Typhoon Bising decelerates, to bring rains over E. Visayas and Bicol: PAGASA

(2nd UPDATE) - Typhoon Bising (international name Surigae) slowed down as it moved over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said early Sunday.

The rain bands of the country's second storm this year will bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Eastern Visayas and Bicol region, PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. bulletin.

"Mababa ang tsansang maglandfall dahil may high-pressure area sa kabilang gilid ng bagyo, kaya magiging pahilaga ang pagkilos ng bagyo at nananatili ang kanyang sentro sa gitna ng karagatan," PAGASA weather forecaster Ariel Rojas told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

(It has a low chance of making landfall because of the high pressure areas on its side, which is why it will move north and its center will remain in the sea.)

The following areas were placed under tropical cyclone wind signal no. 2, where winds of up to 120 kph may be expected in at least 24 hours, which may cause old wooden electric posts to be tilted or downed:

Catanduanes

Northern Samar

Eastern Samar

Samar

Storm signal no. 1, which may cause slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities, was hoisted over the following areas:

Eastern portion of Camarines Norte (San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, Vinzons, Talisay, Daet, Mercedes, Basud)

Camarines Sur

Albay

Sorsogon

Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands

Biliran

Leyte

Southern Leyte

Northern portion of Cebu (Tabogon, Borbon, San Remigio, Bogo City, Medellin, Daanbantayan) including Bantayan and Camotes Islands

Dinagat Islands

Siargao Islands

Bucas Grande Islands

"Bising" was last estimated 375 kilometers east of Juban, Sorsogon as of 10 a.m., moving northwest at 20 km per hour (kph), packing 215 kph maximum winds near the center and gusts of up to 265 kph, according to PAGASA.

It was forecast to turn northward between Sunday evening or early Monday and continue moving in this direction until Tuesday, the PAGASA said.

It will then turn north northwestward while over the Philippine Sea east of Cagayan Valley and then go northeastward away from the Luzon landmass by Wednesday evening or Thursday early morning, PAGASA said.

"The possibility of a close approach scenario is not ruled out," it added.

"The typhoon is forecast to maintain its strength today before gradually weakening throughout the remainder of the forecast period."

PAGASA warned that very rough to very high seas will be experienced over the northern and eastern seaboard of Eastern Visayas (4.0 to 12.0 m), rough to very high seas over the eastern seaboard of Luzon (2.5 to 12.0 m), and rough to very rough seas over the eastern seaboard of Caraga (3.0 to 5.0 m).

Sea travel is risky for all types of seacraft over these waters, especially those under storm signals, it said.

Globe Telecom said Saturday its technical and support personnel and generators were on standby in areas threatened by Typhoon Bising.

It said its Libreng Tawag, charging, and WiFi services will be deployed in areas where the typhoon was forecast to bring heavy rains and strong winds. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/18/21/typhoon-bising-pagasa

Rape suspect na nagtago nang halos 15 taon huli sa Bacolod

 Naaresto sa Bacolod City ang isang lalaking rape susepct matapos magtago nang halos 15 taon, sabi ngayong Linggo ng pulisya.

Ayon kay Maj. Ronaldo Lumactod, public information officer ng Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group, nagkasa noong Biyernes ang kanilang unit at Bacolod police ng operasyon matapos makatanggap ng ulat sa kinaroroonan ng suspek na si Ildefonso Opilda.

Nahuli sa Barangay Mansilingan si Oplida, na itinuturing na ikatlo sa mga most wanted sa Bacolod.

Inakusahan ang suspek na gumahasa sa mga anak ng kaniyang kapitbahay noong 2007. Una niya umanong ginahasa si alyas "Rose," isang menor de edad, at matapos ang ilang buwan, kapatid naman ni "Rose" ang naging biktima.

Nakakulong na sa Bacolod City Police Station ang suspek para sa 2 counts of rape. 

– Ulat ni Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/18/21/rape-suspect-na-nagtago-nang-halos-15-taon-huli-sa-bacolod

Emergency rooms in key areas still full as COVID-19 spike lingers: PCP officer

Most emergency rooms in pandemic-hit areas are still full as the number of new COVID-19 cases remains high in the Greater Manila area, an officer of a doctors' group said Sunday.

Government must enforce "long-term" programs such as digitalizing its contact-tracing, testing all people exposed to virus patients, and improving its referral of COVID-19 cases, said Dr. Maricar Limpin, vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP). 

"Marami kaming nakikita na severe na o critical. It’s frustrating sa amin kasi by the time na makita namin, malalang-malala na ang mga kababayan natin," she told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

(We see a lot of patients become severe or critical. It's frustrating for us because by the time we see them, they're in the worst condition already.)

Health workers may only feel the impact of the stricter community quarantines in 2 to 3 weeks, Limpin said.

"Kinakaya na lang talaga namin, ang mga emergency department namin ay talagang punong-puno. Hindi lang punong-puno, it is about 200-percent capacity ang aming mga emergency department."

(We just push through it. Our emergency department is really full. Not just full, it's at about 200-percent capacity.)

Limpin urged local governments to centralize their data as contact-tracing using filled-up forms has been ineffective.

"Iimprove ang contact-tracing natin atsaka sana po kung kunyari QR code magkasundo na ho sila. 'Wag na ho mano-mano na contact tracing form na finifillupan natin. Wala hong nangyayari sa kanya. Itapon na natin kasi alam na natin na hindi effective," she said.

(Let's improve our contact-tracing, and they should agree on one thing, for example, if it's QR code. Let's not do manual contact tracing because nothing happens. Let's throw it away because we know it's not effective.)

She also urged local officials to bring COVID-19 assistance to residents instead of the other way around.

"I think there should be a better way of distributing itong mga ayuda na ito. Pwede siguro naman na 'yung government employees ang pumunta sa mga tao kesa ang mga tao pa ang pupunta sa kanila," she said.

(I think there should be a better way of distributing this aid. I think government employees can go to the people instead of residents going to them.)

The Philippines on Saturday reported 11,101 more COVID-19 cases, bringing its total to 926,052. Of this figure, 203,710 are active infections.

It was forecast to breach the 1 million mark by the end of the month, the OCTA Research Group earlier said.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/18/21/covid-19-hospitals-capacity

Catanduanes, Samar, 2 other areas remain under signal no. 2 as Bising intensifies

(UPDATE) - Tropical Storm Bising (International name Surigae) has intensified as it moves northwest over the Philippine Sea east of Samar, PAGASA said in its 11 p.m. update on Saturday.

Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar were still under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 as Bising slightly accelerated in speed. Under signal No. 2, prevailing winds packing speeds between 61 to 120 kilometers per hour are expected in the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Signal No. 1 are hoisted over the following areas: 

LUZON: 

The eastern portion of Camarines Norte (San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, Vinzons, Talisay, Daet, Mercedes, Basud)

Camarines Sur

Albay

Sorsogon

Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands

VISAYAS:

Biliran

Leyte

Southern Leyte

Northern portion of Cebu (Tabogon, Borbon, San Remigio, Bogo City, Medellin, Daanbantayan) including Bantayan and Camotes Islands

MINDANAO:

Dinagat Islands

Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands

Surigao del Sur

As of 10 p.m., PAGASA said Bising’s eye was located at 395 kilometers east of Borongan City in Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 265 km/h. It is moving northwestward at 20 km/h.

Bising is expected to move northwestward and slow down on Sunday. By Sunday afternoon or evening, the typhoon is forecast to move generally northward while slowing down. 

The typhoon is expected to be closest to Bicol and Samar on Sunday morning and Monday morning  until it veers northeastward over the Philippine Sea east of Northern and Central Luzon by Wednesday evening.

Bising is expected to bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region on Sunday.

Landslides and flooding are expected in areas flagged as hazard areas, according to PAGASA. 

PAGASA said the public should expect tropical cyclone winds of at least the strength of a strong breeze to near gale in strength for up to 440km from the center of the typhoon. 

Destructive typhoon-force winds meanwhile extend outward up to 110 km from the center of the typhoon.

Rough seas are expected over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas.

“Sea travel is risky for all types of seacrafts over these waters, especially those under TCWS,” PAGASA said. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/catanduanes-samar-2-other-areas-under-signal-no-2-as-bising-accelerates-anew

4 na stranded sa CamSur-Albay border dahil sa bagyong Bising, positibo sa COVID-19

CAMARINES SUR—Apat ang nagpositibo sa isinagawang COVID-19 antigen swab test sa 280 na driver at pahinante ng mga trak na nakatigil sa Pan-Philippine Highway sa bayan ng Bato, ayon sa Incident Management Team ng probinsiya.

Nasa 13 ang close contact nila na dinala at inoobserbahan na rin sa provincial government-controlled quarantine facility.

Ayon sa IMT-Camarines Sur, pinigil ang mga sasakyan sa Camarines Sur-Albay border para maiwasan ang mahabang pila ng mga sasakyan sa Matnog Port sa Sorsogon ngayong walang biyahe ang mga barko dahil sa Bagyong Bising.

Isinagawa ang swab test para tiyaking walang sakit ang mga driver at pahinante habang naghihintay na muling makabiyahe.

Hiniling na ni Camarines Sur Gov. Migz Villafuerte maging ng Office of Civil Defense-Bicol (OCD-V) sa PNP-Bicol na paalisin sa lugar ang higit 150 stranded na sasakyang patawid ng Visayas at Mindanao at pabalikin na lang sa pinanggalingan para di na makahawa pa.

Nag-abiso na ang IMT-Camarines Sur sa mga pinapasukang kumpanya ng mga nagpositibo tungkol sa kondisyon ng mga nag-positibo sa swab test. - Mula sa ulat ni Jonathan Magistrado 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/18/21/4-na-stranded-sa-camsur-albay-border-dahil-sa-bagyong-bising-positibo-sa-covid-19

1 patay matapos matabunan ng gumuhong lupa sa Malay, Aklan

MALAY, Aklan - Isa ang patay nang natabunan ng gumuhong lupa sa ginagawang kalsada sa Malay, Aklan, pasado alas-3, Sabado ng hapon.

Nasawi si Modesto Appellido, 44 taong gulang, na residente ng Bingawan, Iloilo.

Samantala, tatlo ang sugatan sa pagguho ng lupa sa Sitio Putol, Brgy. Caticlan. Sila ay kinilalang sina Jade Daryl Castillo, 27 taong gulang; Jay Castillo, 22; at Darius Castillo, 48. Sila ay mga residente ng Brgy. Caticlan.

Lahat sila ay trabahador ng Gurrea Construction Company.

Sa imbestigasyon ng mga pulis ng Malay, natuklasan na ginagamit ang isang backhoe upang maghukay sa mataas na bahagi ng lugar nang biglang gumuho ang malambot na bahagi ng lupa. 

Hindi nasama sa pagguho ang backhoe ngunit tumabon naman ang lupa sa 4 na trabahador.

Lumambot daw ang lupa dahil sa pag-ulan noong nakaraang araw.

Kaagad naman natagpuan ang mga biktima gamit ang backhoe at dinala ng mga rumespondeng opisyal ng Malay MDRRMO at Bureau of Fire Protection sa Malay Municipal Hospital sa Brgy. Motag, ngunit ideneklarang dead on arrival si Modesto.

- Mula sa ulat ni Rolen Escaniel

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/18/21/1-patay-matapos-matabunan-ng-gumuhong-lupa-sa-malay-aklan

Is COVID-19 deadlier than other viruses?

The global death toll from COVID-19 passed three million on Saturday, with the pandemic already having killed more people than most other viral epidemics of the 20th and 21st centuries.

But there have been notable exceptions. The post-World War I Spanish Flu wiped out 50 million people, according to some estimates. And over the decades AIDS, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has killed 33 million.

Here are some comparisons:

FLU EPIDEMICS

In 2009, the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, caused a global pandemic and left an official death toll of 18,500.

This was later revised upwards by The Lancet medical journal to between 151,700 and 575,400 dead.

That brings it close to seasonal flu, which accounts for between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the 20th century, two major non-seasonal flu pandemics -- Asian flu in 1957-1958 and Hong Kong flu in 1968-1970 -- each killed around one million people, according to counts carried out afterwards.

The greatest catastrophe of modern pandemics to date, the flu pandemic of 1918-1919 also known as Spanish flu, wiped out some 50 million people according to research published in the 2000s.

OTHER VIRAL EPIDEMICS

The death toll from COVID-19, which emerged in central China in late 2019, is far higher than that of the haemorrhagic fever Ebola, which was first identified in 1976.

In four decades, periodic Ebola outbreaks have killed some 15,000 people, all in Africa.

Ebola has a far higher fatality rate than COVID-19: around 50 percent of people who are infected die from it.

But Ebola is less contagious than other viral diseases, namely because it is not airborne but transmitted through direct and close contact.

AIDS is by far the most deadly modern epidemic: almost 33 million people around the world have died of the disease, which affects the immune system.

No effective vaccine has been found, but retroviral drugs, when taken regularly, efficiently stop the illness in its tracks and heavily reduce the risk of contamination.

This treatment has helped bring down the death toll from its peak in 2004 of 1.7 million deaths to 690,000 in 2019, according to UNAIDS.

The hepatitis B and C viruses also have a high death toll, killing some 1.3 million people every year, most often in poor countries.

In 2002-2003, COVID's predecessor SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) that emerged from China was the first coronavirus to spark global fears, but killed just 774 people in the final toll.

THREE MILLION EQUALS?

As a matter of comparison, the figure of three million people represents a little bit more than the population of Jamaica or Armenia.

It is also three times the toll of the Iran-Iraq war which raged from 1980-1988, or 2,000 times more than the 1,500 who died in the sinking of the Titanic.

Over the past month, more than 10,000 people have died every day from the coronavirus.

It is as many as the 10,000 children who die every day from hunger around the world, according to the UN.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/is-covid-19-deadlier-than-other-viruses

Tycoon Lucio Tan stable, recovering after hospitalized for COVID-19

Business tycoon Lucio Tan is now stable and is recovering after being admitted to a hospital for COVID-19, his daughter said late Saturday.

In a post on Instagram, Tan’s daughter Vivienne said her father “is in stable condition, responding well, and recovering.”

She also requested for privacy while her father is recuperating, and asked the public to “pray for his speedy recovery.”

Tan is the chairman of LT Group, which controls Philip Morris-Fortune Tobacco, Asia Brewery, Tanduay Distillers and Eton Properties.

He is the third richest person in the Philippines and 925th worldwide with an estimated net worth of $3.3 billion, or at least P160 billion, Forbes said.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/18/21/tycoon-lucio-tan-stable-recovering-after-hospitalized-for-covid-19

Police officer shoots man dead after scuffle in Nueva Vizcaya station

Raffy Santos, ABS-CBN News

A man accused of rape died after he tried to steal a policeman's gun in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya on Saturday. 

Police say 31-year-old Delmar Cadiente was being booked at the Solano Municipal Police Station after his arrest for allegedly raping a 3-year-old girl when he grabbed the service firearm of P/Cpl. Mark Galut.

According to the police report, Sayno tried to hit Cadiente, causing him to fall down on the floor, but the latter still tried to retaliate. At that juncture, a scuffle ensued between the two. 

The town chief of police, P/Capt. Jet Sayno, who was present at the booking procedure, fired at Cadiente after the suspect aimed the gun he stole at Galut. 

"[Sayno was] left no option but to neutralize/shoot the suspect to avoid further casualty on the part of the lawmen," the PNP noted in its report. 

Cadiente was brought to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. 

He had earlier been arrested by police after a mother reported that he raped her daughter. The child identified Cadiente as her attacker. 

Cadiente's boarding house was next to the victim's residence, the police said.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/18/21/police-officer-shoots-man-dead-after-scuffle-in-nueva-vizcaya-station

Vaccine self-reliant PH? DOST says jabs may be manufactured in country by 2022

 Job Manahan, ABS-CBN News

The Philippines can manufacture its own vaccines locally by 2022 as the country pushes for being vaccine self-reliant in the coming years, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Saturday.

In an interview on ANC, Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said this could be achieved through a "fill and finish approach" through the importation of vaccine materials from the vaccine developer. 

Under this approach, an agreement will be made between the Filipino company involved and the said vaccine manufacturer, which will also prepare the facilities. 

The tests will also be subjected to the quality and standard protocols by the Food and Drug Administration. 

"If you want immediate vaccine production, the only way that we can do is to have what we call a fill and finish approach, [which] means [importing] in bulk the materials to be injected and put them in vials that will be needed for vaccination," dela Peña said. 

The agency this week said such fill-and-finish plants are also quicker to assemble and operate as the antigen will be delivered to the country and assembled as injectibles.

These facilities can also manufacture some 40 million jabs annually.

The official added that the shortest possible time frame this could be done would be by next year, but this is just a short term solution, as it would also require technology transfer from the vaccine developer.

"The short term is that of course of the local company's partnering with the foreign company for the technology, the... fill and finish," he said. 

"[The] medium term is to do the vaccine production here but still dependent on the vaccine developer from abroad." 

At least 6 companies are planning to establish vaccination manufacturing facilities in the Philippines, Science Secretary Rowena Cristina Guevara earlier said.

Of the 6 companies, one is a "distributor of a South Korean company," while another has "extensive facilities in Asia" and is planning to partner with a foreign brand where "all the vaccines we need are being manufactured," according to Guevarra.

One firm is connected with a German vaccine developer, another is a "long-term partner of a Chinese vaccine producer" and there is also a group which is planning to partner with a US pharmaceutical company, she said.

Another firm, she said, is planning to "start their local vaccine manufacturing venture with a fill-and-finish facility." 

LONG TERM GOALS 

Dela Peña said that the creation of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines would help the country to become vaccine self-reliant in the long term. 

The proposed virology institute, he said, would be the research and development arm of the country to do studies on viruses on humans, crops, and even animals. 

It will take two more years, however, to make them operational.

"[The country's virology institute is] for the development of vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic kits, and to transfer the technology for mass production," he pointed out.

"The ultimate goal is to produce products whether it is in the form of vaccines or drugs — the cure or the diagnostic kit that will be needed," he explained. 

Faced with another surge of COVID-19 infections, the Philippines is struggling to get a hold of immediate and fresh supplies of coronavirus vaccines from other manufacturers. 

Because of this, the country has been criticized for its slow vaccine rollout, which started over a month ago, with the government administering over 1.2 million shots. 

The World Health Organization had also urged the Philippine government to boost instead its response capacity in dealing with record infections in the Metro Manila and nearby provinces, as vaccine jabs could only do so much. 

- With a report from Katrina Domingo, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/vaccine-self-reliant-ph-dost-says-jabs-may-be-manufactured-in-country-by-2022

TV Patrol Weekend live streaming April 17, 2021 | Full Episode Replay

3 Filipina human trafficking victims return from Syria - DFA

A total of 3 more Filipinas victimized by human trafficking in Syria arrived in the Philippines on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced.

In a statement, the agency said the repatriates were part of the 4th batch of Filipinos assisted by the Philippine government from Syria. 

"The DFA and other government agencies will also assist the three Filipina victims of human trafficking as they start over a new life in the Philippines," the DFA's statement read. 

The agency added that before their arrival to the country, the victims stayed in the Philippine Embassy shelter in Damascus.

All 3 victims will be assisted in the filing of criminal complaints against the people who trafficked them. 

Those people will face complaints in violation of the Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons act under Republic Act 9208 and acts related to illegal recruitment prohibited under Republic Act 8042. 

"DFA, through the [Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs] and the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, is using a whole-of-government approach to repatriate soonest the remaining Filipinas in the Embassy shelter." 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. earlier in the year vowed to bring home Filipinos who are victims of human trafficking and are supposedly trapped in Syria. 

This, following a report that Filipina workers got abused, raped, and were imprisoned after being “sold into Syrian servitude.”

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/3-filipina-human-trafficking-victims-return-from-syria-dfa

WATCH: PCSO 9 PM Lotto Draw, April 17, 2021

PH Coast Guard rescues 5 boat passengers in Mati, Davao Oriental

Five passengers of a boat that sunk due to bad weather conditions were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) off Pujada Island in the City of Mati Saturday afternoon.

The Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office stated that the passengers came from the Municipality of Lupon and were visiting relatives in Barangay Macambol, Mati where they boarded a banca en route to Pujada Island.

Upon their departure from Pujada Island at around 3 p.m., huge waves battered their boat causing it to submerge just as they were passing by Oak Island.

The Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office received information about the incident and contacted the PCG for rescue. The PCG reached the area where the boat sunk at around 4 p.m. 

The rescued passengers were identified as Jocelle Benidicto, 30 years old from Lupon; Jane Flores, 26, from Lupon; Joshua Aquino, 23, from Davao City; April Agualan, 25, from Lupon; and Jay Flores, 21, from Lupon.

They did not sustain any serious injuries and were transported back to their relatives in Macambol. - With a report from Hernel Tocmo

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/ph-coast-guard-rescues-5-boat-passengers-in-mati-davao-oriental

Ilang essential workers sabik, ilan tutol na mabakunahan vs COVID-19

Hati ang opinyon ng ilang economic frontliners ngayong sunod na silang babakunahan kontra coronavirus disease (COVID-19), batay sa inilabas na listahan ng pandemic task force. 

Kasama ang mga kasapi ng grupo na Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Associaton sa mga prayoridad na bakunahan, bilang retail frontliners at essential workers na araw-araw humaharap sa mga tao. 

“This is to augment and grow ang consumer confidence at business confidence. I told them, look, in a nutshell, sa dami ng gulo on what can or what can’t be done, you can take it or leave it. But it’s best we all be vaccinated so we reach herd immunity,” ani pinuno ng grupo na si Steven Cua. 

Kasama sa A4 Priority ang mga nasa sumusunod na sektor:

Pampublikong transportasyon 

Mga nagtitinda sa palengke, grocery, at supermarket

Manggagawa sa food, beverage, medical, at pharmaceutical companies

Religious leaders

Security guards

OFW 

Media 

Public at private employees na madalas humarap sa tao

Ang cashier na si Melodie Dag-uman, magkahalo ang emosyon nang malamang kasama sila sa mga babakunahan. 

“May halong excited na kinakabahan. Sa bakuna, sabi may side effects daw po. Much better namang magpabakuna kasi araw-araw kaming nag-eentertain ng mga customer… Noong una, ayaw ko talaga,” ani Dag-uman. 

Desidido rin ang staff sa online services na si Mariz Ecot na magpabakuna. 

“Happy po ako kasi hindi naman lahat mababakunahan kaagad. Mas okay na pinapriority ang frontliners. Kailangan magpabakuna para na rin sa kapwa,” ani Ecot. 

Pero marami rin umanong manggagawa ang may agam-agam sa bakuna. Ang bagger na si Rolando Viana wala umanong tiwala sa bakuna. 

“Mayroon pa akong takot. Meron po kasi akong napanood sa balita na meron pong namatay dahil sa bakuna. Pero di sigurado kung yun talaga ang dahilan. Napagdesisyunan ko talaga na di magpabakuna. Buo na po talaga,” ani Viana. 

Mayroon namang ayaw magpabakuna dahil hindi naniniwala sa COVID-19. 

“Sa akin, hindi ako magpapabakuna kasi pakiramdam ko malusog naman ako araw-araw. Minsan nga nakababa pa ito,” banggit ng fish vendor na si Regina Patindoy, habang tinatanggal ang kaniyang face mask. 

“Hindi ako naniniwala, sa totoo lang. Sa lahi ko, wala pa naman (nagkaka-COVID-19).” 

Dagdag pa ng nagtitinda na si Ving Perez: "Parang ayoko na maniwala eh. Sa balita at diyaryo lang, di naman ako nakakita. Parang ginawa nalang dahilan para bumagsak ang ekonomiya sa mundo."

Paalala ng mga eksperto na totoo ang banta ng COVID-19 at hindi dapat ito balewalain. 

Ayon kay NTF chief implementor at vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., may parating na 1.5 milyong doses ng Sinovac ngayong Abril, at dalawang milyon pa sa Mayo. 

inaasahan din ang 500,000 paunang dose ng Gamaleya vaccine na bahagi ng 10 milyong dose na kontribusyon nito sa Pilipinas. 

Nakatakda ring dumating ang 4 milyong dose ng AstraZeneca bago matapos ang Abril hanggang Mayo, habang inaasahan naman ang pagdating ng 2.4 milyong dose ng Pfizer. 

Posible ring dumating sa susunod na buwan ang Moderna vaccine. Inaasahan na sa Mayo aarangkada ang pagbabakuna sa economic frontliners. 

— Ulat ni Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/ilang-essential-workers-sabik-ilan-tutol-na-mabakunahan-vs-covid-19

Pinakamarami sa SEA: Bilang ng active COVID-19 cases sa PH pumalo ng 200,000

Pumalo na mahigit 200,000 ang bilang ng mga aktibong kaso ng coronavirus disease (COVID-19) nitong Sabado, na pinakamarami na umano sa Timog-Silangang Asya. 

Ayon sa datos ng Department of Health (DOH), nasa 203,710 ang bilang ng mga aktibong kaso ng COVID-19. 

Nasa 11,101 naman ang bilang ng mga bagong kaso, at sumampa na ang bilang ng kumpirmadong kaso ng COVID-19 sa 926,052. 

Aabot naman sa 72 ang bilang ng mga namatay, habang may 799 na bilang na nadagdag na gumaling sa COVID-19. 

Bago matapos ang Abril, inaasahang sasampa na sa isang milyon ang mga tinamaan ng COVID-19 sa bansa. 

Sa pagsusuri ng ABS-CBN Data analytics sa datos, Agosto noong isang taon nang umabot sa 100,000 ang mga nagka-COVID-19, at wala pang isang buwan ay sumampa ito sa 200,000. 

Umabot naman sa 500,000 ang bilang ng mga kaso pagdating ng Enero. Nitong Abril, nasa 900,000 ang bilang ng kaso ng COVID-19. 

Lumilitaw na sa loob lang ng 10 araw ay nakakapagtala ng halos 100,000 bagong kaso dahil noong Abril 5 ay nasa 800,000 lang ang kabuuang kaso ng Pilipinas. 

Samantala, pinarerepaso ni Health Secretary Francisco Duque ang sistema sa pag-update sa bilang ng COVID-19 cases. 

“Dapat huwag mag-aantay ng isang linggo saka magtatanggal ng recovered cases. Sabi ko, dapat araw-araw mayroon kayong tinatanggal kasi alam niyo naman eh may nakakalabas na ng ospital, ng isolation, ng quarantine. Alam mo ang panahon eh,” ani Duque. 

— May ulat ni Job Manahan, ABS-CBN News 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/pinakamarami-sa-sea-bilang-ng-active-covid-19-cases-sa-ph-pumalo-ng-200000

P1.2B halaga ng taklobo nakumpiska sa Palawan; 4 arestado

ROXAS, Palawan - Timbog ang apat na indibidwal na umanong ilegal na kumukuha ng taklobo sa isinagawang raid ng mga awtoridad sa Roxas, Palawan noong Biyernes.

Nakilala ang mga suspek na nahuli sa raid sa Sitio Green Island, Barangay Tumarbong, na sina Rey Cuyos, Rodolfo Rabesa, Julius Molejoa at Erwin Miagao.

Kaugnay ito sa impormasyong nakarating sa awtoridad na may giant clam shells o mas kilala sa tawag na taklobo na itinatago sa lugar para ibenta.

Isinagawa ang operasyon sa tulong ng mga tauhan ng Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Maritime Group Palawan, Armed Forces of the Philippines Intelligence Operatives at mga Bantay-Dagat sa Roxas.

Ayon sa Philippine Coast Guard, umabot sa 200 tonelada ng fossilized taklobo ang nakumpiska sa mga suspek na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng P1.2 bilyon. 

Sinabi ni Coast Guard District Palawan Commander, Commodore Genito Basilio, ito na ang pinakamalaking giant clam shells na nadiskubre sa lugar.

Mahaharap ang apat na suspek sa kasong paglabag sa Republic Act No. 9147 o ang Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. 

Dinala na sila sa Palawan Council for Sustainable Development para sa inquest proceedings at pagsasampa sa kaukulang kaso. 

- TeleRadyo 17 Abril 2021

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/17/21/p12b-halaga-ng-taklobo-nakumpiska-sa-palawan-4-arestado

Ilang residente ng QC ibinahagi kung saan ilalaan ang nakuhang ECQ ayuda

Malaking tulong para kay Suzette Andit ang natanggap na P4,000 na ayudang natanggap bunsod ng pagpapatupad ng enhanced community quarantine sa National Capital Region (NCR) Plus bubble. 

Pansamantala aniya itong pangtustos sa pangangailangan nilang mag-asawa at tatlong anak, at iba pang gastusin. 

“Inaasahan ko po ito kasi yung bayaran namin ng tubig yung asawa ko nawalan ng trabaho,bayaran ko po ng ilaw tsaka tubig kaya natuwa rin ako na may binigay yung gobyerno,” ani Andit. 

Malaking tulong din sa dating jeepney driver na si Celso Adobas ang P3,000 ayuda na ilalaan para sa kaniyang pamilya. 

“Sa mga apo ko. Kailangan ng mga apo kasi yung mga magulang nila walang trabaho,” ani Adobas. 

Umarangkada ang pamamahagi ng cash assistance sa Barangay Bahay Toro sa Quezon City. 

Nakahiwalay ang verification area sa payout area para maging maayos ang pila. 

Mahigpit ding nagbabantay ang mga awtoridad para matiyak na nasusunod ang physical distancing. Naantala nang ilang linggo ang pamamahagi ng ayuda sa barangay dahil sa sunog na nangyari sa kanilang lugar. 

Pero mas nakapaglatag naman daw sila ng plano para mas maging maayos ang pamamahagi ng ayuda. 

“Napag-aralan namin, nakipag usap kami sa ating mga kapulisan sa ating LGU ano ba naging problema,” ayon sa barangay chairman na si Dennis Caboboy. 

Aabot sa 18,000 benepisyaryo ang target na mabigyan sa loob ng 11 araw. 

Sa Barangay Matandang Balara, wala nang pila sa huling araw ng pamamahagi ng tulong-pinansiyal. 

— Ulat ni Raya Capulong, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/ilang-residente-ng-qc-ibinahagi-kung-saan-ilalaan-ang-nakuhang-ecq-ayuda

Bilang ng mga pasaherong stranded sa mga pantalan sa Visayas at Bicol, umabot na sa 1K

Mahigit 1,000 na ang stranded na mga pasahero sa ilang mga pantalan sa Bicol Region at Visayas dahil sa bagyong Bising, ayon sa Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Sa pinakahuling bilang ng PCG, may 511 pasahero ang stranded sa eastern Visayas region. Hindi na rin kasi pinayagang pumalaot ang nasa may apat na barko at mahigit dalawang rolling cargo vessels dahil sa malalaking alon.

Pitong pantalan ang kabilang sa mga binabantayan ng PCG. Kasama na rito ang Ormoc Port, Isabel Port, Liloan Port, San Ricardo Port, Sta. Clara Port, Balwarteco Port, at Dapdap Port.

Sa Bicol Region, stranded naman ang 537, kabilang ang mga driver at pahinante ng mga rolling cargo vessel na patawid sana sa Allen, Northern Samar mula sa Matnog Port. 

Ayon sa PCG, may pitong barko sa Bicol Region ang hindi na pumalaot habang 17 iba pa ang pansamantalang nagkubli na muna sa mas ligtas na lugar habang nananatiling masama ang lagay ng panahon.

- TeleRadyo 17 Abril 2021

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/17/21/bilang-ng-mga-pasaherong-stranded-sa-mga-pantalan-sa-visayas-at-bicol-umabot-na-sa-1k

WATCH: PCSO 5 PM Lotto Draw, April 17, 2021

1 dead, 1 missing as boat carrying fuel explodes in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY - One person was killed after a boat allegedly carrying 200 barrels of gasoline exploded in a private wharf on Friday night.

 

The fatality was identified as Jimlani Malib Rini, crew member aboard M/L Zaida May.

The incident also left four of his colleagues injured, namely boat captain Jilamad Madda, mechanic Mawar Hamimon, and crew members Jupakal Ahamad and Nurhan Amping. Two others escaped unharmed.

Authorities said another crew member, Masara Abdurasid, remains missing.

In a report shared by the local government of Zamboanga City and the Bureau of Fire Protection, Hamimon allegedly tried to start the boat's engine before it exploded.

The injured crew members were brought to the hospital for treatment.

The BFP said in its report that the "junkung," which sails the Jolo-Zamboanga route, was carrying 200 barrels of gasoline, each loaded with 200 liters.

The blast was ruled a mechanical malfunction.

— Report from Jewel Reyes

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/1-dead-1-missing-as-boat-carrying-fuel-explodes-in-zamboanga-city

WATCH: PCSO 2 PM Lotto Draw, April 17, 2021

Erap 'doing better' after return to ICU due to lung infection, says son Jinggoy

Former Philippine president Joseph "Erap" Estrada is "doing better" after being sent back to the intensive care unit (ICU) for non-COVID patients, his son Jinggoy said on Saturday. 

The deposed president "seems to be responding well" on the interventions to control his lung infection, the younger Estrada said in a Facebook post. 

"His medications for blood pressure support are being lessened and his kidney function is improving," the former senator said.

"He is still on oxygen support but continues to be alert and oriented. He still remains at the ICU for further monitoring," he added. 

Estrada's son former senator JV Ejercito earlier sought prayers for his father due to the development. 

Last Sunday, the deposed chief executive and former Manila mayor was able to sing following extubation, based on a video shown by one of his nurses. 

He was wheeled out of the ICU last Tuesday after testing negative for COVID-19. 

On April 9, he was removed from ventilator support after supposedly responding well to treatment.

On Friday, Jinggoy said his father had to be taken back to the ICU.

Estrada, who is turning 84 on Monday, served as President from 1998 until 2001. He did not finish his six-year term after he was slapped with allegations of corruption.

He was convicted of plunder in 2007 and sentenced to life imprisonment, but his successor, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, pardoned him a month later. He later won as Manila Mayor but lost his 2019 reelection bid to now incumbent Isko Moreno. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/erap-doing-better-after-return-to-icu-due-to-lung-infection-says-son-jinggoy

2 umano'y holdaper patay sa hot pursuit operation sa Davao City

DAVAO CITY - Nasawi sa hot pursuit operation ng Toril Police ang dalawang lalaki na sangkot umano sa pangho-holdap, Biyernes ng gabi.

Ikinasa ang operasyon matapos positibong kinilala ng biktimang si Julie Ann Panganiban ang nagnakaw at nang-holdap umano sa kanya na sina Napoloeon Butuan at Warren Gayak sa Sitio Glabaca, Barangay Lizada sa Toril.

Ayon sa pulisya, matapos matunton ang kinaroroonan ng dalawa, bigla umanong bumunot si Butuan ng baril at pinaputukan ang pulis pero nakailag umano ito.

Ang kaniyang kasama naman na si Gayak ay kumuha umano ng katana at sinugod ang isa pang pulis.

Pero nabaril umano ng mga operatiba ang dalawa.

Naisugod pa sa Davao Mediquest Hospital ang dalawa pero idineklarang dead on arrival.

Narekober sa crime scene ang isang katana, isang .38 revolver, mga basyo ng bala, at ilang personal na gamit.

Narekober din ang mga ninakaw umano na gamit sa biktima na isang cellphone, P720 cash, at ID. - Ulat ni Hernel Tocmo

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/2-umanoy-holdaper-patay-sa-hot-pursuit-operation-sa-davao-city

Typhoon Bising rapidly intensifies, may reach peak strength Sunday

Typhoon Bising "rapidly" intensified in the past 24 hours and is projected to reach its peak by Sunday, state weather bureau PAGASA said late Friday.

In its 11 p.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said Bising's center was located 790 km east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte as of 10 p.m., packing maximum sustained winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour near ther center with 185 kph gusts, while moving west northwestward at 15 kph.

The tropical cyclone is expected to move northwestward over the Philippine Sea until Monday before slowing down and advance more northward until Tuesday evening. According to PAGASA, Bising is expected to reach its peak of 175-195 kph sustained winds by Sunday.

Between Saturday late evening and Sunday late afternoon, moderate to heavy with at times intense rains will fall in Eastern Visayas and Camotes Islands, PAGASA said, warning flooding, including flashfloods, and landslides may occur in affected areas.

The weather agency said tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 1 may be hoisted over the rest of Eastern Visayas and portions of Bicol Region due to strong breeze to near gale conditions caused by the typhoon. 

According to PAGASA, cyclone winds, of at least strong breeze to near gale in strength, reach up to 500 km from the center of Bising.

"Based on the current forecast scenario, TCWS #2 remains the highest level of wind signal that will be put into effect due to this typhoon. However, in the event of a further westward shift in the track forecast, there is a possibility that some localities will be placed under higher levels of wind signal," the weather bureau said.

Bising is projected to cause rough to very rough seas in the eastern seaboards of Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region. PAGASA warned against venturing in waters off these areas where 2.5 up to 6 meters of sea waves may occur.

As of 11 p.m. the following areas are under TCWS no. 1:

VISAYAS

• Eastern Samar
• the eastern portion of Northern Samar (Las Navas, Catubig, Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig)
• the central and southern portions of Samar (Marabut, Basey, Santa Rita, Villareal, Talalora, Daram, Pinabacdao, Zumarraga, Calbiga, San Sebastian, Hinabangan, Paranas, Motiong, Jiabong, Catbalogan City, Tarangnan, San Jorge, Pagsanghan, Gandara, Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan)
• the eastern portion of Leyte (Abuyog, Mahaplag, Javier, Macarthur, Mayorga, La Paz, Dulag, Julita, Burauen, Tolosa, Tanauan, Tabontabon, Dagami, Pastrana, Palo, Jaro, Alangalang, Santa Fe, Tacloban City, Babatngon, San Miguel, Barugo, Tunga)
• the eastern portion of Southern Leyte (Sogod, Silago, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Anahawan, San Juan, Saint Bernard, Libagon, Liloan, San Ricardo, Pintuyan, San Francisco) 

MINDANAO

• Dinagat Islands
• Surigao del Norte (including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands)
• Surigao del Sur 

PAGASA cautioned the public over possible damages to structures and agriculture in affected areas during the onslaught of Bising.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/typhoon-bising-rapidly-intensifies-may-reach-peak-strength-sunday

Duterte handang suportahan ang local companies na interesadong gumawa ng bakuna

Hinihikayat ng gobyerno ang mga lokal na kumpanya na mag-develop ng sariling mga bakuna sa Pilipinas.

Ayon kay Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez, nakikipag-ugnayan na ang gobyerno sa mga kompanyang ito.

“So sa DTI po, inumpisahan ho natin together with DOST at kasama ng ating ibang mga ahensiya, FDA, DOH, ang pakikipag-usap sa mga companies who can possibly start a commercializing and manufacturing of vaccines in the country para hindi tayo totally dependent sa pag-import ng vaccine," pahayag ni Lopez sa isang public briefing nitong Huwebes.

Pero paliwang niya, may kinakailangang suporta ang mga kumpanya.

Kabilang dito ang pagpapabilis sa pagproseso ng kanilang mga dokumento, at ang pagtitiyak na uunahin ng gobyerno na bilhin ang kanilang maipo-produce kaysa mag-angkat ng bakuna.

“Green lane on getting government permits. They will subscribe to all requirements and submit all the documents. Kailangan lang ma-prioritize para ho mapabilis ang proseso ng pagput up ng planta dito," ani Lopez.

"Second, of course, lahat po nang pumapasok dito may risk involved din lalo na kung papasok sila tapos ang gobyerno ay bibili rin abroad. So dito po ay ine-encourage po sana na may government procurement of locally produced vaccines, subject to standards, specs and prices."

Tugon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, pabor siya sa mga kundisyon ng mga kompanyang ito at posible naman aniya ang mga ito.

“Itong government procurement of locally produced subject to standard specs and prices, madali lang man ito kung trabahuin mo ito. I don’t think it would take about one hour or trabahuin mo sa opisina," sabi ng Pangulo.

Matatandaang aminado ang gobyerno na isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit hirap ang pamahalaan na makakuha ng bakuna kontra COVID-19 ay dahil wala tayong kakayahan na makagawa ng sariling vaccine, at nakadepende lang tayo sa supply ng manufacturers sa ibang bansa.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/16/21/duterte-handang-suportahan-ang-local-companies-na-interesadong-gumawa-ng-bakuna

Cabinet official contracted COVID-19 twice, says brother

Presidential Legislative Liason Office Secretary Adelino Sitoy, who passed away Thursday, twice tested positive for COVID-19, his brother confirmed Friday.

Lapu-lapu City Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy, the deceased official's younger brother, said the COVID-19 test result came just after his death, confirming his coronavirus reinfection.

Secretary Sitoy succumbed to cardiac arrest after he underwent an angioplasty procedure four days ago, after he complained of chest pain.

Three weeks before his death, he contracted COVID-19 but was shortly released from hospital after he tested negative in ​a repeat swab test.

Vice Mayor Sitoy said his brother’s remains have been cremated, and his ashes will be brought to his residence in Cordova, Cebu. 

The family has yet to decide on the date of his burial. According to his younger brother, there will be a public viewing which will strictly follow minimum health protocols.--Report from Vilma Andales

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/cabinet-official-contracted-covid-19-twice-says-brother

P6.8-M halaga ng umano'y shabu nasamsam sa Lanao del Sur

Nasamsam ang nasa isang kilo ng shabu na nagkakahalaga umano ng higit P6 milyon sa isang buy-bust operation sa Marawi City nitong Miyerkoles.

Sa naturang operasyon ng pulisya, militar, at PDEA sa Brgy. Matampay, naaresto ang isang mag-asawa na umano'y nagbebenta ng naturang kontrabando. Ayon sa mga awtoridad, sa daan lang din naganap ang transaksyon.

Tinatayang nagkakahalaga ang ilegal na droga ng P6.8 million. Bukod sa droga, nakuha rin sa kanila ang boodle money, kotse at cellphone na gamit nila sa transaksyon.

Kakasuhan ang dalawang suspek ng paglabag ng Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.--Ulat ni Roxanne Arevalo

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/p68-m-halaga-ng-umanoy-shabu-nasamsam-sa-lanao-del-sur

Lolo nalunod sa ilog sa Capiz

Nalunod ang isang matandang lalaki sa ilog sa Maayon, Capiz Huwebes ng hapon, ayon sa mga awtoridad.

Nakilala ang biktima na si Antonio Demandante, 71, at nakatira sa Brgy. Alayunan.

Sa imbestigasyon ng awtoridad, isang residente ang nakakita sa biktima na tumatawid sa naturang ilog ngunit makalipas ang ilang minuto ay hindi na nakita ang biktima.

Kaagad na naglunsad ng search and rescue operation ang Maayon disaster and risk reduction management office sa pinangyarihan ng insidente.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay natagpuan ang katawan ng biktima ilang metro kung saan ito nalunod.

Sinubukan pang dalhin sa ospital ang biktima ngunit idineklara na siyang dead-on-arrival ng umasikasong doktor.--Ulat ni Rolen Escaniel

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/lolo-nalunod-sa-ilog-sa-capiz

4 timbog sa online sabong sa Davao del Sur

Arestado ang apat na katao matapos umanong masangkot sa online sabong sa bayan ng Hagonoy, Davao del Sur Biyernes ng hapon.

Naabutan sa police operation sa Purok 2, Barangay Guihing ang apat na may edad na 34 hanggang 39-anyos na sumasali sa online sabong.

Narekober sa lugar ng pinangyarihan ang isang telebisyon, isang WiFi router, isang laptop, at P4,200 cash.

Ikinustodiya na ng Hagonoy PNP ang mga nahuli at inihahanda na ang kasong isasampa laban sa kanila.--Ulat ni Hernel Tocmo

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/17/21/4-timbog-sa-online-sabong-sa-davao-del-sur