efforts of government forces to help protect the people from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-2019).

Soldiers of 79IB, together with policemen from the 6th Special Action Force Battalion, were conducting a health awareness campaign and security patrol in Sitio Sicaba at about 8:30 a.m. when the NPA rebels fired at them, leading to a 30-minute firefight.

They pursued the communist-terrorists and reached their lair, where they recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with blasting caps, a bandolier with five magazines for AK47 assault rifle, and another bandolier with two magazines of M16 rifle with ammunition.

The troopers also found two hand-held radios, two mobile phones, a binocular, a compass, four jungle packs containing personal belongings, five hammocks, eight blankets, 10 ponchos, three rain boots, assorted medicines, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of 79IB, said that once again, it has been proven that NPA rebels are using IEDs as shown in the recovered items, which is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

"While government troops are putting their lives at risk to help protect the people from Covid-19, communist-terrorists are taking this as an opportunity to violate human rights," he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA) 

 



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BACOLOD CITY – Two Philippine Army soldiers were injured while four communist rebels were killed in a clash in Barangay Gawahon in Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Friday morning.

The wounded were identified as Cpl. Ramy Chiefe and Cpl. Louie Maghanoy of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB).

According to the report of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB), troopers saw the communist-terrorists drag away their four dead comrades, and heavy bloodstains were found in the rebels' route of withdrawal. Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd IBde, said the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) are deliberately sabotaging the efforts of government forces to help protect the people from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-2019).

Soldiers of 79IB, together with policemen from the 6th Special Action Force Battalion, were conducting a health awareness campaign and security patrol in Sitio Sicaba at about 8:30 a.m. when the NPA rebels fired at them, leading to a 30-minute firefight.

They pursued the communist-terrorists and reached their lair, where they recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with blasting caps, a bandolier with five magazines for AK47 assault rifle, and another bandolier with two magazines of M16 rifle with ammunition.

The troopers also found two hand-held radios, two mobile phones, a binocular, a compass, four jungle packs containing personal belongings, five hammocks, eight blankets, 10 ponchos, three rain boots, assorted medicines, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of 79IB, said that once again, it has been proven that NPA rebels are using IEDs as shown in the recovered items, which is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

"While government troops are putting their lives at risk to help protect the people from Covid-19, communist-terrorists are taking this as an opportunity to violate human rights," he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA) 

 



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TACLOBAN CITY – The region's 7th coronavirus patient in Eastern Visayas is a 25-year-old female from Burauen, Leyte, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Friday.

DOH Eastern Visayas director Minerva Molon said she is a niece of Leyte province's 1st Covid-19 patient, who shared the same house here in Balao village. This is the 2nd case in Leyte province and considered as locally-acquired illness.

On April 18, the patient manifested symptoms of cough and sore throat. The next day swab sample was taken from her for testing.

Molon said the patient has been on self-quarantine at the town's isolation facility since she was identified as close contact with a confirmed patient.

"Presently, she is experiencing mild respiratory symptoms. She will now be transferred to the Burauen district hospital for further management and observation," Molon said in a virtual press conference.

The DOH has immediately deployed a team to assure that infection control based on the specifications of an isolation facility is strictly followed at the local government-run hospital.

"The patient has no existing medical conditions or illnesses compared to our previous cases that is why she will be admitted to a level one hospital. If her condition worsens, we will transfer her to the referral hospital here," Molon said.

Since the global outbreak, a total of seven Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Eastern Visayas, of whom four already recovered, the DOH said.

Other areas reported coronavirus cases are in Catarman, Northern Samar; Calbayog City, Samar; and Tarangnan, Samar. (PNA)

 



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ILOILO CITY – Western Visayas gained three additional recoveries from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), raising the number to 14 as of April 24, 2020, the Department of Health Center for Health Development Western Visayas (DOH-CHD 6) reported.

In a press conference, Dr. Renilyn Reyes, head of the DOH-CHD 6's Public Health Development Program, said the recovered patients included a 44-year old male from Jaro, Iloilo City; and a 40 year-old male and 66-year-old female, both from Kalibo, Aklan.

However, Reyes said that laboratory results that were released by the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) sub-national laboratory on April 23 showed three new confirmed cases, bringing the total positive cases to 58.

The sub-national laboratory released a total of 192 results; five were positive but two were repeat tests of already confirmed cases and 187 were negative.

The three new cases include patient number 56 who is a 38-year-old male from Silay City while patient number 57 is a 50-year-old male from Candoni, both from Negros Occidental.

Patient number 58 is a 33-year-old female from Lambunao, Iloilo.

Reyes said that confirmed cases from Negros Occidental have a travel history abroad while the new case from Lambunao has a close contact with patient number 28 who in turn was exposed to patient number 16 who died on March 29.

"Patients 56 and 57 are both OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) and repatriate," she said, adding that both are at the provincial quarantine facility in EB Magalona. 

Patient number 58 is under home quarantine and remains asymptomatic.

Meanwhile, in the same press conference, she said that DOH–CHD 6 has presented before the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Friday several modalities on the implementation of "strict protocols" regarding the screening of OFWs and strandees who will be returning to Western Visayas.

She said that DOH suggests the conduct of screening before they enter Western Visayas.

However, if it is not possible and there is a need for them to get repatriated, then DOH said it can be done upon their arrival.

DOH said they will be screened using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) if test kits are available or use the rapid anti-body testing kits that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"What we are asking is for local government units (LGUs) to designate a facility quarantine that is adequate to house our OFWs whether they would be positive or negative," she said.

She said that they will just wait for the signed IATF resolution as a result of their meeting on Friday. (PNA) 

 



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BUTUAN CITY – A significant decrease in the number of traffic accidents has been recorded in the Caraga region, the police reported on Saturday.

The region's public safety index dropped to 648 incidents from January 1 to April 22, from the 988 incidents recorded in the same period in 2019, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga), Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., said in a statement.

"This is a significant decrease of 340 incidents or 34.41 percent," Esquivel said, adding that the public safety index refers to incidents due to traffic accidents, such as reckless imprudence resulting in a homicide, physical injury or damage to property.

He attributed this to the continuing implementation of the enhanced community quarantine by local government units to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Citing data from the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD) 13, Esquivel took note of the decline in the number of total crime volume from January 1 to April 22, which stood at 2,670, a 9.08 percent decrease from the 2,937 recorded in the same period last year.

"RIDMD-13 recorded a 13.37 percent decrease in total index crimes, from 471 in 2019 down to 408 this year," he said.

Index crimes, also known as the eight focus crimes, are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, car theft, and motorcycle theft.

Esquivel, however, reported a 9.2 percent increase in the number of non-index crimes, such as illegal gambling, in the region – from 1,478 on January 1 to April 22 last year to 1,646 in the same period this year.

"I commend all the men and women of PRO-13 for ensuring the peace and order and public safety in the region despite the global health crisis we are facing today," he said, adding that the security and safety of Caraga residents are the top priority of the Philippine National Police amid the Covid-19 crisis. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed dismay after four Social Amelioration Program (SAP) beneficiaries were caught gambling in Anilao town, Iloilo province on Thursday.

"It's really sad. Instead of buying food and needs in the household, they prioritized their vices, (which) we don't like," DSWD Assistant Secretary Rhea Peñaflor said in a virtual presser on Friday.

Based on the report of the Anilao Municipal Police, 11 individuals were caught in the act of playing mahjong and the card game "tong-its" in different tables in Dangulaan village in Anilao and were arrested.

The police report said of the 11, four were identified as SAP beneficiaries: Jose Baluran, 54; Isidro Javier, 55; Claudio Matutino, 64; and Jomar Langreo, 54.

They will face sanctions for illegal gambling under Presidential Decree 1602.

"They violated a law because it's illegal gambling. So they will be the ones to face it," Peñaflor said.

In the same virtual presser, DSWD 6 (Western Visayas) Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, however, noted that no provision in the SAP guidelines has specifics on what to do with beneficiaries who misuse the cash aid.

"If they are qualified for the emergency subsidy, they will still receive the cash grant allocated for them," Macapobre said.

Qualified SAP beneficiaries in Western Visayas are each entitled to PHP6,000 a month.

Peñaflor said they would wait for guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on how to deal with the arrested gamblers, whether or not they would be included in the second round of SAP distribution.

"We don't want what they are doing and we will look for ways on what penalty to apply. However, on what they have done, they violated a law and they will be answerable for that," she said.

Peñaflor said the SAP beneficiaries who were caught gambling do not deserve the cash aid if they use it only for their vices.

"Many have needs but you wasted the money to buy alcohol(ic beverages) or to gamble while your family is hungry. (It is) very irresponsible," she added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The country will have fair weather on Saturday with some clouds and isolated rains in certain parts, brought by the northeasterly surface wind flow, the easterlies, or localized thunderstorms.

In a weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said cloudy skies with isolated light rains will prevail in the Batanes and Babuyan Islands brought by the northeasterly surface wind flow.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers brought by the easterlies or localized thunderstorms.

Both weather phenomena will have no significant impact, PAGASA said in its report.

Winds in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon will be moderate to strong, headed northeast, resulting in moderate to rough coastal waters with waves of 2.8 meters to 3.7 meters.

The rest of Luzon will have slight to moderate wind speeds headed east to northeast, resulting in slight to moderate coastal waters at 1.2 meters to 2.5 meters.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will have slight to moderate winds headed east to northeast, causing slight to moderate coastal waters of up to 2.1 meters.

The temperature in Metro Manila will range from 25°C to 36°C; Baguio City, 16°C to 26°C; Lipa City, 24°C to 35°C; Iloilo City/Bacolod City, 27°C to 34°C; Tacloban City, 26°C to 33°C; and Metro Davao, 26°C to 36°C. (PNA)

 



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY --The chief of Lanao del Norte's provincial agriculture office has encouraged residents to do backyard farming while on community quarantine to ensure sufficient food supply and save expenses.

Letecia Ditucalan, Lanao del Norte Provincial Agricultural Officer, said Friday her office has been distributing various vegetable seeds to the different municipalities in coordination with the Department of Agriculture Region 10 (DA-10).

The move, she said, is part of the provincial government's strategy to mitigate the impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis on poor families.

"We encourage the people in the province to plant even in their backyard. Their vegetable garden can be essential food source in case the quarantine or lockdown will last longer," Ditucalan said.

She also acknowledged the help provided by the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) of DA-10, saying it has provided significant agricultural assistance for rice farmers in the province.

"We are thankful to DA-10 for this financial assistance, which is a big help for our rice farmers. Through this, our farmers can buy fertilizers and spend it for farm labor since it is almost planting season," Ditucalan said.

"The farmers can now buy their daily needs with this assistance while they are under quarantine or lockdown," she added.

Audy G. Maagad, Meanwhile, DA-10 officer-in-charge, said he hopes the RFFA initiative would encourage Lanao del Norte's farmers to "continue with their farm works" amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Maagad led the distribution of DA-10 RFFA to 3,719 rice farmers in the 12 municipalities of Lanao del Norte on from April 20-23, 2020.

'Kadiwa on Wheels' continues

Meanwhile, farmers and consumers continue to benefit from the Kadiwa on Wheels program by DA-10 in two barangays in Cagayan de Oro City this week.

Spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), DA-10 continues its collaboration with the City Agriculture Office and farmer-associations in bringing agri-fishery products directly to the consumers in barangay Balulang and Gusa, this city.

Johanie Buawaya of the Canitoan Farmer's Association Multi-Purpose Cooperative is thankful that they were able to dispose their produce.

"Before, our eggplants rotted since we have difficulty in disposing them. Through DA's Kadiwa on Wheels, we earned around PHP40,000 a day."

The same response was also shared by True Chef Sales Representative Regel Capuyan, who said that Kadiwa on Wheels helped them with their sales when they had an oversupply of goods.

"We sought DA's assistance for possible market and Kadiwa was the answer," he said. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY – Three members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) have voluntarily yielded to authorities in Senator Ninoy Aquino town, Sultan Kudarat province, police said Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus, director of Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen), identified the surrenderers as Plag Dalimbang Sipot, 35; Saping Gampong Dumato, 57; and Sumadik Tungkulan Dumato, 40, all of Sitio Tibugawin, Barangay Midtungok operating under the NPA's West-Daguma Front Far South Mindanao Region.

Corpus said the three were duped into joining the NPA with the promise that the cause would benefit their families and community.

The three also turned over their firearms that included two 12-gauge shotguns, two homemade .45-caliber pistols, and ammunition.

"Despite the implementation of (the) enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019, we remain steadfast (in) our mission to protect the people and safeguard the rebels who are willing to return to the fold of the law," he said.

The surrenderers are undergoing a custodial and stress debriefing process in preparation for their inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

Under the E-CLIP, rebel returnees are to receive immediate livelihood assistance and incentives for their surrendered firearms.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)



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MANILA – The country will have fair weather on Saturday with some clouds and isolated rains in certain parts, brought by the northeasterly surface wind flow, the easterlies, or localized thunderstorms.

In a weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said cloudy skies with isolated light rains will prevail in the Batanes and Babuyan Islands brought by the northeasterly surface wind flow.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers brought by the easterlies or localized thunderstorms.

Both weather phenomena will have no significant impact, PAGASA said in its report.

Winds in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon will be moderate to strong, headed northeast, resulting in moderate to rough coastal waters with waves of 2.8 meters to 3.7 meters.

The rest of Luzon will have slight to moderate wind speeds headed east to northeast, resulting in slight to moderate coastal waters at 1.2 meters to 2.5 meters.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will have slight to moderate winds headed east to northeast, causing slight to moderate coastal waters of up to 2.1 meters.

The temperature in Metro Manila will range from 25°C to 36°C; Baguio City, 16°C to 26°C; Lipa City, 24°C to 35°C; Iloilo City/Bacolod City, 27°C to 34°C; Tacloban City, 26°C to 33°C; and Metro Davao, 26°C to 36°C. (PNA)



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