Mayor to employees: stay calm,

in midst of City Hall infections

By Letty M.Militante

City Mayor Maria Isabelle C.Climaco Salazar  has called on city hall employees  to remain  calm  and to continue to perform work following a number of cityhall employees (male and female) tested possitive for the Covid 19 infection or contamination.

On recor, Zamboanga City Covid 19 positive cases increase and continue to rise  and the number of those cases  has been closed to home.

With this development,Climaco Salazar said that city hall must remain open because "we are in the heart of local government."

“Our services can not stop,” Climaco Salazar said .

Climaco Salazar also  called on government workers as public servants to remain calm and to continue performing  their work.

“This is our sworn duty,”Climaco Salazar said adding that “Zamboanga City needs you.I need you all to  hold our ground and help fight  the battle .”

According to Climaco Salazar, the city government is doing everything  to make cityhall work spaces   safe as much as possible.

The local government further re- assures the public    and that it is exhausting all efforts to fight  Covid 19 in different fronts.

Cityhall is on skeletal arrangement  to limit people’s movement wherein Climaco Salazar  has directed department heads  to find ways to limit contact in the performance of transactions , to be flexible and to maximize  technologies available .

There is also the ongoing disinfection and decontamination in Cityhall.

Contract tracing is also at hand, Climaco Salazar said.

“Covid 19 is already in our community,” Climaco Salazar said adding that let us consider ourselves expose and possible carrier.Therefore , we must act accordingly.”

“ Covid 19 is a public emergency, economic

emergency, social emergency. We are doing out best,” Climaco Salazar said .

Climaco Salazar also reminds everyone to protect and discipline themselves  by cooperating on protocolas as  the proper wearing of face mask at all time,  maintaining social-physical  distancing and avoid convergence  as well as poor ventilation, proper hygiene and washing of hands and limited movements  to only essentials.(Letty M.Militante )

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City with 32 infected barangays

By Letty Militante

Zamboanga City now has  32 barangays from  out of the total 98 barangays that are already infected with the  Corona Virus and included in the area involved in the “Covid 19 Pandemic.”

As of press time, Covid 19 positive case rose to 456 confirmed cases with 12 deaths, 238 active and  206 cases recovered .

City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite that the confirmed Covid 19 positive cases  are not only in the local community  but already in work places  both in private  establishments and government offices in the city.

The Covid 19 infections tell us that all is now at risk of getting infected wherein the youngest patient is as young as 8 months old.

Those Covid 19 possitive come from various walks of life and profession ,  Miravite said that they come from the general  population of  senior citizens, children, pregnant women, frontliners, medical health professionals, security forces, military and police officials who  because of their exposures are considered  in higher risk of getting infected.

As this developed, Miravite continues to remind everyone  on the proper use of face masks, physical distancing,  proper hygience and washing of hands and most important of all is the cooperation.

Miravite said that  without cooperation of everyone this will lead to more possitive cases of Covid 19.

“We have to live by the Covid so Let us care for each other,Let us protect each other,” Miravite said.

The 32 barangays with Covid 19 possitive cases are follows: Arena Blanco, Baliwasan ,Cabatangan, Canelar, Camino Nuevo, Campo Islam, Cawit, Culianan, Divisoria, Kasangyangan ,Maasin,Mampang,Mercedes, Pasonanca, Putik, Salaan,San Jose Cawa-Cawa,San Jose Gusu, San Roque, Sinunuc, Sangali, Sta. Barbara.Sta. Catalina, Sta. Maria, Sto. Nino, Talon-Talon,Tetuan,Tumaga, Tugbungan, Zambowood, Zone 1& 11 .(Letty M.Militante)

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IATF-EID Moratorium request

for LSIs'  entry to city denied

By Letty M.Militante

The IATF-EID has denied a request of the city government for a moratorium on the entry of Local Stranded Individuals and Returning Overseas Filipinos in Zamboanga City.

Earlier, Mayor Maria Isabelle C.Climaco Salazar   has requested for a moratorium on the entry of LSI’s and ROF’s in this city on the possibility that some of them could be carriers of the Covid 19 virus.

However, the  IATF-EID  emphasized that local government units (LGUs) are requested to accept LSIs and ROFs upon instruction of President Duterte and that

requests for moratorium will be granted should situation require it.

This was the response of  Key officials of IATF-EID   to the request of Mayor Beng Climaco for a moratorium on the entry of LSIs and ROFs in Zamboanga City which the latter reiterated during the teleconference meeting with LGU leagues and select local chief executives last Monday morning, July 20,2020. 

In other development, the IATF-EID also denied  Climaco Salazar  request on  allowing members of the same household to backride without need for safety barrier.

The  IATF denied the mayor's request on grounds that the barrier serves as a safety net for the common practice of riders to lift their helmet face shields during stops. (Letty M. Militante ) 

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PWDs’ livelihood affected

by COVID-19 pandemic

By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

Persons with Disability (PWD) in region 9 are struggling to access basic essentials, social services and many have lost their source of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a representative from the PWD sector here shared.

Teddy Kahil, President of Regional Federation of PWDs, confirmed that most of the concerns received from the PWD sector during the pandemic, specifically in the duration of community quarantine, is the loss of source of income and livelihood.

Since most of the blind community are in the massage industry, they have lost their jobs and source of income because the industry is also greatly affected with the pandemic. Kahil appealed to the government and to private sectors to also provide assistance.

“Everyone is affected with the pandemic but unlike the other people with no disability, our sector is struggling in accessing the immediate assistance and services of the government,” he said, highlighting that most of them have problems on mobility and accessibility to receive assistance from the government.

Kahil also suggested providing additional skills training for the PWDs, however, that would also take time and they have limited resources due to the community quarantine. Moreover, the federation is continuously extending assistance to the PWDs by acting as a referral unit to help PWDs in need access their needs and services during the quarantine period.

Meanwhile, Kahil appeals to the public to stop discriminating the PWDs as he has observed that there still exists such discrimination.

“We still receive reports on discrimination to some PWDs, especially in the employment sector,” Kahil emphasized.

Furthermore, since livelihood and employment is needed by the sector, they are also requesting the employers to put more premium in the PWDs’ skills and qualifications during job hiring. (RVC/MLE/ PIA9-Zamboanga City)

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Over 32K Zambo kids

get anti-polio vaccine

The City Health Office here has vaccinated 32,685 children aged zero to 10 on Monday, the first day of the Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio.

Corazon Pagotaisidro, City Health Office Immunization Program coordinator, said Tuesday the 32,685 represents 16 percent of 205,780 children targeted to be immunized against polio.

Pagotaisidro said they have assigned 900 health workers to do the anti-polio vaccination in the city’s 98 barangays.

The children are given the Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV) during the immunization campaign, which is until August 2.

Pagotaisidro advised the parents to allow their children to be vaccinated to protect them from polio disease, noting that some parents were hesitant amid fears of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

She said health protocols are being observed in the conduct of immunization and these include the following: no-touch policy; no entry to the houses of the children to be vaccinated; hand sanitation before and after vaccinating each patient; and the wearing of masks at all times

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City logs 4 new

Covid recoveries

The Zamboanga City Health Office (CHO) said the number of recoveries for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) here continues to increase daily.

Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, CHO chief, said in a virtual press conference late Monday that the recovered cases for Covid-19 have increased to 193 following four more new recovered patients.

Miravite said the recovered patients have reunited with their families, adding the new recovered cases have trimmed down the city's active cases to 202.

Miravite said the active cases are currently housed in different isolation facilities of this city, except for one who is currently admitted at a private hospital.

The health officer said 115 of the 202 active cases are from the community; 35 are close contacts of Covid-19 patients; 22 from the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center; 59 locally stranded individuals; and six returning overseas Filipinos.

She said the city has a total of 407 Covid-19 cases since March, including two who are in Manila but listed under Zamboanga City since they are city residents. (PNA)

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NTF COVID-19 works on

strict protocol for travelers

The National Task Force COVID19 is presently working for enhanced and stern measures for travelers specifically for Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs), including Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs).

Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) COVID19 and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, in today’s Laging Handa Network Briefing (LHNB) with PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar said that the NTF considers easing the burden of recipient-LGUs on LSIs, ROFs, and APOrR. 

“Tinitingnan po namin ngayon kung paano gagawin ang travel restrictions para at least hindi maging sagabal sa mga recipient-LGUs (we are looking into how to go about travel restrictions so as not to burden recipient-LGUs)," Galvez said.

Galvez said the task force has seen and feels very sad and sorry that the spike of positive COVID-19 cases in medium risk areas are mostly transmitted from LSIs and ROFs.

Dipolog City Mayor Darel Uy in the same LHNB said although the city to date records zero case of positive COVID-19, he is wary of the relax and absence of stringent protocols for the inter-zonal movements of APORs.

 In response, Sec. Galvez assured the mayor and the public in general that the task force is currently ironing out protocols that will cover, especially gateways or possible entry points like seaports and airports; and that they are working on establishing a one-stop-shop as one of the measures to address this concern.

“Magkakaroon ng one-stop-shop, magkakaroon ng stringent screening, katulad ng ginagawa natin sa NAIA, Clark Airbase at Cebu City” (we will establish a one-stop-shop, we will have stringent screening, like what we are doing at the NAIA, Clark Airbase and Cebu City) he said.

Galvez said the task force is working on establishing one-stop-shops in all entry points that will have travelers like the LSIs, ROFs, and APORs undergo rigorous health screening so as to avoid a spike of positive COVID-19 cases in the days ahead.

Meanwhile , Galvez informed, the task force has received requests from LGUs in Metro Manila, Cebu and other LGUs in the country, asking for extension on the use of schools as barangay isolation unit for LSIs and ROFs for some duration.

He said the task force will coordinate with the Secretaries of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for such recommendation. (RVC/JPA/PIA-Zamboanga Sibugay)

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2 nabbed in Zambo

anti-drug operations

A suspected big time drug personality and another suspect were arrested in separate law enforcement operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula region, a police official said Tuesday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the suspects as Mark Michael Laurque, 35; and Ricky Catamad, 36.

Laurque was arrested in a buy-bust around 9:30 p.m. Monday in Purok Parpagayo, Barangay Guinles, Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte.

Police said Laurque yielded some PHP97,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in seven heat-sealed plastic sachets, PHP500 marked money, and a motorcycle.

Meanwhile, police served an arrest warrant against Catamad around 10:30 a.m. Monday at the parking lot of a shopping mall in Barangay Sta. Maria.

Galvez said Catamad is charged with the violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 with PHP200,000 recommended bail. (PNA)

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PWDs in ZamPen reiterate

call for inclusivity, accessibility

As the country observes National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) from July 17-23, the local persons with disability (PWD) sector in the region is calling for government agencies and stakeholders to heed their call for inclusivity and accessibility especially during the pandemic.

Teddy Kahil, President of the Regional PWD Federation said “PWDs are highly affected by the pandemic”. For example, he cites that blind masseurs’ income are affected due to the quarantine restrictions. Hence, he said government must help ease PWDs' burden by providing appropriate skills training and livelihood opportunities for those affected.

The Department of Health-IX (DOH-IX) maintains its drive to support on disabilities prevention by giving out free vaccines for children and adolescents and has been encouraging PWDs to inform or write to their respective health offices in their provinces if they need assistive devices.

“If you are a PWD and you need assistive devices like wheelchairs, crutches and walkers, let us know and we will help you avail. You can get in touch with your city or municipal health offices,” Dr. Rolando Bucoy, Medical Officer IV of DOH-IX during the Kapihan na Zamboanga Virtual Briefing said.

DOH-Regional Office will also prioritize giving assistive devices to those that need it urgently, since supplies are very limited. However, the agency remains positive that all PWDs in the region can benefit from all their available services.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Health Insurance Cooperation-IX (PhilHealth-IX) assured that under Republic Act 11228 “the government will subsidize the PhilHealth premium contributions of more than 100,000 PWDs when the list is completely validated, hopefully within this year,” Maria Venus Giron, Chief Social Insurance Officer of PhilHealth-IX said.

PhilHealth also appealed that PWDs should be registered in the Philippine Registry of Persons with Disabilities (PRPWD).

PWDs premium contributions shall be 100% paid and those in the formal economy will have affiliated benefits where 50% will be shouldered by the national government.

On the other hand, the Commission on Population and Development-IX (POPCOM-IX) emphasized that PWDs’ reproductive health must also be addressed as there is no difference with regards to the services afforded.

“PWDs are not treated differently and can really avail reproductive health services the same with abled-persons,” said POPCOM-IX Regional Director Reynaldo Wong.

Meanwhile, PWDs may access LGUs and government programs via referrals and coordination so that they can locate PWDs in the grassroots to be prioritized on the governments' 'ayuda' especially in this present situation.

“PWDs safest way is to tap their barangay officials as they were classified as one of the vulnerable sectors especially during this pandemic,” Kahil added.

Kahil also stated that access to information is very important to PWDs. He appealed to the media community “to provide sign language inset on televised news reports in local media and be more ‘descriptive’ to give the blind a more illustrated description of the news reports”.

A proposed ordinance by Kahil has been already submitted to one of the city councilors as he is hopeful that this ordinance will be passed soon.

This year, the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week will culminate on July 23, the birthday of Apolinario Mabini. The observance is calling the different sectors to address the needs of PWDs for food, medicines and assistive devices especially those who are marginalized.

Different LGUs have provided positive responses from this call, reiterating the privileges of PWDs on the accessibility of benefits and services are the same with abled-persons. (RVC/JRA/PIA-Zamboanga City/Photo courtesy of National Council on Disability Affairs)

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Livelihood, food security on

top of priorities of LGU 

Dipolog amid COVID-19 crisis

Now that the two confirmed COVID-19 cases of Dipolog City had recovered, the local government unit here is looking at boosting agriculture as means to secure food and livelihood for its residents.

Mayor Darel Dexter Uy, in his guesting at the Laging Handa Network Briefing with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, talked about the LGU’s initiatives to address food security and those whose livelihood were badly affected by the implementation of the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“Continuous ‘yong programa natin on economic recovery at dinagdagan natin ito ng pang agrikultura. We want to ensure the production of our food here in Dipolog. We are also looking at other means of livelihood for our residents,” said Mayor Uy.

He emphasized a recently passed ordinance authorizing the establishment and operation of “Talipapa” in the barangays.

“With this, mas malapit na sa mga residente ang bilihan ng mga pagkain at dagdag pangkabuhayan pa sa kanila.”

Moreover, Mayor Uy encouraged Dipolognons to go into urban farming especially for those who are working and spending some idle time at home. The LGU has been promoting the aquaponics system method of urban farming.

“Mas marami kaayong maitatanim sa inyong maliit na garden with this method. This is purely organic,” said Mayor Uy who shared that he’s been doing the same technique in his backyard garden at home.

He said planting at home, especially at this time of crisis, would help the Dipolognons earn additional income and have sufficient food on their plates.

“Makakatulong sila hindi lang sa kanilang kanya-kanyang pamilya kundi sa komunidad na rin,” he opined.

In his recent social media post, Mayor Uy stressed “stay at home, grow your own food,” which is very timely in the coming celebration of the Nutrition Month. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

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Gov't troops, NPA rebels clash in Zambo Norte town

By Leah Agonoy  

Government troops recovered war and propaganda materials from a lair of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) following a 10-minute firefight in the Zamboanga del Norte town of Siayan, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, commander of the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion, said Monday's clash erupted while the troops were on combat operation in Barangay Pange, Siayan.

No casualty was reported on both sides.

Herrera said the troops recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle with several rounds of ammunition, medical supplies, personal belongings, and propaganda materials, including an NPA flag.

“We will not stop in doing two things: first, in pursuing the enemy who disrupts peace in Siayan and second, giving chance and opportunity to the NPAs to return to the folds of the law,” Herrera said.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, said they will continue to deploy troops to bring peace in Siayan.

“The brigade will continuously pressure the NPAs operating in the region to induce them to lay down their arms and eventually promote peace and development,” Nicolas said.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, called on the rebels to surrender and avail of the "programs and initiatives of the government, including the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP)."

"It is not yet too late to start a new life in peace and violence-free,” Ponio said. (PNA)

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Dipolog SK to launch webinars to address depression, suicide, bullying among youths

Mental health is among the most pressing concerns among the youth nowadays, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Feelings of depression, worry and stress in this time of crisis are normal but how should we deal with it?

The Sangguniang Kabataan in Dipolog City make it a point to launch recently the “Kumusta Ka Kabataan?” a webcast with Ms. Universe 2010 4th Runner Up and #NotALone Ambassadress Ms. Venus Raj.

This would be followed by an upcoming project dubbed “Project Sangpit Kabataan”, wherein series of webinars on respect, anti-bullying, relationships, and such will be discussed to the youth in Dipolog City.

“Mayroong breakout sessions and we will also be having a hotline kapag hindi nakaabot ang ating interested participant sa discussion. They can freely share. We are promoting a safe space and of course, confidentiality,” shared Mandel Zoe Lugasan, SK Federation President of Dipolog City during her guesting on the Laging Handa Network Briefing hosted by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar.

Lugasan said they will be partnering with several non-government organizations such as the #NotAlone Dipolog City, Elevate and Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents' Association (ZNFePA) “to address the most pressing issues that this generation is facing today like depression, suicide, bullying, addiction and abuse.”

“It’s an activity that is close to my heart for I’ve been dealing with anxiety myself,” she said.

SK officials in the City will also undergo special trainings to assist in the psychosocial and mental health peer counseling and support for the youth.

Aside from this, Lugasan said the SK has been actively participating and contributing to the COVID-19 response of the local government, initiated online contests to engage the youth even when they are staying at home. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

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Cotabato City posts 68%

 Covid-19 recovery rate

Fifteen coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in Cotabato City have already recovered out of 22 total confirmed infections as of Tuesday (July 21).

 The Cotabato City Health Office (CHO) said the number of recoveries represents an equivalent of 68 percent recovery rate.

Meanwhile, CHO said that a five-year-old boy is the latest Covid-19 patient carrier in this city, which has declared a “red alert” status to prevent local transmission of the virus.

“Our health workers are still determining the travel history of the child and his parents as part of contact tracing,” Dr. Meyasser Patadon, city health chief, said on Tuesday.

Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi also issued a directive on Tuesday that prohibits the entry of any individual in this city's villages without a certificate of acceptance from the barangay officials.

Guiani-Sayadi said many of those who tested positive for Covid-19 were from other areas but have sought temporary shelter from relatives in this city while a family member is undergoing treatment here.

The mayor said a non-resident may enter and stay in the city, but one has to undergo a rapid test for Covid-19.

She said a “bona fide” resident would certify in writing that he or she knows the person before a certificate of acceptance is issued. (PNA)

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Troops nab 4 Vietnamese

fishermen off Tawi-Tawi

A Vietnamese boat captain was wounded after allegedly resisting arrest while Philippine authorities are investigating him and three others aboard a fishing boat off Turtle Islands municipality in Tawi-Tawi, an official said Wednesday.

Maj. Alpaser Haber, Turtle Islands municipal police chief, identified the wounded Vietnamese boat captain as Nu Oi, who sustained a gunshot wound in the right leg.

Haber identified the other three arrested Vietnamese as Ly Van Hon, Do Van Son, and Le Van Tao, all crewmen of a Vietnamese fishing boat with plate number 93842TS.

Haber said the Vietnamese fishing boat was sighted fishing illegally around 1 a.m. Wednesday near the shore of Sitio Langaan, Barangay Poblacion, Turtle Islands town.

He said a composite team of policemen and Marine soldiers together with Turtle Islands town Mayor Faizal Jamalul boarded the Vietnamese fishing boat for a board and search and investigation.

However, he said Oi, armed with a knife, attacked one of the policemen when they were ordered to move towards the front of the fishing boat for proper investigation.

He said Oi's action prompted one of the policemen to shoot. Oi was taken to the Rural Health Unit while his three companions are detained at the police headquarters. (PNA)

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ZamboSur Covid-19 molecular

biology laboratory 95% complete

The P30-M worth of Covid-19 molecular biology laboratory of Zamboanga del Sur is 95% completed.

Thus, disclosed Dr. Anatalio Cagampang, Jr., chief of Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC) and officer-in-charge of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) during the Covid-19 Task Force meeting in Pagadian City. 

Cagampang said Governor Victor Yu constructed these facilities to help fast-track and expand its capacity to test and identify COVID-19 patients so that they can be treated immediately, and it can also test more people faster.

The laboratory which was constructed on April 21, this year is a testing center that can help speed up the confirmation of coronavirus cases in the province.

Cagampang said the laboratory is not an ordinary laboratory. “It is a national laboratory intended to treat our COVID-19 patients,” he announced.

He said that last week,  the teams from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RTMI) in Manila visited the building and assessed the status of the COVID-19 molecular biology laboratory.

Cagampang said 70% of the laboratory equipment was already procured and delivered and 3 other equipment from China are scheduled to be delivered 3rd week, this July. He added that the medical staff of ZDSMC will undergo 7 days of intensive training on COVID-19.

“Our medical staff is scheduled to undergo training in Manila but due to the pandemic, instead I requested Dr. Gregory Jennings of World Health Organization (WHO) to conduct the training at ZDSMC since we have limited number of staff,” Cagampang reported. 

After the training, a proficiency testing will be conducted before it can begin testing.

“If the requirements will be completed, hopefully, the laboratory can operate on the 3rd week of August,” Cagampang concluded.

The provincial government is very eager that the laboratory will operate since the medical staff is ready and the DOH and RITM are also ready to guide them. (NBE/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

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Troops recover NPA arms

cache in Zambo del Norte

Government troops have recovered an arms cache of the communist terrorists New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote village in Zamboanga del Norte, military officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the arms cache containing several high-power firearms was unearthed in a follow-up operation Tuesday in Barangay Pange, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Herrera said the troops launched the follow-up operation based on information provided by a former member of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) of the NPA’s Western Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).

Herrera said the discovery of the firearms was proof that many are disgruntled with the "communist terrorist NPA".

“If it's not the community, it's the former rebels who disclose the locations of their firearms. This is proof that the FRs (former rebels) are tired of the NPA atrocities and also want this insurgency to end,” he said.

The troops recovered the arms cache a day after government forces clashed with a group of rebels that led to the recovery of an M-16 Armalite rifle with several rounds of ammunition, medical supplies, personal belongings, and propaganda materials.

Lasting for 10 minutes, the clash broke out took while the troops were on combat operation Monday in the boundary of Sitios Macasing and Sinatalan, Barangay Pange, Siayan.

Meanwhile, Col. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, urged the remaining members of the communist terrorist group to abandon the armed struggle.

“Many among your ranks are already seeing the light after being imprisoned in the dark for many years of deception and lies by the Communist Terrorist Groups,” Nicolas said. “Lay down your arms and allow us to help you return to your families."

On the other hand, 22 former members of the communist terrorists NPA has received Tuesday PHP20,000 initial financial assistance from the Provincial Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) committee.

Nicolas said that the former NPA rebels are now being processed for enrollment to ECLIP, which includes firearms remuneration. (PNA)

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Pasig  suspends supermart

over protocol violation

The Pasig City government has ordered the temporary suspension of operations of a mall's supermarket over its failure to implement minimum health safety standards, specifically physical distancing measures.

Mayor Vico Sotto said the grocery section of the Landers Superstore in Barangay Ugong has been temporarily closed from July 21 to 27.

Sotto said only the grocery section is closed to the public while the mall's restaurant, barbershop, plant shop, pharmacy, and the parking lot remain open for businesses.

“Usually when we suspend, for this reason, we don’t announce the name. We don’t want them to have bad publicity, we just want their customers safe,” Sotto said, as he defended his decision to name the supermarket. "But this is big business, so you will probably hear about it anyway."

Sotto, meanwhile, said the mall's management has expressed its intent to make necessary adjustments in compliance with the city government's health protocols and guidelines to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"We encourage them [Landers Management] to use the next few days to improve their health and safety protocols," he said.

Localized ECQ

Meanwhile, the local government has placed Ventura Compound at F. Mariano, Barangay Dela Paz under localized enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on Monday due to the surge of Covid-19 cases.

"Nagdedeklara po tayo ng Localized ECQ sa mga lugar na mataas ang konsentrasyon ng mga kaso (We declare localized ECQ in those areas with a high concentration of cases)," Sotto said in a separate Facebook post.

He said the local government is monitoring the number of active, suspected, and probable cases in every compound, street, and small area compared to its total population.

The declaration of localized lockdown is not based on the total number of cases in the entire barangay, Sotto said but is based on the surge of cases in a particular area, compound, or street.

"Hindi po basehan ang total na bilang ng kaso sa buong barangay. Tandaan natin na hindi pare-pareho ang laki ng mga barangay sa Pasig (It's not based on the total number of cases in the entire barangay. We should remember that the sizes of each barangay in Pasig differ from each other)," he said.

Under Pasig's localized ECC, residents will only be allowed to leave the premises of their houses for work and emergency reasons.

The local government will provide food packs and other essentials for its residents, Sotto said, to minimize their need to go outside.

Sotto earlier announced the implementation of localized lockdowns in four streets in Pipino, Labanos, Okra, and Ubas Streets in Napico, Barangay Manggahan which began Sunday evening.

Sotto reminded anew residents to adhere to the government's preventive measures against Covid-19. 

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Over 92K overseas Filipinos

back in provinces: Lorenzana

Over 92,000 overseas Filipinos who returned to the country amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic are now back in their provinces, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday.

"As of July 18, a total of 92,530 overseas Filipinos have returned to their provinces," said Lorenzana, head of the Security, Justice and Peace Cluster at a pre-SONA forum.

He said the Department of Foreign Affairs has implemented massive efforts to bring home displaced and stranded Filipinos abroad due to the pandemic while those who severely affected were provided with financial and legal assistance.

Meanwhile, he said the government continues to ramp up response efforts to the health crisis.

"As of July 16, we have 87 testing laboratories and our daily testing capacity has exceeded 50,000," said Lorenzana, who is also chair of the National Task Force on Covid-19.

He added that the country has "15 Mega Covid treatment and monitoring facilities" and more than 7,000 local isolation and general treatment facilities nationwide.

"We have also distributed close to 2 million personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and thousands of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing kits to various hospitals and front-liners," he added.

Lorenzana said these efforts are anchored on the Test, Treat, and Trace Management System which is focused on "prevention, detection, isolation, treatment and reintegration and eventual adaption to the new normal".

He, meanwhile, said that assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have transported 2 million pounds of medical supplies and essential cargo locally and abroad.

"The Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard have assisted in transporting arriving overseas Filipinos and locally stranded individuals to their respective provinces," he added.

The Philippine Army, meanwhile, provided free rides in Metro Manila. (PNA)

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Dipolog SK to launch webinars to address depression, suicide, bullying among youths

Mental health is among the most pressing concerns among the youth nowadays, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Feelings of depression, worry and stress in this time of crisis are normal but how should we deal with it?

The Sangguniang Kabataan here make it a point to launch recently the “Kumusta Ka Kabataan?” a webcast with Ms. Universe 2010 4th Runner Up and #NotALone Ambassadress Ms. Venus Raj.

This would be followed by an upcoming project dubbed “Project Sangpit Kabataan”, wherein series of webinars on respect, anti-bullying, relationships, and such will be discussed to the youth in Dipolog City.

“Mayroong breakout sessions and we will also be having a hotline kapag hindi nakaabot ang ating interested participant sa discussion. They can freely share. We are promoting a safe space and of course, confidentiality,” shared Mandel Zoe Lugasan, SK Federation President of Dipolog City during her guesting on the Laging Handa Network Briefing hosted by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar.

Lugasan said they will be partnering with several non-government organizations such as the #NotAlone Dipolog City, Elevate and Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents' Association (ZNFePA) “to address the most pressing issues that this generation is facing today like depression, suicide, bullying, addiction and abuse.”

“It’s an activity that is close to my heart for I’ve been dealing with anxiety myself,” she said.

SK officials in the City will also undergo special trainings to assist in the psychosocial and mental health peer counseling and support for the youth.

Aside from this, Lugasan said the SK has been actively participating and contributing to the COVID-19 response of the local government, initiated online contests to engage the youth even when they are staying at home. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

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Health protocol violators led to

COVID-19 surge in Zambo – DOH

The surge of COVID-19 cases here is a result of people not taking seriously and not abiding by health protocols, particularly the wearing of face masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing and sanitizing, an official from the Department of Health (DOH) here said.

“Mayroon talaga tayong hindi nagagawa na protocol to prevent the spread of the virus,” said DOH-9 Assistant Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes during the Kapihan na Zamboanga Bantay COVID-19 Public Briefing held this morning (July 17).

Despite continuous public advisories, many residents still violate the minimum health protocols. A report released by Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) spokesperson PCapt. Edwin Duco reveals that from July 15 to 16 in a span of only 24 hours, 459 health protocol violators were reported. The top three violations are not wearing face masks, violation of social distancing / gatherings and going out without quarantine passes.

The city reverted back to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) yesterday (July 16) due to the spike of COVID-19 cases.

“We encourage non-essentials to limit their movements, do not go outside your homes especially the children, senior citizens and those with co-morbidities,” Dr. Brillantes added.

“This is now a call for personal commitment and for the active role of each individuals to really abide by the new normal,” he said.

Yesterday (July 16), 14 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported in the city. The city now has 159 active cases. Total cumulative cases are at 356, with 189 recoveries and 10 mortalities.

The DOH recently launched the “BIDA Solusyon” campaign, which seeks to emphasize the following: B-awal walang mask, I-sanitize ang mga kamay, D-umistansya ng isang metro, A-lamin ang totoong impormasyon. (RVC/DIS/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)

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NTF COVID-19 works on

stringent travel protocol

By Jocelyn Alvarez

DIPOLOG, Zamboanga Del Norte, July 20 (PIA)– The National Task Force COVID19 is presently working for enhanced and stern measures for travelers specifically for Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs), including Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs).

Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) COVID19 and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, in today’s Laging Handa Network Briefing (LHNB) with PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar said that the NTF considers easing the burden of recipient-LGUs on LSIs, ROFs, and APOrR. 

“Tinitingnan po namin ngayon kung paano gagawin ang travel restrictions para at least hindi maging sagabal sa mga recipient-LGUs (we are looking into how to go about travel restrictions so as not to burden recipient-LGUs)," Galvez said.

Galvez said the task force has seen and feels very sad and sorry that the spike of positive COVID-19 cases in medium risk areas are mostly transmitted from LSIs and ROFs.

Dipolog City Mayor Darel Uy in the same LHNB said although the city to date records zero case of positive COVID-19, he is wary of the relax and absence of stringent protocols for the inter-zonal movements of APORs.

 In response, Sec. Galvez assured the mayor and the public in general that the task force is currently ironing out protocols that will cover, especially gateways or possible entry points like seaports and airports; and that they are working on establishing a one-stop-shop as one of the measures to address this concern.

“Magkakaroon ng one-stop-shop, magkakaroon ng stringent screening, katulad ng ginagawa natin sa NAIA, Clark Airbase at Cebu City” (we will establish a one-stop-shop, we will have stringent screening, like what we are doing at the NAIA, Clark Airbase and Cebu City) he said.

Galvez said the task force is working on establishing one-stop-shops in all entry points that will have travelers like the LSIs, ROFs, and APORs undergo rigorous health screening so as to avoid a spike of positive COVID-19 cases in the days ahead.

Meanwhile , Galvez informed, the task force has received requests from LGUs in Metro Manila, Cebu and other LGUs in the country, asking for extension on the use of schools as barangay isolation unit for LSIs and ROFs for some duration.

He said the task force will coordinate with the Secretaries of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for such recommendation. (RVC/JPA/PIA-Zamboanga Sibugay)

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