146 LSis for Basilan arrived in Zamboanga Wharf - 14 day quarantine required

Immediately the Basilan Provincial government received the 146 individuals coming from different provinces, cities in the country and abroad,

The said LSIs are required to undergo a 14 day quarantine period and covid 19 test before return their homes to ensure that they free from the Covid 19. (Posted by Becky de Asis/Courtesy of RONDA Zamboanga)

S.Africa confirmed Covid 19 cases surpass 100,000

CAPE TOWN, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa has exceeded the 100,000 mark to reach 101,590, according to the latest official update released early Tuesday.

Sixty-one more deaths related with COVID-19 were added to the national death toll which now stood at 1,991, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.

The mortality rate was two percent while the number of recoveries stood at 53,444, translating to a recovery rate of 52.6 percent, said Mkhize.

It took South Africa 14 days to double the number of confirmed cases from 50,000 to 101,590, compared with 94 days during which the number of cases doubled and rose to 50,000 from March 5 to June 8.

The doubling of coronavirus cases in 14 days was seen as a result of rise in mass community testing.

The country has completed 1,353,176 tests so far, of which 25,116 new tests were conducted in the past 24 hours, according to Mkhize.

World no. 1 men’s tennis player contracts coronavirus

Novak Djokovic

ANKARA – World No. 1 tennis player, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, has been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Djokovic announced on Tuesday that he is asymptomatic and that his wife also tested positive for Covid-19.

''The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested. My result is positive, just as Jelena’s, while the results of our children are negative,'' he said in a statement.

''I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection. I hope that it will not complicate anyone’s health situation and that everyone will be fine. I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days,'' he added.

Currently ranked number 1 in men’s single tennis, Djokovic, 33, has won 17 Grand Slam singles titles during his career. (Anadolu)

Despite the skirmishes happen, Patikul LGU successfully distribute relief goods

Patikul, Sulu – The Patikul Task Force Covid 19 headed by Mayor Kabire Hayudini  with the MDRRMO turned over relief goods to the barangay captains of Buhangin, Bungkaung, Danag and Latih wherein thousands of families benefited.

The said distributions was very successful  despite the fire fight  happened  between the Abussayaf and military in adjacent barangay that killed one soldier and wounding 9 others just earlier.

  

The local government here extended their gratitude to the fallen soldier and 9 wounded that they were pray to resolve this long problem in Sulu and also this Covid 19 pandemic.

The LGu also was very thankful to all front-liners who helps the distribution of relief goods ; P/Cpt. Albert M. Carbungco, BFP Patikul, 45th IB, 6SF Battalion and1101st Infantry Battalion. (Posted by Becky d. de Asis)

1 killed, 9 hurt as gov't troops clash with ASG in Sulu

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr. 

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A junior officer of the Philippine Army was killed while nine others were wounded as the government troops continued its offensives against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in the province of Sulu, officials said.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the troops were on combat operation when they clashed with a group of ASG bandits in Sitio Tubig Bukayon, Barangay Pansul.

Vinluan was unable to release the identity of the slain officer except to say his rank is first lieutenant and assigned with the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion. The wounded consisted of a sergeant, three private first classes, and five privates.

The troops are tracking down the ASG bandits who fled after the clash and bloodstains were visible in their withdrawal path, the Army official said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the casualty and the wounded personnel "paid the ultimate sacrifice and nine personnel were wounded while fearlessly fighting the enemies and protecting the people of Sulu."

“The skirmishers between our forces and the ASG persist. As we actively support the civil government in preventing the spread of Covid-19, we also ensure that the people in the community are safe and secured from terrorism. In so doing, our troops from 32IB based in Sulu engaged in a heavy firefight against the ASG in Patikul that claimed the life of one brave soldier and wounding of nine others,” Sobejana said.

He said all forms of assistance will be provided to the slain and wounded soldiers. (PNA)

2 unidentified robbers carted away P105,000.00 cash in Zambo Sur Gas Station

Zamboanga City - Robbery incident transpired at JRT Gas Refueling Station, Purok 5, Brgy. Poblacion, Guipos, Zamboanga Del Sur at about 7:30 in the afternoon of  June 22, 2020 earlier.

The victims were identified as Merante Estender Eco, 41 years old, married, gasoline pumped boy and his wife identified as Lucia Pano Eco, 39 years old, a cashier of same gasoline station, both resident of Purok 4, Brgy. Betinan, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

According to the victim, the suspects immediately fled after the incident and carted away one bag color gray containing cash with estimated amount of P105,000.00 (gas station sales of the day),  professional driver’s license, alumni id, SSS id and OR CR of Yamaha DT and Honda XRM 125, motorcycle.

Initial investigation  by the police here disclosed that the victims were about to closed the cashier booth of the said gasoline station when two unidentified person both wearing black jacket, ball cap, maong pants and face mask, on board a Suzuki raider motorcycle, black with grey color combination, with no license plate attached, stopped at the gas station to refuel.

 However, when advised by the victims that the gasoline station is already closed, the two suspects suddenly move towards their direction and at gun point declared the heist and forcibly took the bag containing cash and other items then fled heading toward the municipality of Dumalinao of this province.

Follow-up investigation is now being conducted by the investigator of Guipos MPS for the identification and arrest of the suspects. (Posted by Becky D. de Asis) 

Cebu City reports 7 more deaths due to Covid-19

By John Rey Saavedra 

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella. (File photo courtesy of Cebu City Hall PIO)

CEBU CITY – The Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) on Tuesday reported seven more deaths due to coronavirus disease (2019), which brought the total number of fatalities here to 89.

According to the data, the seven fatalities came from six barangays -- Tisa, two deaths, and one each in Basak-San Nicolas, Duljo-Fatima, Labangon, Mambaling and Tejero.

Also, 30 new Covid-19 cases were recorded on Tuesday. These are from Barangay Sambag 1 with seven cases, followed by Sambag 2 with five cases and Quiot with four. Two cases each were reported in Mambaling, Pasil, Punta Princesa, and Tisa while one each in Mabolo, Pahina Central, Pardo, Suba, Tejero and Tinago.

The CCHD likewise recorded 31 patients who tested negative for coronavirus on top of the 48 who recovered over the weekend.

Mayor Edgardo Labella said the 31 new recoveries are all residents of Labangon village and have undergone isolation at the Barangay Isolation Center.

The total number of patients who have recovered since March is now 2,146. There are 2,221 active cases to date.

Meanwhile, Labella reminded residents about his stay-at-home order after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) reverted the city to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

“Please be reminded that there is a mandatory stay-at-home order during ECQ and you are only allowed to go out for essential needs. Number coding scheme also applies to motorcycles,” he said in a statement on his social media page. (PNA)

50 OFWs who died of Covid-19 to be buried in Saudi Arabia

MANILA – Malacañang on Sunday bared that the remains of some 50 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will be buried in the host country.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the remains of the 50 OFWs will not be brought back to the Philippines.

“Per the Department of Labor and Employment, the remains of the 50 OFWs who died due to Covid-19 related illnesses will be buried in Saudi Arabia following the host country's local customs,” he said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello, in a radio interview, said King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia has asked Philippine authorities to bring home the remains of 282 OFWs.

Bello said the Philippines was given 72 hours by Saudi Arabia to bring home the remains of the OFWs since cremation is not allowed in the Middle Eastern country.

Roque also expressed sympathies to the families of the 282 OFWs who died in Saudi Arabia due to natural and other causes.

“We offer our prayers to the deceased and to those they left behind,” he said.

He assured that concerned agencies of the government have already been directed to extend assistance to their families.

The 282 OFWs who died in Saudi Arabia refer to the combined number of OFWs who died there since the country imposed a lockdown in February, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.

On Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed that one more Filipino abroad was infected with the Covid-19, bringing the number of OFWs contracting the disease to 6,141.

In its case bulletin, the DFA said there are 11 new recoveries and one new death in the Middle East.

The total number of recovered cases overseas is now 2,862, while the death toll has climbed to 496.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,783 Filipinos abroad are still undergoing treatment.

The DFA has brought home a total of 51,113 overseas Filipinos (OFs) since it began repatriating Filipinos affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in February 2020. (PNA//By Azer Parrocha )

The New Normal project implementation in Sulu 1st Engineering District started - District Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul

(Photo Provided) Thanks to Facebook

Despite the disturbances of Covid 19 pandemic around the country, the Sulu 1st Engineering District of Ministry of Public works of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPW-BARMM) continue their constructions works  just to help  and boosts the province economy and to uplift the living condition of the people here.

District Engineer Ajan S. Ajijul  immediately accomplished the sea port in Sitio Tugod Lanao, Tumangas , Parang Sulu just recently.

Lately, President Duterte ordered that Build, Build, Build projects  of the Department Public Works and Highways will continue through new normal implementation in order to deliver the good services and to alleviate the living conditions of the Pilipino throughout the country more particular in  somw far flung provinces in the country.

Photo provided (from facebook)

Ajijul said that his district start to implement  projects after the Inter-Agency Task Force  (IATF) announced  lately that Sulu is under MGCQ.

“Nanatili pa rin kaming nag iingat at sumusunod sa patakaran ng IATF  at may social distancing  kami habang nagtatrabaho”, Ajijul said.

The Sulu 1st Engineering District already had more project accomplishments before the Covid 19 Pandemic raking the country. (By: Becky D. de Asis)

BARMM hires 42 health workers, other personnel to man Covid-19 facility in Maguindanao

Cotabato City —The Bangsamoro Government's Ministry of Health (MOH-BARMM) hired forty-two (42) health workers and maintenance personnel to man the Covid-19 isolation facility in  Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital, in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

BARMM’s Health Minister Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan led the contract signing and oath taking ceremony of 27 nurses, 3 respiratory therapists, 4 maintenance personnel, and 8 security personnel on Friday, June 19, 2020 at the MOH’s Training Hall in Cotabato City.

“This move is in line with BARMM’s immediate response to Covid-19 health emergency,” Dipatuan stressed.

Dipatuan noted that the salaries of the said Human Resource for Health (HRH) personnel will come from the Department of Health-Central Office and will be sub-allotted to MOH-BARMM. 

“We asked assistance from the Department of Health to recruit new Human Resources for Health because we do not have sufficient number of staff to man our isolation facility,” Dipatuan said.

On May 28, the Bangsamoro Government, through the MOH-BARMM and Ministry of Public Works, inaugurated the isolation center in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao which was built in 40 days.

In yesterday’s press briefing, Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun said that BARMM will continue supporting the operations of the isolation facility through the Office of the Chief Minister.

“Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim has approved to provide the food supply for COVID-19 positive patients that would be admitted to the isolation facility”, he said.

Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital Chief Dr. Ibrahim V. Pangato, Jr. emphasized that the new set of health personnel have already undergone basic training on infectious control prior to deployment.

“We need teamwork to fight Covid-19, since only the Bangsamoro will help our fellow Bangsamoro,” Pangato asserted. (Bureau of Public Information)

Abu Sayyaf ‘Imam’, 2 others surrender in Sulu

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.  

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) “Imam” and two others have surrendered to the government through joint efforts of the Civil-Military Operation (CMO) and intelligence operation in the province of Sulu, an official said Friday.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said the Imam and his two companions surrendered at the Forward Operating Base of the 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB) in Barangay Tugas, Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday.

Encinas was unable to divulge the identities of the three ASG surrenderers, citing security reasons.

“This Imam is no ordinary Muslim religious leader. He had been the healer of wounded Abu Sayyaf members for decades,” he said.

Encinas noted that the surrender of the three is the culmination of a long CMO and intelligence operations launched after the clash between 45IB troopers and the ASG bandits in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu on April 22.

He said the ASG bandits suffered “one of their worst defeats, leaving behind three dead comrades and carrying others who were killed or wounded” during the clash.

The "relentless effort" to locate the other casualties of the ASG led the troops to Barangay Libug-Kabao, Panglima Estino, a neighboring town of Patikul, Encinas said, adding that upon learning of the ASG “hospital”, troops immediately established links through CMO and intelligence operation that culminated in the surrender of the Imam and his two companions.

The three were immediately placed under debriefing procedures. (PNA)

Local police commanders now allowed to issue travel authority

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan 

JTF CV Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – Chiefs of police (COPs) and station commanders are now allowed to issue travel authority to locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and essential travels, the Joint Task Force Covid Shield (JTF CV Shield) said on Friday.

"Kanina lamang ay nagbigay ng guidance ang ating (Philippine National Police) chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa na puwede na pong mag issue ngayon ng travel authority ang mga COPs at station commanders natin (Earlier this morning, our PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa gave guidance that our COPs and station commanders can now issue a travel authority)," JTF CV Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a Laging Handa briefing.

He said this will make travel between provinces and regions easier for LSIs provided that they will comply with the medical certificate requirement given the city or municipality where they come from.

The medical clearance certificate is essential in determining the health condition of those who would travel, particularly to determine if they are cleared of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"Our COPs or station commanders, in the case of numbered police stations, will allow that as long as we have the requirements such as medical clearance certificate," Eleazar said.

Eleazar said the COPs and station commanders, through their help desks, will be the ones to coordinate with the local government unit destination of the applicants through the local police stations. Once the coordination is completed, the travel authority will be issued to the applicants.

Police officers manning the help desk would notify the person to pick up the hard copy of the travel authority, or, the travel authority could be sent via e-mail or any messaging apps like Messenger or Viber.

For LSIs at airports, Eleazar said the PNP Aviation Security Group through its local officers can issue a travel authority for those who have their medical clearance certificate.

"Ngayon kung wala kayong medical certificate at dala lang is certificate from the barangay na nag-quarantine kayo, meron po tayong doktor doon na puwede kayong i-check at bigyan ng medical clearance certificate (For those who don't have a medical certificate but you have a certificate from the barangay proving that you have undergone quarantine, we have a doctor there who can check on you and issue a medical clearance certificate)," he added.

Data from the task force showed 57,000 copies of travel authority were issued for LSIs and people traveling for indispensable reasons such as medical and family emergencies.

For more information about the issuance of travel authority, Eleazar said the public can contact the JTF CV Shield via these hotlines: 0998-849-0013 for Smart users and 0917-538-2495 for Globe users.

The JTF CV Shield can also be reached through its email address: ncovmonitoring@gmail.com.

The PNP Helpline 16677 can also be contacted for request for assistance and concerns on Travel Authority. (PNA)

6 bandits killed, 14 yield after clash with troops in S. Kudarat

 By Noel Punzalan 

NEUTRALIZED. Several members of a lawless group surrender following a clash with the military in the interiors of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday (June 4, 2020). Sixteen firearms (inset) were also recovered by the military after the clash. (Photo by 6ID)

COTABATO CITY – Six members of an armed lawless group were killed in a clash with government soldiers in the interiors of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday, the Army here said.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said 14 other members of the lawless group surrendered, including its leader, identified as Tugali Guiamal Galmak, alias Commander Tugali.

Five of the surrenderers were wounded, Carreon said.

Troops under the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) launched a law enforcement operation targeting Tugali’s group in Purok Galmak, Barangay Baumol, Lambayong after receiving information about their presence in the area from local residents.

“Tugali is a former member of the Pentagon kidnap-for-ransom group operating in Central Mindanao,” Carreon said.

He said when 40IB troopers reached the nearby village of Langgapanan, they were met by some 20 fully-armed men of the Tugali group.

"A running gun battle ensued, leading to Barangay Baumol, which resulted in the death of six bandits based on body count,” Carreon said.

The military also seized 16 assorted firearms following the encounter. (PNA)

BARMM receives medical supplies, equipment from National TF

 By Albashir Saiden 

 

TURNOVER. Officials of the National Task Force on coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) turned over Thursday (June 3) to their counterparts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) various medical supplies, equipment, and test kits to help the region in its fight to its fight against the Covid-19 virus. National Task Force on Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez (extreme left) led the handing over of the donation following a meeting with the BARMM Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19 at the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. (Photo by BPI-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) received Thursday boxes of medical supplies and equipment from the National Task Force (TF) on coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The turnover ceremony took place following a meeting by the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) with their counterparts at the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Included in the medical supplies and equipment are 1,000 KN95 face masks and 10,000 personal protective equipment.

The National IATF, through Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, has procured a total of 23,000 rapid test kits for BARMM.

Delfin said the rapid test kits would be equally distributed to all the five BARMM provinces, as well as Cotabato City and the 6ID.

National TF chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. noted that they have coordinated with the local government of Zamboanga City in licensing three testing facilities that can be used by the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

“We will have [testing centers] in Zamboanga City with more or less 1,200 to 2,000 capacity. It is intended for the three island provinces,” he said.

Galvez said plans are also underway to develop a Covid-19 testing center in the heart of Sulu.

To date, the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) here is the only certified testing facility in BARMM and Region 12 that can test up to 72 samples daily via the Gene Xpert machine.

The National TF is also looking forward to providing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction machines for CRMC that could test up to 1,000 samples, Galvez said. (PNA)

BARMM vows to protect never before seen otters in Tawi-Tawi

Cotabato City  – At least six (6) small sea otters, a never before seen species in the Philippines, were spotted in the coasts of Taganak Island, a component island of Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi.

According to the province’s District-1 Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Abdulmukim Maruji, the otters, spotted on the island on May 15, 17 and 20, were identified as smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata).

“So far, we don’t have a record of this species in the Philippines, this is the first time we saw such kind in the country,’’ Maruji said.

Maruji added that said otter species are existing in Sarawak, Malaysia. “They might have drifted in the island, they might also be exploring for new habitat because they were disturbed, or looking for food,” Maruji explained.

The CENR officer said these otters plays a vital role and adds up to the rich biodiversity of Tawi-Tawi, but are vulnerable to being endangered.

“Kung hindi natin maaalagaan, maaaring maging endangered sila,” he said.

[If we we won’t protect them, they might be endangered.]

As of now, the CENRO already has coordinated with Turtle Islands’ Protected Area Supervisor Office (PASO) under the Region IX and to other law enforcers to ensure protection of the said creatures.

“Habang nasa Tawi-Tawi sila (while they are in Tawi-Tawi), or whether they stay here for good, we will ensure they will be protected,” Maruji said. (Bureau of Public Information)