Saturday, April 24, 2021

PAGASA: 'Bising' weakens into tropical storm ahead of PH exit

(UPDATE) — "Bising" weakened further into a tropical storm on Saturday afternoon as it is expected to leave the country's area of responsibility in the next several hours, PAGASA said. 


According to the state weather bureau's 11 p.m. bulletin, Bising (international name: Surigae) maintained its track and is forecast to exit the Philippines on Sunday morning. 


The storm currently packs maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center with gusts of up to 90 kph. Its gusts had peaked at 240 kph last weekend.


At 10 p.m. Saturday, its center was spotted 1,145 kilometers (km) east of extreme Northern Luzon, moving east southeastward at 20 kph. 


Bising is forecast to weaken further "due to unfavorable atmospheric and oceanic conditions." 


The weather disturbance will also bring moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 meters) over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon. 


"Mariners of small seacraft are advised not to venture out over these waters. Inexperienced mariners of these vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions," PAGASA warned.


The Philippines' second storm this year has killed 4 and damaged some P222 million in crops and infrastructure during its peak, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) earlier said. 


Damage to infrastructure in the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas also reached P10.5 million.


The country sees around 20 tropical storms annually. 


— With a report from Reuters


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/bising-weakens-tropical-storm-philippines-weather-updates-april242021

Construction of regional mall in Taguig still on hold



The regional mall in Taguig was supposed to be open by 2022, but construction at the site is still paused.


Owned by Ayala Malls, the Ayala Malls Arca South would be located in Arca South in Western Bicutan, Taguig.


According to a sign at the site, the mall should be open by 2022.


That won't be happening.


Work on the regional mall was delayed and when the pandemic hit, construction stopped.


There are some partly built structures and equipment on the land, but no workers have been there in months.

EU says presence of Chinese vessels endanger peace, stability in South China Sea

 (UPDATE) - The European Union (EU) expressed concern over the tension caused by the presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed South China Sea.


"Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region," the EU said in a statement.


It urged to settle the dispute through peaceful means in accordance with the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).


The EU invoked the 2016 Arbitration Award and expressed support for “ASEAN-led process towards an effective, substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct, which should not prejudice the interests of third parties.”


"The EU reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. We urge all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, including its dispute settlement mechanisms," said the Union.


"The EU supports the ASEAN-led process towards an effective, substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct, which should not prejudice the interests of third parties. The EU urges all parties to pursue sincere efforts towards its finalization."


The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has welcomed the European Union’s statement on the South China Sea.


DFA Office of Strategic Communication and Research Executive Director Ivy Banzon-Abalos said on Saturday that the statement came as as a result of a meeting between DFA Undersecretary for Policy Elizabeth Buensuceso and EU Managing Director Gunar Wiegand on Wednesday.


Tension between China and the Philippines has intensified in recent months after the the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported more than 240 Chinese vessels near Whitsun Reef in the disputed South China Sea.


Beijing insisted at the time that these ships were civilian fishing boats taking shelter from bad weather and that they had “no plans” to stay there permanently, but the Philippine government has asked Beijing to withdraw the boats.


Philippine foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin warned that Manila would lodge diplomatic protests every day until “the last one’s gone, like it should be by now if it’s really fishing”. - With a report from Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/eu-says-presence-of-chinese-vessels-endanger-peace-stability-in-south-china-sea

Labi ng 2 pang tripulante ng sumadsad na barko sa Surigao Del Norte, narekober

Johnson Manabat, ABS-CBN News


Natagpuan na ng search and rescue team ng Philippine Coast Guard ang labi ng dalawa pang tripulante ng sumadsad na LCT Cebu Great Ocean. 


Ayon sa Coast Guard, alas-sais ng umaga noong Biyernes nang magkasunod na matagpuan ang labi nina Klint Auxtero at Limuel Dadivas sa karagatang sakop ng Barangay Oslao at Barangay Balite sa bayan ng San Francisco, Surigao del Norte. 


Labi ng 2 pang tripulante ng sumadsad na LCT Cebu Great Ocean sa Surigao del Norte natagpuan na; 7 pa ang nawawala.




Dahil dito, umabot na sa anim ang mga narekober na bangkay ng mga tripulante. Pito ang nakaligtas subalit mayroon pang pitong nawawala. 


Sakay ang naturang mga tripulante ng LCT Cebu Great Ocean nang abutan ng masamang lagay ng panahon sa karagatang sakop ng Jabonga , Agusan del Sur. 


Ayon sa mga nakaligtas na tripulante, hinampas ng malalaking alon ang kanilang barko hanggang sa naputol ang kadena ng angkla nito at pasukin sila ng tubig. 


Nagdeklara ng "abandon ship" sa barko kaya kanya-kanyang talon sa dagat ang mga tripulante. Sumadsad naman ang barko sa baybahin ng Barangay Cantapoy, Malimono Surigao del Norte noong April 19, 2021. 


Biyernes ng hapon, pansamantalang itinigil ang search and rescue operation dahil sa masamang lagay ng panahon at malalaking alon sa laot. 


Kargado ang barko ng nickle ore at 2,000 litro ng diesel. 


Pinamamahalaan naman ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Marine Environmental Protection Force - North Eastern Mindanao ang siphoning operations sa LCT Cebu Great Ocean. 


Nag-isyu na rin ang PCG Station Surigao del Norte ng “Certificate of Salvage Inspection Number 1” sa accredited salvor nito na si Raul Basmayor, para sa salvage operation ng naturang barko. 


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/labi-ng-2-pang-tripulante-ng-sumadsad-na-barko-sa-surigao-del-norte-narekober

Pangangailangan para sa mga COVID-19 home care service tumataas

Pagkauwi ni Stephen Siblag sa kanilang bahay galing sa labas, agad siyang nagpapalit ng mga damit at nagdidisinfect ng mga dalang gamit.

 

Gusto ni Siblag na maprotektahan ang kaniyang pamilya at maghanda sakaling may tamaan sa kanila ng coronavirus disease (COVID-19.) 

 

Kaya sa kanilang bahay, nakahanda ang mga supply ng face mask at gloves, mga gamit sa paglilinis at disinfection, mga gamot para sa lagnat, ubo at sipon, pati na ang isolation room.


“Kailangan talaga may home care kit tayo sa bahay dahil ito ang magsisilbing maonitoring natin sa isa’t isa. We need to monitor ourselves and our family," ani Siblag.


Nananatili pa ring punuan sa mga ospital dahil sa dami ng mga pasyenteng may COVID-19, kaya tumaas ang demand para sa home care sa mga nagpopositibo.


Ang Home Care Program ng isang malaking ospital sa Pasig City, nasa 274 na pasyente na ang na-eenroll simula Marso 12. Hanggang 60 pasyente lang ang kaya nitong i-accommodate noon, pero dahil sa demand, nagdagdag sila ng kapasidad hanggang 100.


 

“That’s like a small hospital already, that's how many patients really need this service. All the hospitals are full ," ani The Medical City Department of Medicine chairman Ameil Cornelio Dela Cruz. 

 

Sa ilalim ng programa, 10 araw o higit pa imo-monitor ang pasyenteng nagpositibo sa COVID-19 habang nagpapagaling ito sa kanyang bahay. Gagawin ito sa pamamagitan ng virtual consultation at face-to-face visit ng mga doktor at nurse.

 

Pero tanging ang mga asymptomatic at may mild o moderate symptoms ng sakit lamang, na pumasa sa clinical evaluation ng doktor, ang pasok dito. 


Oras na lumala ang kondisyon ng pasyente agad itong ililipat sa ospital.


Dahil sa dami ng may gusto o di kaya’y wala nang choice kundi magpagaling sa bahay, ang home health care provider na ActivCare, nagbukas na rin ng kanilang home care program para sa mga pasyente ng COVID-19 noong isang linggo.


Sa ngayon, may 6 na COVID-19 patients na silang siniserbisyuhan.


Ayon sa palliative care specialist na si Dr. Agnes Bausa-Claudio, mas mainam kung maagang magpakonsulta ang pasyente sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag.


"We will teleconsult first before the team goes to the house. Para pagdating sa bahay, handa na ang team ano ang need ng patient, ano ang equipment na kailangan. Lesser exposure din for the team," ani Dr. Agnes Bausa-Claudio, pallative care specialist ng ActivCare Home Health Solutions Inc.


‘Yun nga lang, maging sa mga programang ito, nagkukulang na rin ng healthcare workers.


Nasa tatlo hanggang apat na team lamang ang nagsasagawa ng home care sa mga pasyenteng may COVID-19, kung saan bawat team ay may tatlong miyembro.


“There’s a limitation right now because of the lack of nurses. There are not enough nurses that would want to care for a patient at home na COVID positive," ani Bausa-Claudio. 


"The time allotted for home care cannot be anticipated. Sabihin mo isang oras lang ako vivisit sa inyo. Sometimes it will take us 3 or 6 hours, especially if the case is complicated," dagdag niya. 


Matrabaho rin umano ang mga home care service kaya hinimok ni Dela Cruz ang ilang ospital na gawin ang serbisyo. 


"I encourage other hospitals also to do the same because right now, there’s just a few of us doing it. If there’ll be more, that will help a lot of people control this pandemic," dagdag niya. 


Paalala ng mga doktor, kailangang may sariling kwarto at banyo

ang pasyente sa home care.

 

Kung kailangang pumasok sa kwarto ng pasyente, dapat naka-face mask at face shield at panatilihin ang isang metrong distansya. Dapat may bukod na mga gamit ang pasyente at nakahanda palagi ang pang-disinfect.


Dapat ding nakahanda ang COVID-19 home care kit na naglalaman ng mga face mask at gloves, monitoring supplies gaya ng thermometer, pulse oximeter at BP cuff, at mga gamot.

 

Mahalaga rin ang papel ng mga kaanak at kasama sa bahay sa pag-aalaga sa pasyente.


"We always do family meetings—before the visit, ano ang expectations at role ng team at family, during the visit, that’s another discussion, what are the things to be done," ani Bausa-Claudio. 


“I think it will go on for as long as COVID is there. Marami talagang patients na ayaw magpadala sa hospitals. They are comfortable at home and they want to stay with family," dagdag niya. 


Importante ring magkaroon ng COVID-19 directory o contact number ng mga doktor, ospital at COVID-19 Center ng lokal na pamahalaan.


-- Ulat ni Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/pangangailangan-para-sa-mga-covid-19-home-care-service-tumataas

PH records 9,661 new COVID-19 cases and nearly 23,000 new recoveries

Job Manahan, ABS-CBN News


ICU utilization rate in NCR down by 11 pct


 (UPDATE) — The Philippines logged 9,661 additional COVID-19 cases and nearly 23,000 new recoveries, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday. 


Saturday's fresh infections pushed the country's overall tally to 989,380 with 89,485 remaining active cases. 


This is the 6th straight day that additional cases did not exceed 10,000, data collated by the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group showed. 


ABS-CBN Data Analytics head Edson Guido also said the day's active cases is the lowest since March 23. 


The day's active cases is also drastically lower from last Saturday's record-high 203,000 as the DOH reported thousands of new recoveries daily this week, veering away from weekly "mass recoveries" every Sunday.


Of those still battling the disease, some 95.9 percent are experiencing mild symptoms, 1.4 percent are asymptomatic, 1.1 percent are severely ill, while 0.8 percent are in critical condition. 


Recoveries climbed to 883,221 after 22,877 more patients recuperated from the respiratory disease, accounting for 89.3 percent of the country's total recorded cases.


COVID-related deaths, meanwhile, increased by 145 to 16,674. 


This is the 4th straight day that new deaths counted more than 100.


Out of the 38,640 individuals who underwent testing for COVID-19 on Friday noon, 16.3 percent were found positive for the virus. 


The health department noted that a total of 56 cases initially tagged as recoveries turned out to be fatalities after their final validation. 


Some 21 duplicate cases were also removed from the country's overall tally. Twelve of those were recoveries, said the DOH. 


Five laboratories failed to submit results on time, while a laboratory was not operational on Thursday. 


ICU UTILIZATION RATE IN NCR DROPS TO 71 PCT


Based on the latest bulletin, the use of COVID-dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) beds in Metro Manila is down to 71 percent from 82 percent on Friday, or 11 points lower. 


The health department is yet to respond on media's queries regarding the matter. 


Isolation bed occupancy in the capital region remains at 59 percent, while ward beds and ventilators are 66 percent and 59 percent occupied, respectively. 


Nationwide, ICU beds are 63 percent filled up. Isolation beds are also 48 percent utilized. 


Ward beds and ventilators across the country remain 53 percent and 46 percent occupied. 


Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier in the day noted a slight decline of new coronavirus infections in the past week, after stricter lockdowns were reintroduced in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, and Cavite — known collectively as the "NCR Plus" bubble. 


Hospitals around the metro, however, have earlier said they still feel overwhelmed with the number of COVID-19 cases even as the government has expanded capacity. 


In early April, the government also provided modular tents to some hospitals struggling to cope with fresh admissions due to COVID-19. 


Hospital workers from the low-risk areas in the countries were also sent to the NCR Plus bubble to aid strained health facilities. 


As of April 22, around 1,612,420 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered out of the 3,025,600 vaccines distributed across LGUs. The government seeks to vaccinate 70 million of the country's population to achieve herd immunity. 


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/covid19-cases-philippines-april242021

DOH notes slight decline in COVID-19 cases due to lockdown, monitoring continues

Further monitoring is needed even as the effects of the strict lockdown in Metro Manila and nearby provinces are starting to be felt with a slight decrease in average daily COVID-19 cases over the past week, according to the Department of Health. 


In a public press briefing Saturday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said daily average cases are now at 9,556 this week, lower than the 10,858 daily cases seen the week before — attributing it to the effects of the ECQ and localized lockdowns. 


However, Vergeire said this does not mean that everyone should be complacent. 


She said the transmission rate has declined and average daily cases were lower this week at 9,556 from 10,858 last week.


"Pero gusto pa nating bantayan pa rin po itong nakikita natin at ayaw pa nating maging complacent tayong lahat para magpatuloy na ito sa pagbaba,” Vergeire said. 


(But we still have to monitor this and we don’t want to be complacent so the cases go down further.) 


The National Capital Region (NCR) Plus bubble (Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan) was previously placed under the strictest form of lockdown, the enhanced community quarantine, amid a COVID-19 surge which has overwhelmed hospitals, before shifting to a slightly lighter modified ECQ. 


Even so, hospitals around the metro have said they still feel overwhelmed with the number of COVID-19 cases even as the government has expanded capacity. 


Asked on whether or not strict lockdowns should persist, Vergeire said: "Siyempre po sa health side gusto po natin na strict restrictions. Pero kailangan po natin na tingnan 'yung ibang sektor kasi alam po natin na nagi-impact din sa health ang ibang sektor na ito.) 


(When we talk of the health aspects, we want strict restrictions. But there are also other sectors to be considered.) 


The Philippines on Friday reported 8,719 more COVID-19 cases—the 5th straight day that fresh cases were less than 10,000, while adding 14,000 recoveries. 


Vergeire said the number of recoveries was expected as most of the country’s COVID-19 cases are mild or asymptomatic. 


The government last week also started to tally their time-bound recovery program titled "Oplan Recovery" daily, instead of every Sunday. 


Vergeire assured the public that they have placed layers in the verification process to ensure that the submitted data is accurate, such as verifying the data with local government units. 


“So ang ginagawa natin ating binabalikan ang datos ng individuals from the date of the onset or from the day they tested positive. At tinitingnan po natin pagkatapos ng 14 araw o 10 araw kung ano ang estado nila," Vergeire said.


"We also have another layer where we send it to our local government, to our regional office para ma-verify ito. At 'pag bumabalik sa’tin itinatalaga na po silang recovered. So nawawala na po rito ang mga aktibong kaso at 'yung mga namatay po dahil sa COVID-19 so that is how we make sure that this is accurate,” Vergeire said. 


(What we do is we look back at the data of individuals from the date of the onset or the day they tested positive. And we look at it again after 14 days, or 10 days, and check the patients’ situation. We also have another layer where we send it to our local government or regional office to verify the data. We declare these cases recovered once the data is sent back to us. This removes fatalities and active cases so that is how we make sure that this is accurate.) 


The pandemic task force is set to discuss whether or not NCR and neighboring provinces should shift to looser quarantine protocols, according to Vergeire. 


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/ecq-ncr-bubble-covid-19-case-decrease-doh

2 patay sa magkahiwalay na krimen sa Capiz

 Patay ang dalawang lalaki sa magkahiway na insidente ng pagpatay sa Capiz nitong Biyernes ng gabi.


Sa Barangay Bula sa bayan ng Mambusao, patay ang biktimang si Jose Sorio, 35, matapos pagtatagain ng dalawang hindi pa nakikilalang salarin na pumasok sa loob ng kaniyang bahay.

 

Agad na tumakas ang mga salarin.


Dead on arrival sa ospital ang biktima na nagtamo ng malubhang sugat sa leeg at iba’t ibang bahagi ng katawan.


Sa bayan naman ng Tapaz, patay ang isang lalaki matapos hampasin ng kahoy sa Barangay Apero.


Nakilala ang biktima na si Pedro Gabias, 45.


Sa imbestigasyon ng Tapaz Police, nakita na lamang ng isang residente na duguang nakahandusay na sa sahig ang biktima.


Kaagad na dinala sa ospital ang biktima pero idineklara itong dead on arrival matapos magtamo ng malaking sugat sa ulo.


Patuloy namang nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon ang pulisya para mabatid ang motibo ang mga salarin sa likod ng dalawang krimen.


- Ulat ni Rolen Escaniel


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/2-patay-sa-magkahiwalay-na-krimen-sa-capiz

Community pantry on wheels umarangkada sa Surigao del Sur

MADRID, Surigao del Sur - Umarangkada na nitong Biyernes ang Pantry on Wheels sa nasabing bayan na nagaabot ng food packs sa mga nangangailangan. 


Ayon sa gurong si Maurice Tajonera, inspirasyon ng kanilang grupong Team Function ang Maginhawa Community Pantry sa Quezon City kaya nakapagdesisyon din sila na gumawa nito sa kanilang bayan.


“Ang Team Function po ay inspired by Maginhawa Community Pantry in Metro Manila so naisip ko what if we will do this in our own place and good thing is napakaraming sumusuporta. In just two days, nakalikom po kami ng P11,200, 2 sacks of rice, 10 packs of juice and many others,” sabi ni Tajonera.


Imbes na ilatag lang sa isang lugar ang mga pagkaing pwedeng makuha nang libre, isa-isa nilang inihatid sa mga nadadaanan nilang traffic enforcers ang mga suplay. Pinuntahan din nila ang mga street sweeper at mga garbage collectors sa eco park.


Laman ng bawat pack ang bigas, canned goods, noodles, sugar, toothpaste, chocolate drink, juice, deodorant, suka, at toyo.


Bibisita din ang grupo sa karatig na mga bayan para mamigay ng mga pagkain sa mga labis na nangangailagan.


- Ulat ni Lorilly Charmane D. Awitan


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/community-pantry-on-wheels-umarangkada-sa-surigao-del-sur

4 Abu members, 6 supporters surrender in Sulu: military

 Four members of the Abu Sayyaf Group and six of their supporters surrendered to the military on Friday in Sulu, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (AFP Wesmincom) said.


“As a result of the joint efforts of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 and the intelligence units, and the collaboration of the local government and other law enforcement agencies, the Abu Sayyaf members/supporters surrendered at the headquarters of the MBLT-1 in Barangay Seit Lake Poblacion, Panamao, Sulu,” said Wesmincom commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.


MBLT-1 Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Marvin Salvan, said the 4 ASG members handed over three M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, one caliber .45 pistol, and several magazines and ammunition. The wife of an ASG member also turned over one M1 Garand rifle to government troops.


The military said a 17-year-old girl was among the 6 supporters of the group who also turned themselves in.


The group underwent debriefing and was brought to Panamao District Hospital for a medical check.


4th Marine Brigade Commander Col. Hernanie Songano said the returnees will be turned over to their respective barangays for proper disposition. The firearms they turned over are with the custody of the marine brigade for documentation and safekeeping.


“I commend our marine troopers for this remarkable feat. Rest assured that we will continue to initiate peace mechanisms to convince the remaining ASG members to end their armed struggle without any single bloodshed,” said Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/4-abu-members-6-supporters-surrender-in-sulu-military

Diplomatic protests vs China must be sustained with maritime patrol over West PH Sea: expert

A maritime law expert said Saturday the Philippine government must sustain its diplomatic protests against China over the latter's illegal presence in Philippine waters through continuing maritime patrols. 


“Kailangan tuloy tuloy pa rin ang pag-isyu nitong protest hanggang maging satisfied po ang Philippines na kumbaga, na-achieve na ang purpose,” said Prof. Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea.



- TeleRadyo 24 Abril 2021


https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/24/21/diplomatic-protests-vs-china-must-be-sustained-with-maritimes-patrol-over-west-ph-sea-expert

Lessons learned from 'tragic' Angel Locsin pantry

By Maria Romina Austria


It was a disaster waiting to happen.


Dr. Richard Mata, a pediatrician and a motivational speaker according to his Facebook profile, called out Angel Locsin minutes before a senior citizen fainted and eventually died during the actress’ community pantry activity in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City on Friday.


Posting photos from the event that showed people huddled, some with face shields up, he advised Locsin to stop the pantry and resume once they find a way to implement social distancing, never mind the long lines.


“Ma’am Angel Locsin, please po, pahinto niyo po ito muna. Tapos bukas uli, pero mahaba na na pila na may social distancing. Virus tayo nito. Paki fire na lang din ng organizer niyo. Dahil kayo po ang mapapahiya at ang mamamayan ang mapapahamak. Unless di po kayo naniniwala sa Covid. 'Wag po pasaway (Ma’am Angel Locsin, please put a stop to this. Resume tomorrow with longer lines but with social distancing. We have a virus situation. Please fire your organizers, too. You will be blamed for this and the citizens may be infected. Unless you don’t believe in Covid. Don’t be stubborn),” Mata posted at 10:04 a.m.


“Sa suffocation at heatstroke ka una mamatay dyan (Suffocation and heatnstroke will kill you),” he said.


At about 11 a.m., it was all over social media and news outlets that 67-year-old Rolando dela Cruz, among the thousands who hoped to get free goods from Locsin’s community pantry along Holy Spirit Drive in Don Antonio Heights, lost consciousness and was declared dead on arrival in a hospital.


Locsin, who organized the pantry to mark her 36th birthday, apologized and confirmed that dela Cruz had been in queue since 3 a.m.


She coordinated with the family and vowed to support them all the way.


Mata said he admonishes even local officials who fail to implement health protocols and he will not hesitate to do the same with celebrities.


“Titirahin din namin po kayo kahit namimigay kayo, kasi wala din po kayong disiplina. Totoo po ang Covid. Ang mga litrato na ito ang rason bakit tayo dumadami sa Pinas (We will also lash at you even if you give free goods because you lack discipline. Covid is real. These photos show why cases are rising in the Philippines),” Mata said.


Netizen Nowill Chavenia commented on Mata’s post, saying the public should at least contribute discipline in the fight against Covid-19.


“#Disiplina muna, 'yung nalang ang iambag natin. ‘Wag lahat isisi sa gobyerno dhl tayo mismo hindi magawa ang mga simpleng bagay. Isipin n’yo ‘pag nagkasakit ka kahit hindi Covid, mahirap hanapan ng hospital ngayon. Mag-isip muna tayo. Gamitin ang isip, ‘wag puro tigas ng ulo at ‘wag ipagsawalang bahala ang nangyayari ngayon. Tandaan na nasa ang huli ang pagsisisi (Let’s practice discipline first. You cannot always blame the government because we ourselves do not follow basic rules. Even if it’s not Covid, it’s hard to find a hospital that will accommodate you. Think, don’t be stubborn, and don’t disregard the situation. You might regret this in the end),” the netizen said.


Coordination needed


Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that what happened at Locsin’s event showed why coordination, with village officials at least, is necessary.


“It's the organizer's responsibility to impose the health standards protocol. That's the primary reason why they have to coordinate with the LGUs (local government units) so that the latter can provide assistance,” he said.


Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who previously said community pantries have her full backing, still will not require permits or clearances but asked organizers "to submit a written notice to the barangay where the pantry is located, including indicating the person responsible for its operation.”


Pantry organizers and the village may coordinate regarding reasonable crowd control measures, such as setting a cut-off time for persons in a queue, limiting the number of persons served in a day or for certain periods such as morning or afternoon, and using marshals to enforce health protocols and disperse overcrowding, the city noted in a statement on Saturday.


Pantry operators are also ordered to maintain cleanliness in their immediate vicinity.


“They are also responsible for food safety. Food must be fresh or not expired, and no adulterated, spoiled or unsanitary foods shall be distributed,” Belmonte said in her directive.


Barangay Holy Spirit Chair Felicito Valmocina said Locsin’s social media invitation and poor coordination contributed to the incident.


“Her Facebook followers 21 million, in Instagram 8.6 million, in Twitter 12.6 million. So that is why all these people came over because of her post),” Valmocina said in a phone interview on Friday.


He also lamented that organizers prepared items good for just 300 people and did not anticipate that thousands may arrive.


Tough job


Twitter users @LakasNgTimog and @MacLen315 said in a post that Locsin should realize by now the tough job of running a country.


“If you can’t even manage a crowd of 1,000 during your birthday pantry, then where do you find the audacity to insult and criticize someone who’s doing his damn best to herd 110 million Pinoys?” the netizen said.


The user added the government also deals with the drug war, terrorism, unemployment, vaccination, Covid-19 cases, and insurgency, to name a few.


“Hindi namin sinasabing perpekto ang pamahalaan. Ang amin lang, maging patas kayo pumuna. Hindi madaling mamuno (We do not say the government is perfect. Just be fair with your criticisms. It’s not easy to be a leader),” the post read.


@MacLen315 said aside from good intention, community pantries also entail planning and coordination.


“Barangay lang yan, Angel Locsin. Mahirap ba ang trabaho ng President??? Siguro naman masasagot mo na yan ngayong naranasan mo na (It’s just one village, Angel Locsin. Is it hard to be a country’s President???? Maybe you can answer that yourself now that you have experienced it)," he tweeted.


Another Twitter user, @pauloMDtweets, said celebrities should learn from the incident.


“Alam naman nating celebrity si Angel Locsin and Filipinos are very fanatic sa mga artistas. Dudumugin at dudumugin yan ng mga tao kasi may artista (Angel Locsin is a celebrity and Filipinos are fanatics. People will naturally converge if there is a celebrity.) This can be a lesson for us to think ahead and plan properly to avoid unwanted incidents,” he tweeted.


@boyantingasngas tweeted Locsin should be blamed if the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) is extended beyond April 30.


“’Pag na-extend ang MECQ. ‘Pag dumami uli kaso ng Covid. Sisihin nyo si Angel Locsin. Siya ngawngawin nyo (If MECQ is extended. If Covid cases rise. Blame Angel Locsin. Rant on her),” the post read.


Praises


Just the same, Locsin also earned praises for her good intentions.


“No forgiveness needed; at least she tried to feed them; one was so starved and weak she couldn’t feed him in time. Blame those who don’t do what she and others like her – like my friends from the very start of the pandemic – are trying to do: feed the hungry and not their egos,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. tweeted.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137887

DFA warns public vs passport scams via social media

 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday reminded the public that it does not use social media, especially Facebook, in confirming passport appointments, saying this is unauthorized. 


In an advisory, the DFA said passport applications can only be made through its official appointment system. 


"The DFA reiterates that it does not use Facebook or any other social media network to offer or confirm passport application appointments nor it has authorized any company or individual to offer and accept passport appointment scheduling on the Department’s behalf," DFA's advisory read. 


The agency did not say whether they received complaints on passport appointment offers on social media, but this development came as Metro Manila and surrounding provinces Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, and Cavite (NCR Plus) remained under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), limiting movement.


Most commercial establishments and even government agencies are shut or are operating with limited workforce under this quarantine level.


The agency also warned Filipinos that offers by unauthorized individuals and other private organizations through social media could be scams.


"Those who engage the services... run the risk of not getting an authentic appointment or issues with their passport application, aside from incurring additional expenses," the DFA noted.


"The public is strongly advised to ignore offers from these companies or individuals and to use only the official passport appointment system maintained by the DFA." 


The agency also warned Filipinos that offers by unauthorized individuals and other private organizations through social media could be scams.


"Those who engage the services... run the risk of not getting an authentic appointment or issues with their passport application, aside from incurring additional expenses," the DFA noted.


"The public is strongly advised to ignore offers from these companies or individuals and to use only the official passport appointment system maintained by the DFA." 


Meanwhile, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, overseas Filipino workers "and other qualified individuals," DFA said, could set their appointments through the courtesy lane facility by sending an email to their nearest consular office (CO) or through oca.cl@dfa.gov.ph. 


It also urged the public to check the agency's latest advisories and their local government's announcements regarding community quarantine guidelines and entry requirements for an appointment with a CO. 


The areas under NCR Plus will remain under MECQ until the end of the April. 


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/dfa-warns-public-no-passport-appointments-social-media

Effect of mixing, matching COVID-19 vaccine brands 'remains to be seen': expert

The leader of a non-profit group centered on vaccine information campaigns said the effects of mixing and matching various coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine brands for first and second dose shots "remains to be seen," as some developers start to investigate this process in the face of a supply shortage.


Dr. Lulu Bravo, president of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, said that while it could be harmless, specific studies are needed before mixing vaccines.


"Walang kompanya pa ang gumagawa ng pag-aaral na mini-mix ang bakuna nila sa iba, that is never done before. But now with the pandemic… Mayroon nang mga kompanya even Chinese companies and ibang kompanya nag-iisip na 'pag kulang ang bakuna at wala kang magagamit for the second dose, posibleng gumamit ka ng ibang brand at titingnan mo ngayon kung ganoon pa rin ang efficacy," Bravo said. 


(No company has done studies where they mix their vaccines with others. But now with the pandemic, there are others such as Chinese companies that have been thinking about the shortage in vaccines, and they do not have enough for the second dose, you can use a different brand and we can look if the efficacy remains the same.) 


Shipments of the next batch of AstraZeneca vaccines via the COVAX facility were delayed earlier in the month, as the World Health Organization said there were supply shortages in Europe. The facility recently said it was in talks to acquire other COVID-19 vaccines as supply remained short. 


Reports have said AstraZeneca has been trialed with Russia's Sputnik V, while British scientists have been testing Pfizer's mRNA shot with the AstraZenca jab in a British government-funded study. 


Bravo, however noted that experts may also have to note the compositions of vaccines before mixing and matching them on a patient, as it may change how effective the doses are to combat the virus. 


For instance, Sinovac uses an inactive form of the COVID-19 virus for its vaccine, while other brands such as AstraZeneca use the spike protein of the virus, which generates COVID-19 antibodies. 


"[Generally speaking] posible talaga na magawa ka ng ibang brand o ibang bakuna at titingnan mo ngayon kung ganon pa rin ang efficacy. Hindi naman makakasama, kaya lang 'yung efficacy, magbabago... May possibility talaga na mag-iiba, kung ang ginamit mo ang ibang bakuna - posibleng magdagdag, posible ring bumaba or posibleng the same, it remains to be seen. Pero hindi masama kung makakaiba ka o makakabago," Bravo said.


(It can be possible to use another brand. It will not do harm in my opinion. However, the efficacy may change if you use a different vaccine. It may decrease, it can increase. But I think it will not do harm if you try.) 


Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. was said to be mulling the purchase of booster shots from Moderna.


But whether or not these booster shots may be mixed with other vaccine brands should "be intensively studied." 


"Unfortunately wala pa tayong nakikitang datos tungkol dito but I would really speculate na mukhang posibleng mangyari and may maaaring magandang outline pero kung gagawin nila mas dapat ipakita ang antibodies na ipo-produce, is it the same or will it increase? It remains to be seen," Bravo said. 


(Unfortunately we have not seen enough data for this. But I would really speculate that it can happen and there may be a good outline. But if they do it, they should take note of the antibodies that will be produced, like is it the same? Or will it increase? It remains to be seen.) 


As of April 22, around 1,612,420 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered out of the 3,025,600 vaccines distributed across LGUs. The government seeks to vaccinate 70 million of the country's population to achieve herd immunity. 


The government received 500,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines last Thursday but has yet to distribute these to local government units, who have pointed out that they are running out of vaccine jabs for their residents. 



https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/effectivity-mix-match-covid-19-vaccines

PAGASA: 'Bising' further weakens over Philippine Sea on way out of PH

Severe Tropical Storm Bising on Saturday morning continued to weaken over the Philippine Sea, as the storm is expected to leave the country in the next several hours, the state weather bureau said. 


In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA forecast the weather disturbance to leave the country's area of responsibility on Sunday morning. 


"Bising," which has killed 4 and left millions worth of agricultural damage during its peak, was bound to further weaken due to "unfavorable atmospheric and oceanic conditions," according to the agency. 


It currently packs maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center with gusts of up to 115 kph. Its gusts had peaked at 240 kph last weekend.


The country's second storm was last spotted 1,005 kms east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, and is moving east southeastward at 15 kph, said PAGASA. 


"Tropical cyclone winds of at least strong breeze to near gale in strength extend outward up to 500 km from the center of the severe tropical storm," the latest bulletin noted. 


All tropical cyclone wind signals across the country have also been lifted by the weather agency. 


PAGASA still warned of moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 meters) over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon in the next 24 hours due to Bising's lingering presence. 


"Mariners of small seacraft are advised not to venture out over these waters. Inexperienced mariners of these vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions," the bulletin read. 


The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the cost of damage to agriculture such as rice, corn and high-value crops due to Bising was estimated at P211.6 million. 


Damage to infrastructure in the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas also reached P10.5 million.


The Philippines sees around 20 tropical storms annually. 


— With a report from Reuters


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/21/storm-bising-weakens-further-philippine-sea-exit-par-pagasa-weather-updates-april242021

Ilang pasyente sa NKTI sa tent naghihintay dahil puno pa rin ang ospital

Nilinaw ng National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) nitong Sabado ng umaga na nasa loob pa rin ng ospital at hindi sa labas nananatili ang kanilang mga pasyente.


Ito’y sa kabila ng mga lumabas na larawan ng mga pasyenteng nakahiga na sa sahig at sa labas na natutulog ang ilang pasyente.


Ayon kay Dr. Rose Marie Liquete, executive director ng NKTI, may tent at covered ang lugar kung saan nakapwesto ang mga pasyente.


“Hindi sila nasa labas ng NKTI, naglagay kami ng mga tent doon. Pero dahil nga rin puno na rin ang aming COVID room, ‘di namin sila maaakyat agad. Hindi sila nasa labas. Nasa tent sila which is in our driveway. Ang marami doon nasa wheelchair. Siguro noong gabi na 'yun, mahirap naman talaga matulog sa wheelchair, naglagay sila ng mahihigaan nila,” sabi niya sa panayam sa TeleRadyo.


Dagdag niya na ilan sa mga naghihintay sa tent ay mga pasyenteng hinihintay ang resulta ng kanilang swab test. 


Dumagsa rin sa NKTI ang mga dialysis patients dahil marami aniyang free-standing dialysis centers ang hindi na tumatanggap ng pasyente.


https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/24/21/ilang-pasyente-sa-nkti-sa-tent-naghihintay-dahil-puno-pa-rin-ang-ospital