Tag: Coronavirus

A Look Back at Wonder Woman #3 (1987)

A Look Back at Wonder Woman #3 (1987)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Like anyone of you guys and gals reading this, I’ve been limited to staying mostly at home as a result of the community quarantine imposed by the local authorities in response to the Coronvirus disease COVID-19 that started in China and has since turned into a global pandemic. Many people lose their jobs and have no income. Varied industries have been shut down. People are struggling to follow local authorities while there are some depending on relief goods (food, water and essential supplies) released by their respective governments or by charitable organizations.

The pandemic affected the entertainment industry too. As such, the much-awaited threatrical opening of the Wonder Woman 1984 movie had to be delayed by Warner Bros. from June 2020 to August 2020.

While waiting for the big movie to come out, let’s take a nice look back at Wonder Woman #3 published by DC Comics in 1987 with a story co-written by the late Len Wein and the legendary George Perez who worked on the art (inked by Bruce D. Patterson).

Cover
The cover by George Perez.

Early story

The story begins with Wonder Woman and Hermes arriving in the City of Boston in the United States. While flying in the air, princess Diana expressed her amazement of the city finding it exquisite and yet so disturbing. Even as Hermes cautions her from judging the people of man’s world, he states that man appears to have lost his way on Earth which makes him afraid and vulnerable to the influence of Ares.

He tells Wonder Woman that he led her to man’s world so that she could end the madness Ares has been causing on the people. Together they fly off to pursue the next objective.

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Wonder Woman and Hermes arrive in Boston.

Meanwhile at the Hanscom Air Force Base, a general arrives to check on Steve Trevor who is recovering from the incident that happened at Themyscira (in issue #2). As it turns out, Trevor is under arrest as he is wanted for questioning in relation to the shocking murder of another general. It was also stated that Trevor returned without the jet he used….

Quality

If there is anything that stood out for me personally in Wonder Woman #3, it is the wonder that comes with discovery which was greatly pulled off by Len Wein and George Perez. As Wonder Woman arrives in Boston, observes how strange the society is to her and how she adjusts to the place and people around her, I got very engaged along the way. What Wonder Woman discovers and learns, I discovered and learned as well. In some ways, her discovery of man’s world (through Boston) reminded me of what I experienced during my first arrival in San Francisco, California decades ago. It should be noted that the dialogue is very rich continuing nicely from what was started in issue #1.

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Wonder Woman and Julia Kapatelis slowly communicating with each other. 

Like in the first two issues, there is also a nice build-up of suspense which is connected with the fusion of both fantasy elements and Greek mythology. This comic book cleverly reminds readers what is happening behind the scenes in the fantasy realm (within the story that is) just as Wonder Woman and the people in man’s world move on with their respective exploits. Such suspense is very well used on adding depth to the plot while paving the way for sub-plots.

Also worth mentioning here is the introduction of professor Julia Kapatelis and her teenage daughter Vanessa as supporting characters who will prove to be crucial to Wonder Woman’s adjustment into their society. Personally, I just love the way the creators showed that Wonder Woman does not speak English and had yet to learn the language which added some depth into her first encounter with Julia.

Conclusion

I really had a great time reading Wonder Woman #3. This is a significant comic book as it marked Wonder Woman’s first arrival in man’s world during the Post-Crisis era (after Crisis on Infinite Earths) and a true modernization of the icon as well as her literary story during the Reagan years. As many true Wonder Woman fans already know, George Perez’s leading on reintroducing Wonder Woman in the 1980s is better and more dramatic than the Golden Age Wonder Woman.

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Steve Trevor recovering and Wonder Woman and Hermes arrive at Harvard University.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Wonder Woman #3 (1987), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $24 while the newsstand edition’s near-mint copy is priced at $51. As for the edition that does not have the month printed on the cover, the near-mint copy is worth $77.

Overall, Wonder Woman #3 (1987) is highly recommended!

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa sees rise in recoveries of COVID-19 patients, intensifies its targeted mass testing

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa sees rise in recoveries of COVID-19 patients, intensifies its targeted mass testing

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa sees rise in recoveries of COVID-19 patients, intensifies its targeted mass testing

As of May 7, the Muntinlupa City Health Office has recorded a steady rise in the number of COVID-19 recovered patients with over 66 recoveries. While, there are 313 cleared suspect cases and 321 cleared probable cases that have shown improvement over the recent days of monitoring.

Muntinlupa CHO chief Dra. Teresa Tuliao said the increase in cleared cases can be accounted to the local government’s pro-active contract tracing and mass testing, including a holistic approach in treating residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Muntinlupa City has started its targeted COVID-19 mass testing and has finished collecting swab samples from 596 individuals who are suspected to have contracted the virus to date.

Tuliao said the local health office conducts “express mass testing” where city residents are tested for as fast as 10 minutes. She noted that individuals to be tested undergo pre-assessment for triaging prior to swab collection.

Residents to be tested are transported through Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERT) and DRRMO. While, walk-in individuals are assessed by medical staff before being administered with the swab collection.

CHO has started to test frontliners and health workers in barangay health centers. COVID-19 test results are released four to five days after testing.

The local health officer said confirmed patients are immediately referred to quarantine facilities while close contacts and their families are subject for isolation to help contain the spread of the virus in the communities.

A field hospital and isolation rooms have been constructed in Ospital ng Muntinlupa to accommodate suspect, probable, and confirmed cases of COVID-19. Barangays in Muntinlupa have also installed quarantine areas to house COVID-19 cases.

Further, the City Government implements a holistic approach in treating COVID-19 patients and suspect individuals by providing psycho-social, spiritual, and support care on top of medical assistance. Recovered patients are continuously monitored by CHO and are given vitamins and other supplies.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi assures the public that the City Government implements tougher initiatives to beat COVID-19 in the city and urged residents to follow quarantine measures and to remain in their houses during the health emergency.

Muntinlupa City has 174 confirmed cases with 23 reported deaths, 12 suspect cases, and 432 probable cases as of May 7.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Social Amelioration Program (SAP) deadline this Sunday

COVID-19 Crisis: Social Amelioration Program (SAP) deadline this Sunday

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COVID-19 Crisis: Social Amelioration Program (SAP) deadline this Sunday

In your own city, were you able to check if the officials of your city government and barangay have been working extra hard on organizing the release of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to qualified residents in your community? They should be!

The heart of the matter right here is that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) already gave local government units extra time to disburse the SAP funds and the deadline is all set for this Sunday, the 10th of May.

Here’s an excerpt from the DILG’s official release.

Excerpt: DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that he recognizes the challenges encountered by LGUs on the ground especially those with high density population like Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, and Cebu and Davao City, hence the decision to extend the deadline for the payout anew.

“We have received reports from our field offices na kahit na 24/7 ang pamimigay ng ayuda ay mahihirapan talagang mameet ng LGUs ang May 7 deadline lalo na ‘yung mga nasa Metro Manila. We are therefore giving them until May 10 para makompleto lahat ‘yan,” he said.

He said that the League of Cities of the Philippines and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines together with the Metro Manila Development Authority requested for an additional three (3) days to complete the SAP distribution.

The DILG Chief said that those LGUs who will not be able to meet the new deadline on May 10 will definitely receive show cause orders from the Department. “This is the last extension that we will grant to the LGUs. Our people cannot wait any longer,” he said.

The show cause order for failure to meet deadlines should be enough to compel city government officials to really work. As far as Metro Manila is concerned, the SAP distribution was estimated at 36% according to a Manila Bulletin report on May 5. 36% accounts to over 565,000 low-income families in Metro Manila who were successful in receiving cash subsidies under the SAP.

In order to qualify to receive the cash subsidy, applicants must meet requirements including filling up official application forms. However, such efforts can be derailed by misinformation, miscommunication, rumor mongering, finger pointing, news media corruption and fake news.

Check out the situation in Parañaque City below.

And then something bad happened in the same city, related to SAP.

Whatever happens, be aware of your surroundings. Do not let your guard down. Do not be fooled by scammers and do not let corrupt officials bring you down. Do not let unprofessional and irresponsible local community print media journalists/publishers manipulate you.

Right now, literally speaking, the ball is in the court of the LGU and the barangays to beat the May 10 deadline for releasing the SAP funds to those who qualify for it.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

COVID-19 Crisis: Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan distributes relief goods to constituents

COVID-19 Crisis: Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan distributes relief goods to constituents

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced by means of interviewing a top official of the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

COVID-19 Crisis: Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan distributes relief goods to constituents

Things are looking bad in Parañaque City lately. Not only does Parañaque have, as of this writing, the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Metro Manila, there were illegal activities and facilities related to Chinese nationals even during quarantine, and as of April 29 the City Government managed to hand out only one-third of the allocated P600 million in aid fund to the local beneficiaries. Not only that, I still spotted on social media some posts of Parañaque residents who claimed that the City Government still have not delivered relief goods to them.

And then there were these two recent Parañaque City news videos showing more of the gloomy situation. It’s so sad, no beauty pageant in the city will ever lift up the frustrated. The promised Parañaque Renaissance will most likely not be realized during this final term of mayor Edwin Olivarez.

Fortunately in Barangay BF Homes, the youth living in mission areas are being taken cared of as the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) led by chairwoman Mariel Angela Tumang has been moving around and delivering relief goods to them right at their respective residences.

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Barangay BF Homes SK chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang personally distributing relief goods. (photo contributed by Mariel Tumang)
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SK Kagawad Jerry Dalmero doing his part. (photo contributed by Mariel Tumang)
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SK Kagawad Alma Galindo distributing to a lady. (photo contributed by Mariel Tumang)

According to Tumang, the relief goods were prepared by their team and, behind the scenes, the goods were acquired by means of using the SK’s own funds.

Very recently, Tumang along with SK kagawads Alma Galindo, Jerry Dalmero, Roselyn Regis, Kelly Haboc, Anne Corre, Stephanie Sebullen and SK treasurer Jefferson Ching personally delivered bags of relief goods to their constituents from one house to the next in the developing communities of Baong Silang, Villonco, Estrada 1 and Estrada 2.

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SK Kagawad Anne Corre. (photo contributed by Mariel Tumang)
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SK Kagawad Roselyn Regis. (photo contributed by Mariel Tumang)
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SK Kagawad Stephanie Sebullen. (photo contributed by Mariel Tumang)
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SK Kagawad Kelly Haboc. (photo contributed by Mariel Tumang)
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SK Treasurer Jefferson Ching. (photo contributed by Mariel Tumang)

Their operation will only continue today in other areas. For the Barangay BF Homes youth reading this, rest assured that your youth council is coming to provide you goods to consume. Tumang and the SK kagawads are working hard under the heat of the sun to take care of you. Contact the SK by visiting their official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/skcouncilbfhomes/

For all others reading this from around the Philippines and overseas, I know many of you who got negatively affected by the imposed community quarantine under the China virus crisis are thinking about giving up hope. I urge you not to give up hope. In fact, I encourage you, my readers, to stand up and look up to the Lord! Pray to Lord Jesus with confidence and trust in Him. Study the Holy Bible and apply its lessons to your life. Pray in tongues and honor the Lord.

Remember that the government is not our source. It is God who is our source. God Himself is not limited by your circumstance and trust me that He is already waging a battle against Satan (who is the cause of China coronavirus COVID-19). In due time, God will win yet again over Satan and end the COVID-19 Crisis that hampered us all. As such, always keep faith in the Lord and keep on trusting in Him. Do not worship idols, images and people. Worship only the Lord.

Let me end this with a holy scripture.

For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3: 16 (Amplified Version)

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City asks DOJ to reconsider transfer of PDLs with COVID-19 in Bilibid

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City asks DOJ to reconsider transfer of PDLs with COVID-19 in Bilibid

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City asks DOJ to reconsider transfer of PDLs with COVID-19 in Bilibid

The City Government of Muntinlupa expressed its opposition against the use of the New Bilibid Prison as a quarantine area for persons deprived of liberty who tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to the Department of Justice.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi sent a letter to DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra signifying the city’s protest for the transfer of COVID-19 PDLs in Muntinlupa saying it poses a threat to city residents.

“Let it be stated that we are mindful that we are mindful of our obligation to extend humane considerations to those afflicted with the pandemic virus. However, we have also to consider the thousands of Muntinlupeños who are put at greater risks with the additional COVID-19 patients brought to the city.” Fresnedi said.

The mayor cited Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991 which states that, “Every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied there from, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology…”

The City Government of Muntinlupa recently coordinated with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) regarding the protest.

On April 21, the Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR) transferred 18 women PDLs who tested positive for COVID-19 from the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City to the New Bilibid Prisons (Medium Security) in Muntinlupa City.

Following the transfer, BUCOR reported one male PDL from the Medium Security Compound who tested positive for COVID-19 and was confined at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. The male PDL died on April 24.

BUCOR conducted contact tracing on the day the patient was hospitalized and forty (40) PDLs, including medical staff, were placed in isolation.

The Muntinlupa City Council has passed a resolution to express protest and opposition to the transfer. It stressed that such transfer cannot be done without prior consultation with the City Government and the people and villages living or residing near and surrounding the Medium Security Compound, Camp Sampaguita, and without the prior approval of the Sanggunian.

The Bureau of Corrections has recently requested the Department of Education for the use a public elementary school in the New Bilibid Prisons Reservation (Itaas Elementary School) as a quarantine area for its personnel.

Muntinlupa Schools Division Office advised BuCor to comply with the requirements provided by DepEd before it endorses the request to the DepEd-NCR Director for further action.

Department of Interior and Local Government released Memorandum Circular 2020-062 dated March 21, 2020 which states that public schools shall not be used as quarantine or isolation areas unless explicitly allowed by the DepEd and strictly following the guidelines.

As of May 3, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 154 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 22 deaths and 46 recovered cases. According to the local health office, there are 8 “suspect” cases and 443 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa to date.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

My Observations: Even during quarantine, the Chinese connection still caused problems in Parañaque City

My Observations: Even during quarantine, the Chinese connection still caused problems in Parañaque City

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Months ago, I wrote that the City of Parañaque became a hot spot for crime incidents involving Chinese nationals and that the said city had more of such incidents than its neighboring cities here in South Metro Manila.

And then the coronavirus disease COVID-19 struck the world and this resulted community quarantine here in the Philippines which was recently extended into mid-May. Under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), most businesses were halted, mass gatherings were prohibited and people were told to stay at home so that the risk of infection would be reduced. The authorities have been struggling with testing people for COVID-19 while local government units (LGUs), including barangays, have been working to manage their respective communities and perform services like distributing relief goods to families, implementing curfew, etc.

Even though the ECQ has been implemented for over a month now, there were still problems in Parañaque City caused by Chinese nationals. I’m talking about the illegal online gaming operation involving 44 Chinese nationals (with 23 Filipinos) and illegal clinics and a stockroom filled with medicine from China.

Let’s start first with the illegal online gaming operation that was found in Mayuga Compound, Barangay Tambo with details from the Manila Bulletin report.

Excerpt: Forty-four (44) foreign nationals and twenty-three (23) Filipinos (fourteen female and nine male) engaged in an illegal online gaming operation were arrested by the combined team of the Regional Special Operation Unit, Southern Police District, and the Parañaque City police Friday night.

Police said that the suspects were arrested at about 7:30p.m. along Mayuga Compound, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The police said that prior to the arrest of the suspects, members of the RSOU received a telephone call from a concerned citizen who reported that a group of armed foreign nationals were seen outside their residence violating the curfew hours imposed by the city government while the country is under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Upon receiving the information, members of the RSOU immediately coordinated with the SPD and the Parañaque City police for the arrest of the suspects.

The police said that verification was made and they found the group of foreign nationals with firearms visibly tucked in their waists loitering around the said place.

The suspects, upon seeing the approaching policemen, immediately ran inside their house. A chase ensued that led to the discovery of the illegal online gaming operation of the suspects.

Police recovered cash amounting to more than P1.3-million, 255 Chinese Yuan; 73 Chinese passports; two .45 caliber pistols; two .9mm pistols; nine internet modems, 40 cellular phones; 17 pairs of keyboard and mouse; 36 different brands of laptop computers and assorted computer cables.

Wow. That’s such an operation. How exactly was it set up so discreetly? Was the apartment owner aware that the rented place was turned by the foreigners into an illegal business operation? Also when exactly did the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Parañaque City discover the first details about the illegal online gaming operation? Was Barangay Tambo even aware of the illegal operation?

As a result of the arrest done by the law enforcers, the ball is now up to the Bureau of Immigration to decide whether to deport the 44 Chinese nationals or not. Whatever their decision and no matter how long the investigation will take, it is clear that this incident made the City of Parañaque look bad.

To put things in perspective, Parañaque is the hot spot of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Metro Manila with 414 cases as of April 26 and the City Government and the barangays have been struggling to prevent the spread of infection while managing the communities. As seen many times on social media, pictures of many people crowding the public wet markets (palengke) in the city showed clear violations of social distancing. As such, the fear of a possible COVID-19 outbreak in Parañaque is entering more people’s minds.

Next, let’s take a look at the illegal clinics and the stockroom filled with Chinese medicine with details from CNN Philippines’ report.

Excerpt 1: Authorities raided two illegal clinics and a medicine stockroom in Parañaque City on Sunday night.

Among those seized in the stockroom in Barangay Baclaran in Parañaque was a large shipment of medicine for respiratory illnesses allegedly being used as a possible treatment for the coronavirus disease. There is no confirmed cure yet for COVID-19.

They found many more boxes of medicine and medical supplies from China in the stockroom, such as boxes of dextrose and medicine ranging from antibiotics, anti-viral drugs, and medicine used for treating sexually transmitted diseases.

“They have all kinds of medicines. Na-amaze ako kasi puro injectables silang lahat,” says Paranaque City Health Officer Dr. Olga Virtusio. She adds, “Kakaunti ‘yung oral meds, madami ding through IV (intravenous) fluid.”

[Translation: I was amazed because most of the medicines I saw were injectables. There were a few oral meds, but there were a lot of IV fluids.]

Meanwhile, some types of medicine sold by the two illegal clinics are a herbal supplement is used as a traditional Chinese treatment for colds, fever, cough, and sore throat and a non-prescription drug for flu and respiratory illnesses.

“The team is thinking na most probably they are really catering to the POGOs around, especially noong nagkaroon tayo ng massive routing of the different clubs at madaming nakitang prostitution. Mostly chinese ang nahuhuli,” the doctor added.

Authorities said they acted on a tip from a disgruntled worker from one of the illegal clinics. The owner of one of the clinics allegedly took her quarantine pass. As a result, the helper informed officials of what she called a “hospital” catering to mostly Chinese patients.

Excerpt 2: After the city government closed down the place, authorities found another similar clinic just a few blocks away.

Police found a Chinese man claiming to be a doctor in the second clinic. He did not speak on camera but presented what he claimed to be his doctor’s license in China.

The local government said they are finding out who owns this clinics and the stockroom.

Charges will be filed against the owners for violating quarantine laws, medical regulations, and for operating without necessary permits. The confiscated boxes of medicine will be turned over to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for testing.

Two illegal clinics that most likely served Chinese nationals located just a few blocks away from each other…could those two be connected with each other? As for the medicine imported from China, I wonder if they were cleared by the officials of customs. When exactly did the City Health Office led by Dr. Virtusio become aware of the illegal clinics? Did anyone from Barangay Baclaran notice the anomalies within their territory?

With these cases combined – the illegal gaming operation and the illegal clinics – I wonder if there was any bribery involved in establishing the illegal operations, how much the local authorities knew about their existence, and how exactly are Parañaque officials dealing with Chinese nationals who really had no intention to follow local laws.

It is fortunate for law enforcers that a disgruntled worker from one of the illegal clinics tipped them while a concerned citizen did the right thing by calling them about the presence of foreigners who were armed with guns. What exactly were those guns for, personal protection or as a means to threaten the local community’s members?

Whatever is happening behind the scenes with these two recent developments, what is clear is that Parañaque is still a hot spot for illegal activities involving Chinese nationals and the connection with mainland China. How the local authorities will deal with them is a big question mark.

You the reader might want to ask yourself: Are Chinese nationals already setting up Parañaque to be a key location for a future military invasion by mainland China?

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Thanks for reading!

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City expands the scope of personal information disclosure of COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City expands the scope of personal information disclosure of COVID-19 cases

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City expands the scope of personal information disclosure of COVID-19 cases

The City Government of Muntinlupa has expanded the scope of personal information disclosure for patients who tested positive of COVID-19 as a mitigation measure to prevent the further spread of the virus in the city.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed into law Ordinance 2020-094, amending the COVID-19 Public Health Information Ordinance, which provided a new list of personal information to be gathered from COVID-19 patients.

Under the local ordinance, the City Government requires COVID-19 patients to provide their complete address which include name of purok and subdivision, name of their building in case residents living in condominiums, travel history, frequented locations, time of manifestations of symptoms, start and end of symptoms, and visited hospitals including private and public places.

Fresnedi urged COVID-19 patients to cooperate with the City Government and disclose accurate details to protect public safety and health.

Information gathered from patients will be used by Muntinlupa City Health Office for contact tracing. It will also enable the city government to advise people of the potential contagion of COVID-19 and issue a warning for residents living in affected areas with high risk of infection to limit their movement.

Confirmed, suspected, and probable cases in the city are encouraged to voluntarily have themselves identified for the purpose of providing the utmost protection from the local government and for the purpose of protecting public safety and public health. The local government shall ensure that they are not directly or indirectly identified by the public.

Muntinlupa City also recently passed the Anti-Patient’s Dishonesty Ordinance of 2020 which aims to penalize dishonest COVID-19 patients who provide wrong personal information to health workers.

The public is advised to truthfully accomplish information data form, declaration or any similar document and disclose relevant information as may be asked by health workers, hospital employees, medical officers, or quarantine officers.

Violators shall be liable to pay a fine amounting to P5,000, community service for 30 days, and up to nine months of imprisonment. In case of inability to pay the fine, the offender shall be required to render an additional 30 days of community service or subsidiary imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

As of April 26, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 19 deaths and 22 recovered cases. According to the local health office, there are 18 “suspect” cases and 472 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa to date.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Council approves resolution protesting the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to Bilibid Prison

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Council approves resolution protesting the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to Bilibid Prison

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Council approves resolution protesting the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to Bilibid Prison

This past Thursday, the Muntinlupa City Council passed a resolution to express their protest and opposition to the transfer of 18 women PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) who tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City to the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City.

The City Council supports Mayor Jaime Fresnedi’s position against the transfer of the infected PDLs to Muntinlupa last April 21. Fresnedi denounced the transfer and said it was done without prior coordination with the local government.

The resolution stressed that such transfer cannot be done without prior consultation with the City Government and the people and villages living or residing near and surrounding the Medium Security Compound, Camp Sampaguita and without the prior approval of the Sanggunian.

Further, it cited the Local Government Code of 1991 which mandates all national agencies and offices to conduct periodic consultations with appropriate local government units, non-governmental and people’s organizations, and other concerned sectors of the community before any project or program is implemented in their respective jurisdictions.

According to the LGC 1991 Section 27, “no project or program shall be implemented by government authorities unless the consultations mentioned in Sections 2(c) and 26 hereof are complied with, and prior approval of the sanggunian concerned is obtained.”

The City Council pointed out that the transfer also compromises the safety and health of NBP prisoners as it involves a highly contagious and infectious virus that has affected and continues to affect the health and safety of our constituents in particular and the people of Metro Manila which is the most affected region in terms of number of infected persons.

Following the passing of the resolution, the Committee on Health and Sanitation is set to conduct a public hearing and invite officials from the Bureau of Corrections and all other sectors concerned, including residents of nearby communities in Katarungan Village and Southville 3, to discuss the said transfer.

Meanwhile, Congressman Ruffy Biazon sent a letter on April 22 to National Action Plan on COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. recommending the transfer of the COVID-19 PDLs to a more secure facility that has the capability to handle these cases pending the evaluation of the isolation facility at the NBP.

Mayor Fresnedi has yet to consult with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases appealing the relocation of COVID-19 PDLs back to Mandaluyong or a medical facility.

As of April 23, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 18 deaths and 19 recovered cases. According to the local health office, there are 16 “suspect” cases and 392 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa to date.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of COVID-19 cases

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of COVID-19 cases

In a bid to contain the further spread of COVID-19 in Muntinlupa, the City Government is considering to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of confirmed, suspect, and probable cases of COVID-19.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the City Government will begin implementing stricter measures following the sustained rise of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city. He said that the measure aims to prevent the movement of suspected carriers and curb the spread of the virus in the communities.

“It has become evident that curfew hours are not effective deterrent for the public to stay at home. I have instructed barangay chairmen to coordinate with PNP Muntinlupa to look into imposing pocket lockdown in their respective areas. Upon their assessment, they can implement tougher quarantine measures to reduce the risks of transmission in their barangays,” Fresnedi noted.

The mayor urged city residents to refrain from going out unless necessary and follow protocols provided by the local and national government.

Brgy. Poblacion Capt. Allen Ampaya announced on Wednesday that a modified lockdown will be in effect in their barangay starting April 23. Residents residing in Poblacion are only allowed to buy essential goods from 6:00 AM – 12:00 NN.

Ampaya noted that residents who tested positive for COVID-19, probable, and suspect cases, including their families, are prohibited from leaving their houses. He added that food assistance and other supplies will be provided by the barangay government to affected residents.

The barangay captain warned violators that they will be apprehended and filed with a case by members of barangay police and PNP Muntinlupa.

Under a new directive from the City Government, flea markets (talipapa) in the city now operates from 6:00 AM – 12:00 NN. While Muntinlupa City Public Market in Alabang and other supermarkets in the city operates from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Muntinlupa City has recently enforced a 24-hour curfew, anti-hoarding ordinance, closure of malls and other non-essential establishments, ban in the sale, delivery and consumption of liquor and other alcoholic drinks, and ban on spitting and disposal of personal protective equipment in public places.

As of April 22, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 18 deaths and 19 recovered cases. According to the local health office, there are 21 “suspect” cases and 331 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa to date.

While confirmed COVID-19 rises in the city, the number of cleared cases also improve with over 313 cleared “suspect” cases and 28 cleared “probable” cases.

For concerns related to community quarantine and COVID-19 testing, Muntinlupa City residents may reach hotline nos. 0977-240-5217 or 0977-240-5218.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

COVID-19 Crisis: Apprehension of suspects leads to tighter community management in Las Piñas City

COVID-19 Crisis: Apprehension of suspects leads to tighter community management in Las Piñas City

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COVID-19 Crisis: Apprehension of suspects leads to tighter community management in Las Piñas City

Managing an entire city is always tough and having strong coordination between the city government and the barangays is essential in ensuring service to the constituents. This is quite true over at the City of Las Piñas which, as of this writing, has 122 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 14 recoveries, 9 deaths, 6 probable cases and 48 suspected cases.

The City Government, headed by Mayor Imelda Aguilar, has been doing many things like distributing packages of relief goods to the homes of the constituents, receiving and answering inquiries from concerned citizens, securing the city and constantly communicating with the barangays. The City Government also had its KALIPI (Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina) practitioners involved in the production of brand new face masks which are essential now.

Even though the COVID-19 Crisis saw a sharp drop on criminal activity, there are still some people out there who did something crooked. According to a Manila Bulletin news report, two individuals who reside in the CAA community (Barangay BF International-CAA) were arrested on April 20 for the falsification of documents related to this current crisis.

This is about the making and selling of fake quarantine passes (QPs) allegedly done by suspects Mareclina Cayanan and Santiago Capon. They have since been detained by the local police and will be charged for documents falsification. A total of fifty fake QPs were recovered from the suspects and it was reported that each fake pass was sold at P20 each.

To put things in perspective, only the proper authorities have the legal right to issue QPs to their constituents as a means to control the number of people moving out of their homes to do essential things like buying groceries or doing bank transactions for their households.

In Las Piñas City, the quarantine pass is issued by the barangay units for their respective community members. Each QP has a seal (dried), a control number as well as the barangay captain’s signature. QPs are limited in quantity.

Going back to the Manila Bulletin report, the apprehension of the suspects resulted to Mayor Aguilar issuing a new order to each and every barangay captain in the city to be stricter in implementing the government’s home quarantine policy.

Mayor Aguilar also reached out to the constituents that if they see something illegal happening, they should call the police immediately.

Going back to the fake QPs that were sold by the suspects, the local police is searching for those who are using them. Anyone holding a fake quarantine pass will make the holder criminally liable.

If you are a resident of Las Piñas City and you want to help the authorities fight crime and catch the bad guys, contact the city police at telephone number 85516401 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pcrstation4/

For the Las Piñas City official hotline, call 89945782, 09776726211 and 09496246824.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.