news – Page 172 – Author Carlo Carrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: Joint study reveals that Sputnik V demonstrates 97% efficacy against Omicron-caused hospitalization following revaccination with Sputnik Light or Sputnik V

June 21, 2022June 20, 2022carlocarrasco

Recently, a study (involving Russian scientists including representatives of the City Clinical Hospital No. 67 and the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology) revealed that the Russian vaccine Sputnik V demonstrated 97% efficacy against hospitalization caused by the Omicron variant following revaccination with Sputnik Light or Sputnik V, according to a press release published online.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the press release published by SputnikVaccine.com. Some parts in boldface…

The Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology (Gamaleya Center) today announced that Vaccines, the leading peer-reviewed medical journal, has published the results of a joint study conducted by team of scientists including representatives of Moscow’s City Clinical Hospital No. 67 named after L.A. Vorokhobov and the Gamaleya Center showing the two-dose Sputnik V vaccine is 97% effective against hospitalisation caused by the Omicron variant of coronavirus (B.1.1.529) among those vaccinated with 3 or 4 components (re-vaccination with Sputnik Light or Sputnik V after Sputnik V).

The corresponding article has been peer-reviewed and is available at:

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/10/6/938/htm

The study was conducted from 11 January to 21 February 2022 involving over 1,000 patients in Moscow. Sputnik V showed high efficacy against hospitalisation at 85.9% among patients vaccinated with at least one component. Efficacy among those vaccinated with 3 or 4 components (re-vaccination with Sputnik Light or Sputnik V after Sputnik V) rose to:

o 97% against any cases of hospitalisation;

o 97.7% against moderate-severe and more severe cases;

o 98.6% against severe and critical cases;

o 99.4% against critical cases.

As authors note, “the study shows that vaccination with Sputnik V and Sputnik Light has a high effectiveness for protection against hospitalisation. The reduction in the severity of COVID-19 regarding the Omicron variant was also observed. The greatest effectiveness was evident in protection against a critical course of the disease requiring patients to be admitted to the intensive care unit.”

While it is very difficult to talk about Russia-related matters due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war (note: help the people of Ukraine by donating through Hillsong Church online), it is important to focus on what Sputnik vaccines are able to do as the whole world continues to struggle to bounce back from the COVID-19 crisis economically, socially and medically. With regards to my native Philippines, the daily count of new COVID-19 infections has gone up nationwide in recent times. The Metro Manila cities of Muntinlupa and Pasig each had their own shares of increased new COVID-19 infections.

I can only hope that the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., will consider acquiring more doses of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light even though the national authorities are trying to balance supply of COVID-19 vaccines with the rather slugging public response in terms of getting vaccinated or boosted at their local vaccination sites. The formulation behind Sputnik V and Sputnik Light should be strongly considered when it comes to immunizing as many Filipinos as possible from COVID-19, including the more infectious Omicron variant and its sub-variants.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? Have you ever been vaccinated or boosted with a Sputnik vaccine? Did you receive at least two doses of Sputnik V already? Does your local vaccination site have Sputnik V or Sputnik Light in supply right now? Did anyone from the anti-vaccine fanatics community turn violent against you because you refused to believe in them?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

COVID-19 Crisis: NCR cases growth rate spikes

June 20, 2022June 18, 2022carlocarrasco

As the Philippines recently registered its highest single-day number of new cases of COVID-19 in months, OCTA Research announced that it found the one-week growth rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) spiked to 71%, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The National Capital Region’s COVID-19 cases one-week growth rate climbed to 71%, independent group OCTA Research said Saturday.

The group said NCR’s “7-day average increased from 103 to 176 (as of June 11 to 17), a 71% increase.“

“This translates to an ADAR (average daily attack rate) of 1.24,” it added. ADAR pertains to the incidence showing the average number of new cases in a period per 100,000 people.

“The NCR reported 282 new cases on June 17, 2022, based on DOH data. With the exception of April 3 (when there was a high number due to possible backlog), this is the highest number of new cases since February 26, 2022,” OCTA said.

The coronavirus reproduction number meanwhile also went up to 1.80 in NCR as of June 14, an increase over the 1.40 as of June 7. The reproduction rate refers to the number of people infected by one case. A reproduction number that is below 1 indicates that the transmission of the virus is slowing down.

Also climbing up is the positivity rate in the region, now at 3.7%. This refers to the percentage of people who were found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested.

OCTA however noted that despite the rise in these metrics in NCR, the hospital bed utilization and ICU utilization rates are still low at 22% and 17%, respectively.

“So far, the numbers we are seeing have been in line with our projections: a weak surge and no escalation of alert levels or restrictions because we expect our healthcare system will be able to manage the relatively low number of hospitalizations,” the group said.

OCTA then reminded the public to be responsible, follow health protocols and get COVID-19 booster shots to prevent infection.

As seen above, the COVID-19 situation in Metro Manila is getting worse in terms of infections but not with hospital bed utilization and ICU utilization which have registered low rates respectively. There’s no need yet to move the alert level system up. Such upward adjustments will depend on the metrics of the IATF. As we have seen before, more restrictions mean serious economic damage.

Key solutions to preventing a surge of new COVID-19 infections include getting vaccinated/boosted, wearing face masks and following health protocols properly. Along the way, I urge you to never let the anti-vaccine fanatics around you to fool you with their propaganda and misinformation tactics. Those anti-vaccine fanatics are loud and they don’t really offer any solutions on dealing with COVID-19.

Ignore those anti-vaccine fanatics and get vaccinated or boosted whenever you have the opportunity to do so. Call your local vaccination site or the local authorities now to find if you are eligible for a vaccine shot or a booster shot. When traveling around, wear your mask and follow local health protocols to avoid infection. The national authorities, meanwhile, should move quickly to allow comorbid patients access to 2^nd booster shots and make adjustments to improve access to vaccines and vaccination hubs.

Let me end this by asking you readers: Does the recent spike of COVID-19 infections in the NCR scare you? Could it be possible that some of those who recently got infected were victims of the misinformation tactics of the anti-vaccine fanatics in our country? If have been boosted already for COVID-19, have you made moves to find out if you are eligible for the 2^nd booster shot?

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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Muntinlupa City passes in Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH)

June 16, 2022June 15, 2022carlocarrasco

The progressive City of Muntinlupa made positive waves recently as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) published its findings confirming that the said city passed along with five other Metro Manila cities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has passed the Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DILG released the list of LGUs in Metro Manila which passed the GFH as of November 2021. These are Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Makati, Quezon City, Pasay, and Pasig.

According to the DILG, the criteria to pass the GFH are that the most recent available Commission on Audit (COA) Audit Opinion is unqualified or qualified for 2019 or 2020, and compliance with the full disclosure policy (FDP) including posting of financial documents in three conspicuous places and in the FDP portal for 2020 (all quarters) and 2021 (first quarter).

In a past circular, the DILG defined GFH as “an LGU that exhibits compliance with accounting and auditing standards, rules and regulations i.e. with an Unqualified or Qualified COA Opinion of the immediately preceding year; as well as Compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy of Local Budget and Finances.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Does this make you more confident in the way the City Government does financial housekeeping? Is Muntinlupa a good example for other cities to follow?

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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I Love Israel: Joint Economic Commission (JEC) established by Israel and the Philippines

June 15, 2022June 12, 2022carlocarrasco

Trade between Israel and the Philippines could improve and help develop each other economically in the years to come as the two nations strengthened their ties further by establishing the Joint Economic Commission (JEC), according to a recent report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE Philippines and Israel said they formed a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) that will explore pathways to improving trade.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivai in Jerusalem on June 7 that created the JEC.

“The MoU seeks the establishment of a bilateral consultative mechanism that will develop and strengthen trade, enhance investments, and advance economic ties between the Philippines and Israel,” the DTI said.

“In establishing a JEC, the two countries agree to exchange information on economic issues, identify and implement cooperative projects, organize consultations, missions, and official visits and enhance cooperation and linkages with their respective private sector,” it added.

The DTI said the MoU will seek to explore industries where the two countries can collaborate with a view towards diversifying trade and investments.

He added that priority sectors for promotion include agribusiness/agriculture production, energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy, infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) projects in infrastructure, real estate development, logistics, artificial intelligence, information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) including shared services, electronics manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

Mr. Lopez told reporters via Viber that the initial investments from the investment promotion and protection agreement (IPPA) between the Philippines and Israel could bring around $150 million in investment in 2022.

“Early harvest could be around $150 million this year,” Mr. Lopez said.

Also signed on June 7, the IPPA provides the framework for a closer investment relationship between Israel and Philippines. It also specifies investment protection elements such as national treatment, most favored nation treatment, free transfers, rules-based expropriation and compensation, and investor-state dispute settlement.

The DTI also recently signed an MoU seeking to strengthen cooperation with the Israel Innovation Authority.

This newest development is undoubtedly critical as both the Philippines and Israel share the same goal of recovering from the damage of the COVID-19 crisis and emerging stronger economically and socially. The JEC between the two nations is something we must be thankful to God for.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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Better than Streaming: Heat Ultimate Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray coming out on August 9, 2022

June 14, 2022June 9, 2022carlocarrasco

Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs! If you are a fan of Hollywood legends Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer and director Michael Mann, then you should be delighted to know that the 1995 epic movie Heat will be released on 4K Blu-ray format (with special features and extra stuff, plus a steelbook edition is available) on August 9, 2022! Already, you can order it online right now!

*The cover of Heat Ultimate Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray.*

According to the Blu-ray.com page of the movie, Heat Ultimate Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray will be released with native 4K visuals. Posted below are the technical specs for your reference…

Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: HDR10

Aspect ratio: 2.40:1

Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1

Audio

English: Dolby Atmos

English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

French: Dolby Digital 5.1

Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1

Subtitles – English SDH, French, Spanish

Discs – 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Disc, Three-disc set (1 BD-66, 2 BD-50)

Digital

Movies Anywhere

Packaging – Slipcover in original pressing

Playback – 4K Blu-ray: Region free, 2K Blu-ray: Region A

As for the special features and technical specs, posted below are the details sourced from Blu-ray.com…

PREVIOUSLY REMASTERED IN 4K
HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO 5.1 TRACK
Academy Panel reuniting Mann, Pacino and De Niro and moderated by Christopher Nolan
Toronto International Film Festival Q&A with Mann
Audio Commentary by Michael Mann
The Making of Heat
- True Crime
- Crime Stories
- Into the Fire
Pacino and De Niro: The Conversation
Return to the Scene of the Crime
Additional Footage – Deleted Scenes
- Scene 5 – Season’s starting early
- Scene 42 – Nicest guy on the block
- Scene 55 – Albert and Hanna (Alternate Take)
- Scene 62 – Shakedown
- Scene 76 – Murder in C-Block
- Scene 96A – Let’s Dance
- Scene 125 – Late arrival
- Scene 148/147 – Where’s Anna?
- Scene 177B – Double the worst trouble
- Scene 191 – Nate delivers
- Scene 204A – No response
Theatrical Trailers
- Surprise of a Lifetime
- Two Actors Collide
- Closing In
Optional English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles for the main feature

For the newcomers reading this, Heat was released in late-1995 and it told a very compelling story about crime and law enforcement with De Niro leading a gang of proficient thugs and Pacino leading a team of law enforcers. On both sides, obsession is a major factor as seen in the respective performances of the two Hollywood legends. Apart from the story, the film also has very notable actors supporting the two top actors such as Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd and Dennis Haysbert to name some. Each member of the cast performed well on-screen.

When it comes to action, the city bank heist and street shootout scenes are still great to watch even by today’s standards. If you had seen Heat and you played either Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V, you will realize that the games’ respective bank heist scenes obviously took a lot of inspiration from the movie. Heat is also the subject of countless video reviews, film analysis videos and trivia-type videos on YouTube.

Watch out for Heat Ultimate Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray on August 9, 2022.

In closing this Better than Streaming piece, posted below are Heat-related videos for your viewing pleasure.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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I Love Israel: Israel and the Philippines sign business agreement

June 13, 2022June 8, 2022carlocarrasco

The relationship between Israel and the Philippines moved forward some more as they recently signed a major agreement related to investments and economic cooperation, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from report of The Jerusalem Post news report. Some parts in boldface…

Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman and Filipino Secretary of Trade and Industry Ramon Lopez signed an agreement on Tuesday that encourages and protects investments between Israel and the Philippines.

The trade deal

The deal aims to create an investment environment that encourages economic activity by providing a basket of commitments to investors from both Israel and the Philippines. It is expected to provide security and stability to foreign investors and encourage capital movements between the two countries. It covers regulatory issues, prevention of expropriation of assets, free flow of capital and advanced protection mechanisms for the rights of foreign investors in the host country.

“The investment protection agreement signed will help develop economic ties between the countries,” Liberman said. “The commitment between the countries to encourage mutual investment and provide optimal conditions for investors will strengthen existing economic activity and enable new opportunities for the private sector in both countries.”

The Philippines’ economy has grown significantly in the last decade, averaging about 6.4% annually from 2010-2019, according to the World Bank.

Following the coronavirus pandemic, the Philippines managed to bounce back from a 35% decline in global investment flow in 2020, increasing its incoming investment almost 30% this year.

“The high growth in the Philippines over the last decade and the increase in investment flows to it, together with the agreement signed, will strengthen economic cooperation and increase investment between the countries,” said Shira Greenberg, the Finance Ministry’s chief economist.

“The Philippines is a major partner in significant Asia-Pacific regional trade agreements, and in conjunction with the investment agreement signed today, it will open up new opportunities for Israeli companies and investors operating in these markets,” she said.

In recent times, the initial batch of Filipino hotel workers were sent to Israel to help its hospitality/tourism industry. Already the State of Israel is looking forward to stronger bilateral ties with the Philippines under the incoming administration of new President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. Marcos, who had met Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, will formally take office on June 30, 2022.

As for this most recent development between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel, the agreement can lead to a new wave of investments and even business innovation between them. Both nations have their own populations of not just trained workers but also entrepreneurs and investors (both individuals and organizations) who can visit the other nation for fresh opportunities to progress and prosper. Israel itself has an enduring record of being a hot spot for business innovation and startups. As such, the protection of investments between Israel and the Philippines is indeed crucial. This newest development is something we can all be thankful to the Lord for.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos plus Philippine news videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City’s 2nd booster shot recipients exceed 8,000

June 10, 2022June 9, 2022carlocarrasco

As part of the national effort to have people immunized for COVID-19 by means of non-stop vaccination and booster shots, the progressive City of Muntinlupa saw its 2^nd booster shot recipients surpass the mark of 8,000, according to a Manila Bulletin news report which also had an update about the city’s active cases.

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

Muntinlupa recorded 11 total active Covid-19 cases while its total recipients of second booster shots rose to more than 8,000 amid the detection of Omicron subvariant cases in the country.

Data from the City Health Office showed that as of June 8, seven new Covid-19 were tallied, coming from Barangays Ayala Alabang, Putatan, and Cupang, compared to one new case on June 7.

Of the 11 active cases, six are listed in Ayala Alabang, two each in Putatan and Cupang, and one in Poblacion. Barangays that are Covid-19 free are Tunasan, Bayanan, Alabang, Buli, and Sucat.

Since 2020, Muntinlupa has recorded 40,076 confirmed cases, 39,449 recoveries and 616 deaths.

Last June 7, the Department of Health announced the detection of three new BA.5 Omicron subvariant cases and seven new BA.2.12.1 subvariant cases in the country.

Meanwhile, the Muntinlupa City government continued its vaccination program including the administration of second booster shots.

To date, a total of 8,052 individuals composed of immunocompromised, frontline health workers, and senior citizens have received their second booster shot.

Of the total, 1,514 came from Barangay Putatan followed by 907 from Ayala Alabang, 826 from Alabang, 809 from Tunasan, 805 from Cupang, 765 from Poblacion, 586 from Sucat, 296 from Bayanan, and 123 from Buli. 1,421 recipients were unclassified.

There are 139,099 individuals who received their first booster shot, or 31.48 percent of the target population of 442,517.

Anyone based in Muntinlupa who needs to get vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19 should contact MunCoVac as soon as possible.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice if members of your local community who got boosted previously are eager to get their 2^nd booster shot? Did anyone from the anti-vaccine fanatics community harass you and bombard you with their creative propaganda?

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: National Task Force (NTF) aims to fully vaccinate over 70 million people by June 30, 2022

June 10, 2022June 8, 2022carlocarrasco

Have you been harassed by anti-vaccine fanatics lately? You better not pay attention to them because the Philippines still needs all the public’s understanding and cooperation to overcome COVID-19’s varied effects (in terms of health, economics and society) and push forward with the national recovery efforts. As part of those efforts, the National Task Force (NTF) announced that it is aiming to have more than 70,000,000 people nationwide fully vaccinated (two shots of most COVID-19 vaccines) by June 30, 2022, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that this is not to be confused with either the 1^st booster shot nor the 2^nd booster shot.

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

The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 is eyeing to get at least 70 million Filipinos fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the Duterte administration ends on June 30.

During outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People aired on Monday night, NTF chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said their target was based on the data gathered by the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC).

NVOC’s figures showed that the country’s average four-week jab rate for the first dose was at 321,083, while 242,606 second doses were administered on average over the same period.

“‘Yung atin pong best case scenario na bago po tayo matapos ang ating administrasyon, ang nakikita po namin ang pinaka-honest-to-goodness na aming assessment sa individuals with at least one dose, 75 million po tayo; and then ‘yung fully vaccinated po ay 70,087,920,” Galvez said.

(Our best case scenario based on our honest-to-goodness assessment is that 75 million people will get their first dose, while 70,087,920 will be fully vaccinated.)

As of June 6, a total 74,221,490 Filipinos have received their first dose, while 69,519,052 individuals were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The government earlier set a target of fully vaccinating 90 million by the end of Duterte’s term. However, NVOC chairperson Dr. Myrna Cabotaje said they would already be “happy” if they reach 77 million by then.

Galvez explained that the government originally aimed at vaccinating 70 million Filipinos based on the National Vaccination Plan. However, this figure was increased to 90 million due to the transmissions of new COVID-19 variants such as the Omicron sub variants BA.5, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4 which were recently detected in the country.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? If you have received your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, what was the brand and how long has it been since you got injected? Have you verified with your local community’s vaccination hubs or the local authorities if you are eligible for the 2^nd vaccine shot? If there are already fully vaccinated people in your local community, did you notice if they already received their respective booster shots?

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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Drug suspect killed in Parañaque City, the other suspect on the loose

June 10, 2022June 8, 2022carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, a male drug suspect got killed during an encounter with law enforcers in Barangay Don Galo where a buy-bust operation was held, according to an article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). In relation to this, the estimated value of illegal drugs is worth over P60 million.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

An alleged drug dealer was killed in a buy-bust operation that yielded 9 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP61 million, in Parañaque City on Tuesday night.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer in Charge, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., said the operation resulted in the death of Joe Marie Ordiales, alias “Roger”, one of the two suspects targeted by the operation that was conducted at about 9:30 p.m. in Barangay (Don Galo).

The other suspect, identified as Arturo Santos Jr., alias “Pugo”, eluded arrest.

“Actually, itong case na ito ay result ng follow-up operation. Kung maalala niyo yung operation doon sa may Mindanao Avenue sa Quezon City last March 2022 wherein in coordination with the QCPD (Quezon City Police District), our PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) was able to confiscate and apprehend more or less 57 kilos (Actually, this case is the result of a follow-up operation. If you remember the operation along Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City last March 2022 where, in coordination with the QCPD, our PDEG were able to confiscate more or less 57 kg.),” Danao said in an interview with reporters live-streamed on Facebook.

Meanwhile, PDEG Director, Brig. Gen. Randy Peralta, said they carried out the buy-bust operation after one of their men was able to negotiate for the purchase of a large quantity of shabu from the suspects.

“The suspects are well-known distributors of illegal drugs and connected to the MIK siblings and GIB group. Their modus is discreetly concealing illegal drugs on humidifiers, air fryers, and other appliances,” Peralta said.

The suspects traded shots with the PDEG operatives when the buy-bust was announced.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? Do you believe Parañaque will remain a hot spot for illegal drugs no matter what the barangay and city government officials declare? Do you believe there is still a lot of work to do before Parañaque could truly become a drug-free city?

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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Water supply problems are back again for Muntinlupa-based Maynilad customers

June 9, 2022June 7, 2022carlocarrasco

For Maynilad customers based in Muntinlupa City, having access to water is problematic once again as there have been water service interruptions from water concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc., the Manila Bulletin reported recently. The problems started since June 2, 2022 and even customers outside of Muntinlupa were affected.

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

Muntinlupa residents have experienced daily water service interruptions (WSI) from Maynilad Water Services Inc. again.

Since June 2, Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa and other areas have suffered from no water supply from eight to 18 hours a day.

In one advisory sent to customers in Muntinlupa, Maynilad said it imposed the WSI “due to raw water quality issue from Laguna Lake even as we conduct system adjustments to optimize the limited supply.”

Last June 4, Maynilad implemented WSI from 12 noon until 6 a.m. on June 5 for a total of 18 hours, affecting customers in “portions of Brgy. Talon Dos, Las Pinas City and Brgys. Alabang, Bayanan, Poblacion, Putatan and Tunasan, Muntinlupa City.”

Maynilad has its Putatan Water Treatment Plant (PWTP) in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa, which sources raw water from Laguna Lake.

The treatment plant supplies water to Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Pasay; and the cities of Bacoor, Imus and Cavite, and municipalities of Rosario and Noveleta in Cavite.

Last February, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) imposed a financial penalty of P63.97 million on Maynilad for implementing WSI in the supply zone of the Putatan Water Treatment Plant from December 2021 to February 2022.

MWSS-RO said the penalty was imposed on Maynilad after the company “failed to meet its Service Obligation of ensuring the availability of an uninterrupted 24 hour supply of water at seven (7) pounds per square inch (psi) minimum pressure to all connected Customers in its Service Area.”

“Customers within the PWTP Supply Zone were found to have been deprived of water service obligation for at least fifteen (15 days), which adversely impacted their health and welfare. The MWSS RO is set to implement the financial penalty in the form of bill rebates to affected Maynilad customers within the PWTP’s Supply Zone by April,” according to MWSS-RO.

It should be recalled that several customers in Muntinlupa were affected by water service interruptions before. This led to Maynilad being compelled to issue bill rebates to the affected customers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Were you surprised about the latest rounds of water service interruptions from Maynilad? Do you want to see the City Government summon Maynilad once again to find answers about the newest water supply problems? Do you think Maynilad is liable for penalizing? If you are running a business within Muntinlupa, how did the water service interruptions affect your business?

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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