journalism – Page 93 – Author Carlo Carrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: Alert Level 3 extension on Metro Manila takes effect today

November 1, 2021October 29, 2021carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, the extension of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila takes effect today and will last until November 14, 2021. This is the result of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) recent decision which was announced this past Friday and subsequently reported by varied news organizations. Prior to the announcement, there was anticipation that the community control and restrictions on businesses and people will be eased to Alert Level 2. The local stock market saw shares drop by over a hundred points last Friday in response to the extension of Alert Level 3 for Metro Manila.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has decided to maintain the alert level classification of the National Capital Region (NCR) to alert level 3 for the first two weeks of November.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque revealed in a virtual press conference Friday, Oct. 29 that the decision was reached during the IATF’s meeting Thursday via Resolution No. 146-A.

This came about despite high expectations from the private sector and even the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)–which touches base with the different local government units (LGUs) of the country–that the alert level in Metro Manila would be downgraded to alert level 2.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think the IATF made the right decision to extend Alert Level 3 all over Metro Manila? If you own or managed a food/beverage business here in Metro Manila, was there an increase on your sales during the recent Alert Level 3?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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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, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Beware of the “laglag-plaka” gang as they victimized motorists in Parañaque and Muntinlupa

November 1, 2021October 30, 2021carlocarrasco

Wherever you park your vehicles, be defensive and avoid people knocking on your window as two motorists in different cities here in South Metro Manila were victimized by a gang of thieves who executed what is referred to as the “laglag-plaka” (dropped plate) modus, according to a recent news report by GMA Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Tagalog GMA Network news report which was translated into English using Google Translate. Some parts in boldface…

Two drivers fell victim to the plaque-dropped modus operandi of thieves in Muntinlupa and Parañaque, Jonathan Andal reported in Unang Balita on Friday.

CCTV footage shows a man standing in the back of an SUV parked in front of a fast food chain in Parañaque. Three women with umbrellas followed him.

Although (it) could not (be seen on) the CCTV, the man knocked on the driver of the SUV and said that his license plate had fallen on the back.

While the driver was not yet leaving, a man was waiting in the back of a vehicle (parked beside) and when he saw the driver coming out, he quickly opened the passenger door.

The driver’s bag was stolen and handed over to a female colleague. The group quickly speared while the driver was left in the back of the vehicle and checked to see if his license plate had really fallen.

The group seized an expensive bag, wallet and 20,000 pesos, according to the report.

According to Parañaque Police, this modus operandi is called “laglag plaka”. The group allegedly was timing the vehicles and told the driver that something had fallen in the back of the vehicle.

Seven individuals were found conspiring in the modus and they use umbrellas to hide from people what they are doing.

After the incident in Parañaque, CCTV also captured the group in the parking lot of a building in Muntinlupa where they stole the victim’s gym bag and expensive earphones.

According to the victims, when they got out of the vehicle there were coins. They think they put them in to confuse and hold them back while removing the drivers ’valuables.

For added insight, watch this related news video below…

So there you have it! The “laglag-plaka” thieves work together as a group using strategic moves like distraction, careful timing, and taking advantage of unlocked vehicle doors to open and steal the valuables while the distracted driver checks the rear of the vehicle to see if the plate was indeed loose or had fallen off. It should be noted that the other gang members use umbrellas standing next to each other near the victim’s vehicle to conceal their act.

From a visual standpoint, I would find it suspicious to see at least three individuals each using an umbrella at the parking lot while it is not even raining. As for the parking area itself, if a person approaches your vehicle and he or she is not even a legitimate worker of the local administration assigned to the parking, better be defensive and watch not only your back but also the sides of your vehicle.

For your own safety, be mindful of people who approach you and knock on your vehicle’s window shortly after parking. Better not let these thieves distract you no matter what they do and always LOCK YOUR VEHICLE’S DOORS as soon you get off.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you a victim of the “laglag-plaka” gang?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Around 200 hundred minors with comorbidities vaccinated in Muntinlupa City in the first two days

October 29, 2021October 27, 2021carlocarrasco

Following the launch of vaccinating local minors (aged 12-17) for COVID-19 in Muntinlupa City, the Manila Bulletin reported recently that almost two hundred minors with comorbidities got vaccinated locally based on the latest statistics.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government has vaccinated 198 minors aged 12 to 17 years old with comorbidities.

According to Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, medical director of Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) which has been designated by the government as one of the pilot hospitals for the vaccination of minors with comorbidities, 72 minors were vaccinated on the first day last Oct. 25 followed by 126 on Oct. 26 for a total of 198.

The first 72 minors did not experience any reaction to the vaccine, Dimatatac said. Details on any reactions from the 126 minors were unavailable as of this writing.

As of Oct. 25, 14,896 12-to-17-year-olds have registered with the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination program, equivalent to 27 percent of the estimated total population of 55,391 for the age group in the city.

Minors, classified by the Department of Health (DOH) as Pediatric A3 group, are currently being vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, one of two vaccines approved by the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in people 12 years old and above. The other vaccine approved for minors is Moderna.

Under the DOH guidelines, the parent or legal guardian and the minor should sign the consent and assent forms before vaccination.

A medical certificate for the minor is also needed while the parents or guardians need to present a valid ID and proof of filiation such as birth certificate.

Muntinlupa residents may register for vaccination at vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

The comorbidities allowed for the vaccination of minors are: medical complexity, genetic conditions, neurologic conditions, metabolic/endocrine diseases, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, HIV infection, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory diseases, renal disorders, hepatobiliary diseases and immunocompromised state due to disease or treatment.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Muntinlupa minors may register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system at www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and choose category “C – Rest of Population.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? If you are a Muntinlupa City resident with a child aged 12 to 17-years-old, are you comfortable about the idea of having your child vaccinated for COVID-19?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Enough supplies of COVID-19 vaccines for booster/3rd shots according to DOH

October 28, 2021October 26, 2021carlocarrasco

As the issue of the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and 3^rd shot begins to be more talked about in the public, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that there will be enough vaccines in stock to meet the demands for such shots, according to a recent Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Health (DOH) said there will be enough supply of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines in the Philippines once the government starts the implementation of giving booster doses and additional shots to certain groups of the population.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said millions of vaccine doses are expected to be delivered in the country within this year.

“Actually, ang ating vaccine cluster has already announced itong mga parating na bakuna dito sa ating bansa. So starting this November, meron po tayong inaasahan na almost 20 to 25 million doses pa (Actually, our vaccine cluster has already announced these additional vaccines for our country. So starting this November, we expect about 20 to 25 million more doses),” said Vergeire in a television interview on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

“So with the existing stocks pati yung mga parating, enough naman po yung ating supplies (as well as the ones that are coming, we have enough supplies),” she added.

Based on the data of the National Task Force against of COVID-19, a total of 97,678,340 vaccine doses were already delivered in the Philippines.

The Philippines has already administered 56,202,893 vaccine doses as of Oct. 25, as shown in the DOH COVID-19 vaccination dashboard.

Even if the DOH already approved the administration of booster doses and third shots, Vergeire said that they are still in the stage of planning on how it will be done.

“Iyan po ang rekomendasyon ng ating WHO (World Health Organization)—for the immunocompromised, senior citizens, and healthcare workers. Although tinitingnan natin, syempre operationally—– kailangan natin tingnan kung paano natin maisasagawa with this short time period, hanggang December. Baka mag-spill over din tayo hanggang sa isang taon (That is the recommendation of the WHO — for the immunocompromised, senior citizens, and healthcare workers. Although we are looking, of course operationally —– we need to see how we can do this with this short time period, until December. It may spill over into next year),” she said.

Also, before this can be implemented, an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would still be needed.

“Before we can be able to implement this, kailangan ng amended emergency use authority nung ating mga bakuna dito sa ating bansa (we need an amended emergency use authority for our vaccines here in our country),” said Vergeire.

“Lahat ng bakuna natin ngayon ay may emergency use authority. Pero yung EUA po kasi nila, ngayon, currently, specific po yun na dalawang doses lang ang ibibigay, and para sa Janssen na vaccine, isang dose lang. Kaya kailangan po natin ma-amend (All our vaccines now have emergency use authority. But the EUA currently, it’s specific that only two doses will be given, and for the Janssen vaccine, only one dose. So we need to amend that),” she added.

On Monday, Oct. 25, Vergeire said that they are looking to administer COVID-19 booster shots and additional doses to health workers and other eligible groups by November or December.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? If you were fully vaccinated, how long has it been since your 2^nd dose? Do you fully trust the WHO? Are you ready to take a 3^rd shot of the vaccine once you are contacted?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COMELEC says vote-buying is still an election offense

October 28, 2021October 27, 2021carlocarrasco

The topic of vote-buying is back in the minds of voters here in the Philippines mainly due to the recent statement made by a certain politician (for reference, click here and here) running for President next year. This prompted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which is already busy processing voter registration applications with the October 30 deadline approaching, to remind people that vote-buying is still an election offense and clearly punishable by law.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Vote buying is an election offense regardless of financial situation or noble intentions.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James Jimenez issued this reminder on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

He also disagreed with the advice of Vice President Leni Robredo for voters to accept the money but vote according to their conscience.

“I disagree with the notion of taking the money and voting according to your conscience,” Jimenez said on Twitter.

He added:”Di dapat ginagawa, at di dapat sina-suggest yan sa mga botante (It shouldn’t be done, and shouldn’t be suggested to our voters),”

Last August, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon warned those who will try vote buying via the electronic payment system in the May 2022 polls that this can be traced.

“This is a warning to politicians, know that you’re going to be found out,” she said.

Vote-buying is defined as any person, who gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.

The above report ended stating that as an election offense, vote-buying means getting yourselves penalized with 1 to 6 years imprisonment, the removal of your right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.

For added insight about vote -buying here in the Philippines, posted below are some of GMA Network’s news videos from the past related to the said issue…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? Does Leni Robredo inspire you to engage in vote-buying? Are you willing to follow Robredo’s advice knowing that vote-buying is clearly illegal? If you are a registered voter, are willing to sell out to the highest bidder when it comes to the May 2022 national and local elections?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City Government claims herd immunity achieved (based on target population statistics) as total citywide inoculation count surpasses 860,000

October 27, 2021October 26, 2021carlocarrasco

Recently it was reported by the Manila Bulletin that City of Las Piñas achieved herd immunity based on statements made by Mayor Imelda Aguilar. This past Monday, the City Government’s official Facebook page published the latest vaccination statistics showing that the citywide inoculation count for COVID-19 has exceeded more than eight hundred sixty thousand as of October 23, 2021.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the very short Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced that barely 61 days before Christmas, her wish to achieve herd immunity for the city was granted with 99.9 percent Las Pineros given their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines and 90.6 percent who are fully vaccinated.

Aguilar said the two key factors in achieving herd immunity were the discipline shown by residents and their eagerness to get the jab against the disease.

She also thanked city residents for not being choosy with the brand of vaccines administered to them.

The mayor said the city achieved 99.9 percent for those given the first dose and 90.6 percent for those given the second dose from the total 447,086 target population.

“Hindi naman po tayo titigil na magbakuna kahit na naabot na natin ang halos 100 porsiyento na nabakunahan. Itutuloy-tuloy pa rin natin ito upang makabalik na tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay,”(We are not going to stop with our vaccination even if we have almost achieved 100 percent. We are going to continue with the vaccination so we can all go back to our normal lives) Aguilar said.

She said the CIty Health Office (CHO) recorded that senior citizens under the A2 category represent the highest number of vaccinated individuals with 95 percent followed by the economic frontliners under the A4 category with 93.4 percent.

The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar appealed to the city residents to continue their local vaccination program locally referred to as “Ligtas na Las Pineros, Lahat Bakunado”. It should be noted that previously the Mayor mentioned that herd immunity was within reach. To be clear this is based on target population statistics.

As for the official city vaccination statistics, posted below is the image that was published by the City Government’s official Facebook page. Take note that the numbers below are slightly different from what Manila Bulletin’s report.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Meanwhile, the City Government is already handling the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you satisfied with the reported herd immunity achieved that was based on the target population count? Have you fully been vaccinated?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Eight people arrested in Parañaque City for possessing illegal drugs

October 23, 2021October 22, 2021carlocarrasco

Yet another drugs-related apprehension happened in Parañaque City this month (read previous October 2021 articles by clicking here, here and here) as the Manila Bulletin reported recently the arrest of eight individuals for the possession of illegal drugs. The apprehension happened in Barangay San Dionisio a few days ago.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s news report. Some parts in boldface…

Eight suspected drug dealers were arrested by members of the Paranaque City police Drug Enforcement Unit in possession of illegal drugs on Wednesday (Oct. 20).

Paranaque City police chief Col. Maximo Frial Sebastian, Jr. identified the arrested suspects as Clifford Valencia, 42, of 81 Pilar Banzon, BF Homes, Paranque City; Carlos Valencia, 27, of 7723 Salinas St., Brgy. San Dionisio, Paranaque City; Katrina Ilisan, 40, of 10446 Fountain Breeze Condominium, Brgy. San Isidro, Paranaque City; Cyril Siramen, 26, of Fourth Estate, Paranaque City; Adriel Suzuki, 27, of Cityland Condominium, Dela Rosa St., Makati City; Allen Aragon, 36, of 8 Kyoto St., BF Homes, Paranaque City; Rolando Rosarito, 53, of Mosqueda Compound, Admiral Talon Tres, Las Pinas City; and Marco Agustin, 47, of 30 Garnet Road, Pilar Village, Las Pinas City.

Sebastian said the suspects were arrested at about 12:15 a.m. along Kay Talise St., Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City.

He said prior to the arrest of the suspects, members of the DEU received information on the illegal drugs activities of the suspects and a buy-bust operation was immediately conducted.

Police recovered from the suspects six plastic sachets containing shabu amounting to P34,000; 40 grams of dried marijuana kush amounting to P72,200, 24 pieces of ecstasy worth P48,00, and other drug paraphernalia.

The recovered pieces of evidence were brought to the Southern Police District Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe that Parañaque City should be considered a hot spot for crimes related to the illegal drug trade?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Safety and sanitation at local cinemas emphasized

October 22, 2021October 21, 2021carlocarrasco

It has been days since Alert Level 3 was officially implemented all over Metro Manila which allowed for the reopening of several businesses and allowing them to accommodate more customers as the limitations on capacity were modified. Among the businesses authorized by the to reopen were the cinemas or movie theaters although the actual reopening has yet to happen. In fact, I passed by the cinemas at a local mall I visited this past Sunday and I saw they were still closed. Take note that there were attempts to push for reopening Metro Manila cinemas (click here, here and here).

As the reopening is still pending, there is this Manila Bulletin article about local cinemas will strictly implement health protocols. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt plus a few relevant videos about safety and reopening. Some parts in boldface…

Cinemas and movie houses in the Philippines will strictly implement health protocols when these establishments reopen soon.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) put Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 and allowed the reopening of cinemas with restrictions. Only fully vaccinated people will be admitted and seating capacity will be limited to 30 percent.

The actual date of reopening of cinemas is still subject to confirmation and the public is advised to wait for further announcement, according to the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP).

Cinemas in Metro Manila have been closed for 19 months due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“That is the main goal right now,” said CEAP Charmaine Bauzon. “We have devoted the past 19 months of cinema closure identifying solutions and precautions based on science. We will implement these measures to confidently welcome back movie fans to cinemas and send them home safe.”

Cinemas are safe spaces

Bauzon assured “the public that cinema is a safe place. In fact, LGUs [local government units] have converted some theaters into vaccination centers, and no super-spreading were ever reported, even though people waited inside for hours.”

CEAP cited a recent study in Germany which concluded that cinemas are safer than almost any other indoor environment as long as safety guidelines are followed like wearing face masks, physical distancing and proper air ventilation.

The German study considered the following factors in its conclusion: People spend an average of only two hours at a cinema; people inside the cinema simply sit down and face the same direction which is known to reduce transmission risks; and people are not talking to each other during a movie, which minimizes possibility of infection.

Cinemas to strictly impose all safety protocols

According to CEAP, besides adhering to the IATF-mandated health standards, it also developed the “Sa Sine Safe Ka” protocols patterned after the “CinemaSafe” measures set by America’s National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and endorsed by epidemiologists.

I personally support the reopening of cinemas not just because I love watching movies in them but also because cinemas and their employees can contribute a lot to the economic recovery from this COVID-19 crisis we are all living with. When it comes to viewing movies in the comfort of home, I prefer Blu-ray over streaming anytime. Still the very best way to enjoy movies in their full glory is still inside the cinema! I can never forget the day I first saw Wonder Woman (2017) in the IMAX cinema at SM Southmall which was really an immersive experience. I even replayed that same movie in another cinema which had lazy boy seats. I also saw Logan, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Avengers: Endgame, Aquaman and X-Men: Dark Phoenix on IMAX screens in different cinemas. When it comes to regular cinemas, I viewed Write About Love, Shazam!, and Joker to name some. Eventually I got to watch these movies in the comfort of home mainly on Blu-ray (which is always better than streaming) but I can confirm to you all that in my experience, the best place to view movies is still the cinema!

This iconic scene was at its grandest only in the cinema and I was fortunate to watch it on IMAX format!

The immersion of Aquaman on the big screen inside the IMAX cinema was indeed top-notch.

The good news here, as revealed in the excerpt above, is that local cinemas will exert efforts to make their venues clean and safe as their inevitable customers will be those who have been fully vaccinated. Cinema viewing will be far from normal but the latest developments related to Alert Level 3 are very welcome as it is the first step to returning to normalcy as the nation deals with community management and vaccinations for COVID-19. Above all, I urge all of you fully vaccinated people of Metro Manila and around the nation reading this – support the local cinemas! Put a stop to streaming and take the opportunities to watch movies in the movie theater because that streaming will NEVER match the grandeur and immersion of the cinema! The cinema is always better than streaming!

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you eager to watch a movie inside the cinema here in Metro Manila as soon as it reopens? Have you been fully vaccinated already? What upcoming movies do you hope to watch in the local movie theater? Have you been following the CEAP on social media lately? Do you think that the top officials of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) really care about the plight of the cinema operators and their employees?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Las Piñas City Government provides assistance to families whose children drowned

October 21, 2021October 19, 2021carlocarrasco

Recently, the Manila Bulletin reported that the City Government of Las Piñas provided assistance to families who were grieving over the loss of children during a recent tragedy that happened in a certain excavation site in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno. The said children drowned at the said excavation site.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the very short Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City government extended assistance to the families of the three minors who drowned at a government project excavation site at the height of typhoon “Maring” in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno on Oct. 11.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered the distribution of three food packs to each family of the victims identified as Renz Lian Aquino, 7; Arkeen Haristo, 9; and Alwyne Tandoc, 12, all residents of Bernabe Compound in the city.

The food packs contain five kilos of rice, noodles, canned goods, hygiene kits; and health kits containing vitamins, alcohol and face masks.

Aside from the food packs, Aguilar also gave each of the victim’s family P20,000 as financial assistance.

The local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) submitted a report to Aguilar and advised the LRT Project Management to secure the area and apply safety precautions at their construction site.

At the height of typhoon “Maring”, the three victims along with some friends played and swam in the floodwaters at the LRT excavation area in Kawayanan Bernabe Compound, Pulang Lupa Uno near Coastal Road.

The above report ended stating that two of the minors screamed for help as they were drowning. The other minor exerted effort to save them but he also drowned.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Increased consumer traffic and economic activities seen in Muntinlupa City on first day of Alert Level 3

October 19, 2021October 18, 2021carlocarrasco

Since Metro Manila officially shifted into Alert Level 3 this past Saturday, there was indeed an increase of the number of people who visited the restaurants, the shopping malls and other places in the City of Muntinlupa which is the result of the easing of restrictions. What the Manila Bulletin reported, I myself confirm it is true. That being said, the local food and beverage businesses now have a better chance to recover as there are more people of Muntinlupa who got fully vaccinated and the relaxed rules on their operations provided a lot more freedom.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

There was an increase in the number of people in restaurants, malls and parks in Muntinlupa on Oct. 16, the first day of the implementation of Alert Level 3 in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) downgraded the alert level in NCR from 4 to 3, which took effect on Oct. 16 and will last on Oct. 31.

Under Alert Level 3, more business establishments and activities are allowed to operate including cinemas.

According to Muntinlupa police chief, Col. Melecio Buslig, because of the downgraded alert level in Muntinlupa, there was an “abrupt increase” in individuals eating in dine-in restaurants and going to malls, parks, and other places of convergence.

He also said there was an increase in public and private vehicles on major thoroughfares, and an increase in the number of commuters in transport terminals.

Heavy traffic was observed from Muntinlupa to Binan, Laguna from Saturday afternoon to evening as more vehicles were on the road.

Shopping malls in Muntinlupa adjusted their operating hours due to the new alert level. SM Center Muntinlupa now operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Starmall Alabang announced that until Oct. 31, its mall hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Saturday to Sunday.

“Customers aged 18 to 65 years old only are allowed in the mall. Supermarket, drug stores, convenience stores, banks, courier services, money changer & remittance services, ATM centers, hardware & home essentials are open. Restaurants & food establishments are open for al fresco dining at 50% capacity and indoor dining at 30% capacity for fully vaccinated customers only. They are also open for pick-up, takeout and delivery,” it said.

The mall added that “pet shops, book stores, IT shops, toy stores, fashion and retail shops are open. Beauty salons, barber shops, and nail spas are open at 50% capacity if conducted outdoor and at 30% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated customers only. Recreational venues such as arcades, bowling alleys, cinemas, and similar venues are open at 30% capacity for fully vaccinated customers only.”

In relation to the above news report, I can confirm that during my visit at Molito here in Alabang on Saturday I saw more people eating outdoors at a few restaurants I passed by and there was a long line of customers at a certain Japanese restaurant nearby. During my visit at Festival Mall on Sunday (2nd day of Alert Level 3) in the late morning, I noticed the crowd of people was light (note: the mall opened at 11AM) but I noticed more customers flocking to the restaurants and coffee shops than before. For the newcomers reading this, to dine in or seat in a food/beverage joint, you must be fully vaccinated with evidence shown and you must use the StaySafe.ph app for online contact tracing. With a lot more people vaccinated fully (2 doses of vaccines of different brands or with the single dose of the Janssen vaccine) already, there is a huge market of customers for the food/beverage joints to cater to indoors. Alert Level 3 also paves the way for people to worship the Lord at church venues both indoors and outdoors.

Alert Level 3 is still far away from achieving pre-pandemic conditions but it sure is much better not only for businesses but also for the people who have gotten tired of the restrictions of Alert Level 4, the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and the dreaded enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Alert Level 3 is a positive development and we should thank our Lord and glorify Him for the breakthrough as it is a crucial step towards normalcy and socio-economic recovery!

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about this latest local development?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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