Insurgency: Army Acts as "Santa"

Samar has been a hot bed of insurgent activity since the beginning of the communist rebellion. It remains one of the last major strongholds of the NPA though their influence is quickly waning. Now the first town in Samar has been declared rebel-free. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215578

The town of Pagsanghan in Samar is the first area on the island declared free from threats by the New People’s Army (NPA) with no sightings of armed rebels in the past seven years.

The Philippine Army and the local government unit of Pagsanghan jointly declared on Monday that the town had stable internal peace and security.

Key officials signed a deal “solidifying the collaborative efforts” to sustain peace gains.

Philippine Army 803rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Efren Morados said the absence of any monitored communist terrorist group activities for seven years signifies progress made in eliminating insurgency.

“The achievement of stable internal peace and security in Pagsanghan is a testament to the relentless efforts and unwavering commitment of the army in partnership with the local government and community members. The milestone achievement in Pagsanghan is a result of the combined determination, sacrifice, and resilience exhibited by all stakeholders involved,” Morados added.

The local government also declared the NPA persona non-grata through a resolution passed by the town council.

Morados urged other towns in Samar to earn the same status to “help erase the stigma that Samar is a stronghold of insurgency.”

“The road to achieving peace is not an easy one. It needs strong collaboration between leaders, government forces, and citizens. Vigilance and cooperation are required to maintain the peace we fought so hard to achieve,” Morados added.

Pagsanghan Mayor Sed Hendrix Tan said the declaration confirms the result of the survey that 99 percent of town residents feel that they are safe.

“The army assured us that they will still help secure our area even if we are declared to have stable internal peace and security,” Tan said.

One must wonder why it only took seven years for this declaration. The AFP has been known to declare towns rebel-free after only a few months of no rebel sightings. So, what's next for this town? Will it be developed into a tourist area? Perhaps the AFP will show up playing Santa Claus. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215652

Soldiers brought Christmas cheers to a previously rebel-influenced remote village in Eastern Samar as part of their effort to block the recovery attempts of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Troops of the 78th Infantry Battalion under the 802nd Infantry Brigade sang Christmas carols and gave gifts to poor families, senior citizens, and children in San Mateo village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Dec. 18.

Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir said in a phone interview Tuesday that the activity served as a way of sharing some blessings with the poor in the form of Noche Buena packages.

Donated goods were raised out of the soldiers’ contribution of a one-day meal allowance each.

“When collected, we were able to raise a considerable amount to buy Noche Buena packages. Some stakeholders and friends of the brigade have also contributed additional cash for the gift-giving,” Vestuir said.

The singing of Christmas carols and “Santa patrol” in the former NPA mass base area aim to secure the people and prevent the recovery efforts of the NPA remnants, according to the official.

Soldiers wore Santa caps while singing carols and giving Christmas gifts. food packs and candies to children.

“We are grateful for the voluntary donation of our troops as a way of sharing the blessings that they received with our less fortunate brothers and sisters who have less time to enjoy the festiveness of the Christmas season,” Vestuir added.

The remote communities of Borongan City used to be one of the centers of NPA terrorist activities in Samar Island.

If these communities are no longer rebel-influenced why have they not been declared rebel-free? 

Recently a cache of NPA arms was found in Samar.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215698

Soldiers unearthed on Tuesday an arms cache of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the upland village of Basey, Samar.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir said the arms cache consisted of three M16 and two AK47 assault rifles.

“Our troops traced the location of firearms through a tip from a former member of Militia ng Bayan (MB). They hid these firearms when our soldiers conducted a community support program in the area,” Vestuir told the Philippine News Agency.

MB members are individuals who have been indoctrinated and may or may not be directly involved in armed struggle, but when organized, they could provide mass support to the revolutionary movement of the communist terrorist group.

“Mabini village has been cleared from NPA threats, but rebels have been coming back as part of their recovery attempts. We are committed to keep peace in the area,” Vestuir added.

The army is largely counting on regular dialogues between local authorities and family members of active NPA to encourage more rebels to surrender and to recover more firearms in Samar provinces.

The village in which these weapons were found "has been cleared from NPA threats, but rebels have been coming back as part of their recovery attempts." Wouldn't that mean the village is not actually cleared from NPA threats? Truly the AFP's requirements for being rebel-free or free from rebel threats are known only to the initiated. 

While AFP soldiers in Samar are fighting the insurgency by donning Santa hats and singing carols their colleagues elsewhere are actually fighting the NPA.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1876551/6-rebels-soldier-killed-in-batangas-clash

At least six alleged communist New People’s Army (NPA) and a government soldier were killed in an encounter early Sunday morning (Dec. 17) in Balayan town in Batangas province, the military said.

Lieutenant Colonel Hector Estolas, public affairs office chief of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, in a report said patrolling soldiers from 59th Infantry Battalion engaged a band of NPA rebels in Barangay (village) Malalay early dawn.

The military claimed that six communist guerillas were slain in the clash. The soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, one M653 rifle and one shotgun from the clash site.

The report disclosed that an Army soldier was also killed and three others were wounded during the encounter. The wounded were taken to a hospital in the locality.

In a separate statement, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. condoled with the family of the slain soldier, as well as those wounded, as he also committed to assisting them during this difficult time.

He added that the three other soldiers were already in a hospital recovering from their injuries.

Likewise, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed his deepest sympathies to the affected families and appealed to NPA members “to abandon the path of violence and rejoin the fold of the law.”

“This loss is a profound reminder of the sacrifices our armed forces make to ensure our nation’s security. We also keep in our thoughts those who were wounded in this incident, and we join the Executive Department in assuring their families of the government’s full support during this difficult time,” he said in another statement.

The slain soldier was later identified as Sgt. Jernell Ramillano. Vice President Sara Duterte, who has been very vocal against peace talks with the NDFP-CPP-NPA as well as amnesty (does she not realize her father granted amnesty when he was President and that the NTF-ELCAC of which she is co-vice chair is an amnesty and bribery program?), says his killers are traitors and used his death to once again rail against the proposed peace talks. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/21/a-traitor-vp-duterte-slams-npa-rebels-after-soldier-s-death-in-batangas

Vice President Sara Duterte turned her ire on the New People’s Army (NPA) over the death of Sgt. Jernell Ramillano, who died during a gunfight with the armed rebels she referred to as “traitors.” 

In a video message on Thursday night, Dec. 21, the official condoled with the soldier’s family and slammed the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

“We wholeheartedly recognize and give honor to the courage, heroism, and service of) Sgt. Jernell Ramillano,” she said.

Ramillano, according to a Facebook post of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), died during a clash against the NPA rebels in Balayan, Batangas last Dec. 17, 2023. Three other soldiers were wounded.

“Sgt. Ramillano was one of the victims of the heinous actions of the terrorists CPP, NPA, and NDFP. His family was among the thousands of families who lost their loved ones,” Duterte added.

The Vice President recalled what happened in her hometown of Davao City in 2018 when 1st Lt. Jaren Relota died after fighting with the NPA.

She shared that Relota’s mother asked her: “Inday Sara, how many more of our children need to die because of the terrorist NPA?”

Duterte lamented that there would be many more like Ramillano and Relota who would continue to risk their lives with the presence of CPP, NPA, and NDFP.

“Many more youth will not be able to finish their studies if we will allow them to fall victims to these groups who recruit them to become armed terrorists,” she said.

“To my fellow Filipinos, I want you to know that the goal of the CPP, NPA, and NDFP is to destroy the foundation of our democracy, bring down government institutions, and bring us to poverty, chaos, and injustice,” Duterte, also the co-vice chair of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), stressed.

While her outrage at the NPA is well directed her statements are fundamentally wrong. First of all the Philippines is a Republic and in the past 54 years the nation has kept on trucking with the only real chaos and disruption being that of the Marcos dictatorship and his subsequent ouster. Second of all the NPA is not the only armed insurgency group causing havoc. The Islamic insurgency is still going strong and I have noted in this ongoing series the BARMM is a merely for show as the head of the BARMM Ebrahim Murad has said decommissioning is not surrender. Third of all the massive amount of corruption plaguing every single government institution from the local to the nation level is a threat far worse than the dwindling NPA could ever hope to be. Fourth of all China's aggression and stealing of Philippine territory in the WPS (Sara remains silent on this issue) is an existential threat to the security of the Philippines that will no doubt come to a head in the near future.

Sara has been vocal about her objections to peace talks with the NDFP apparently not realizing peace talks have not been authorized. It is the POSSIBILITY of peace talks that are being explored. In the meantime the AFP has said they will not stop fighting the NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215559

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. vowed the government would continue to pursue and eradicate terrorist groups, following the killing of a soldier in a clash with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Batangas over the weekend.

"The AFP will not stop in eradicating terrorist groups which pose a threat to our country," Teodoro said in a statement Sunday.

The AFP has not changed its stance even since the possibility of peace talks has been revived. They remain committed to eradicating the NPA. Peace talks, if they do happen, will never change that fact. 

Lack of Fire Safety and Nasty Bathrooms in the Philippines

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection 15 municipalities in the Eastern Visayas do not have their own fire stations which puts the lives and properties of residents at risk. 12 of these municipalities are islands which means they are practically out of reach of any help should a fire occur.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1877484/15-towns-in-eastern-visayas-have-no-fire-stations-says-bfp

A total 15 municipalities in Eastern Visayas do not have their own fire stations, putting at risk the lives and properties of their residents, a Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) official revealed.

Senior Supt. Randy Mendaros, assistant regional director of the BFP, said 12 of these areas are island-municipalities. These are Maripipi in Biliran province; Almagro, Daram, Sto. Niño, Tagapul-an, Talalora, and Zumarraga, all in Samar province; and Biri, Lapinig, Rosario, San Vicente and Victoria in Northern Samar.

The other towns without fire stations and fire equipment are Llorente, General MacArthur, and Mercedes, all in Eastern Samar.

Eastern Visayas has 136 municipalities and seven cities in the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Northern Samar, Samar, and Eastern Samar.

The reason for the absence of fire station in these municipalities is because local governments have not donated appropriate lots where they can be constructed. 

The 15 municipalities do not have their own fire stations in the absence of lots, which are supposed to be donated by the local governments, where these can be constructed, Mendaros revealed.

According to Mendaros, the usual practice was for the BFP to build the fire station and provide the equipment on a property donated by the local government unit (LGU).

There were LGUs that were willing to donate lots but in one instance, a property was rejected by the BFP since it was located in a hazard-prone area, he added. In the absence of fire stations in these 15 towns, the nearest fire station must help put out the fire should a fire break in one of these municipalities, said Mendaros.

But because of the distance, the fire trucks were expected to arrive at least 30 minutes at the fire scene and not within the 10-minute ideal response time.

Aside from the lack of fire stations, he revealed there were only 248 firetrucks across the region, 27 of which were not serviceable or under maintenance, while 168 of the 769 fire hydrants across in the region were not functioning.

Do local governments not care about their own constituents or themselves? Why would they donate useless lots to the BFP? Perhaps a wider investigation should be carried out to ensure that these municipalities have proper fire stations and penalize LGUs who burden the process. But in the Philippines it will probably take a barangay captain's house burning down before any decisive action is taken.

Bathrooms in the Philippines are notoriously nasty, foul places. Lack of toilet paper and running water are just two of the problems. Now one Cebu City councilor is calling out Cebu City establishments for this very problem.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/546613/cebu-city-councilor-calls-out-foul-unhygienic-restrooms-of-establishments

“Foul and unhygienic” comfort rooms in various establishments caught the attention of Cebu City Councilor Jun Alcover.

In his privileged speech during the council’s regular session on Wednesday, December 20, he raised concerns about unsanitary comfort rooms in establishments in Cebu City.

"I just want to convey an observation to the establishments in the city, it's a small thing from our point of view but it has a big impact on our visitors; the dirt in the comfort rooms in other establishments,” Alcover stated.

Let's stop here. Why are unhygienic bathrooms a "small thing from our point of view?" Whose point of view is he talking about? Filipinos? Cebu City's? It's an odd thing to say because nasty bathrooms impact everyone who will use them not just visitors.  This man is practically undermining his speech by calling it "a small thing from our point of view."

He noted that the “foul and unhygienic” state of comfort rooms would be a concern as the city will expect an influx of visitors exploring malls and other establishments during this festive season leading up to Christmas and Sinulog in January.

"This is a reflection of how dirty the establishments are, no matter how handsome the outsiders are, if your CRs are dirty, it really reflects the personality of the establishment," he said.

Alcover stressed the need for businesses to recognize that the condition of their comfort rooms reflects the personality and standards of their establishments.

"There is still a hotel, a big hotel, when [I] was there, the comfort room smelled really bad. I went to the parlor, the comfort room was almost ruined. Gas station, perting baao, CR is still broken. Restaurants, comfort rooms are dirty," he stressed.

During his recent rounds in the city, Alcover noted instances of poorly maintained comfort rooms, citing examples of unclean facilities, malfunctioning flush systems, and broken amenities.

These observations were not limited to a single type of business but included hotels, gas stations, and restaurants.

With this, Alcover urged establishments to take responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of their comfort rooms not only during the holiday season but consistently throughout the year.

He emphasized that collective efforts from both the public and private sectors are crucial to achieving a cleaner and more appealing environment for locals and tourists alike.

Did this man go undercover to various establishments and test out their bathrooms? It's simply too bad he makes this issue one about image. It's about cleanliness and health. Are we not still in the midst of a pandemic where the authorities are carping about following minimal health standards? Bathrooms should be cleaned whether or not visitors from out of town are coming to shop. 

At least he has an action plan. Let's see what it is. 

Moreover, to address the cleanliness concerns raised in his privilege speech, Alcover has proposed a series of actions.

Firstly, he called on business establishments to prioritize and maintain the cleanliness of their comfort rooms, emphasizing the impact it has on the overall impression of the city.

Secondly, he moved to request the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) to intensify sanitary inspections in major establishments, including malls, tourist spots, and gas stations.

Lastly, he further requested the CCHD to submit a report every 15 days, detailing the results of their sanitary inspections.

Alcover hopes to instigate changes in the cleanliness practices of establishments in Cebu City, creating an environment that aligns with the standards set by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for a cleaner and more organized city, akin to the renowned cleanliness standards of Singapore.

"If all the comfort rooms are clean, we can really reach what the mayor calls Singapore-like [Cebu City]," he said.

Regular inspections by the City Health Department are actually a good idea. But sadly he ends with an appeal to image saying clean comfort rooms will help Cebu City become Singapore-like. I hate to break it to him but Cebu is not going to be like Singapore simply because the bathrooms are clean. Has he been to Singapore? The entire city is clean and their public transportation is leagues apart from any public transportation system in the Philippines. 

It's sad that the image of the city is his primary concern and not the health of residents. Calling out establishments for being disgusting is good but health should be the first concern and not the image of the city. He is right but for all the wrong reasons. 

Retards in the Government 343

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/14/village-exec-wanted-for-murder-nabbed

Police arrested a barangay official wanted for murder in Barangay Nataban, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, December 13.

Police identified the suspect as Barangay Nataban Kagawad (councilor) Joel Ramas, 53.

Ramas is the city’s most wanted person, according to Police Lt. Col. Jesus Mesahon Jr., San Carlos police chief.

The suspect’s arrest warrant was issued by acting Presiding Judge Reginald Mercurio Fuentebella of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 59 in San Carlos City on December 1.

Ramas allegedly shot and killed his cousin due to a land dispute in 2010.

The suspect filed a motion in court to reduce the case from murder to homicide to enable him to post bail.

However, the court sentenced him for murder. No bail was granted to the suspect under the arrest warrant.

Police are awaiting a court order to enable them to move the suspect to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

A barangay councilor has been arrested on murder charges. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/14/armed-men-barge-into-ltfrb-chief-s-dagupan-home

Unidentified gunmen barged into the house of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III in Dagupan City on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Based on the report, the gunmen were looking for Guadiz inside the house where his 91-year old mother and househelp are staying. 

The gunmen reportedly tied the arms and feet of the maid, but did not inflict any harm before they checked every room of the house searching for Guadiz.

The men also reportedly took the two cell phones and around P1,000 cash.

Police said the armed men then hurriedly fled aboard a white van,  a black van, and a sports utility vehicle, heading south passing along Barangay Malued, bound for Calasiao, Pangasinan.

In a statement released on Dec. 14, the LTFRB chairperson said that their family is still reeling from the incident.

“This traumatic experience, especially for my 91-year-old mother, has left us deeply unsettled,” Guadiz stated.

He said that more than 10 men entered their residence.

Such an incident, per Guadiz, “appears to be more than a routine robbery – it seems personal, and the motive remains unclear.”

“While this incident has shaken our family, I remain committed to my responsibilities at the LTFRB, and I am confident that justice will be served. Updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available,” he ended.

More than 10 armed men barged into the home of LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III in Dagupan City looking for him.

https://entertainment.inquirer.net/532731/3-qc-cops-sacked-over-viral-death-scene-video

Three police officers were relieved from their posts for their alleged involvement in the leakage of a video showing the body of actor Ronaldo Valdez who died on Sunday.

According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), relieved was a police officer assigned at QCPD’s Station 11 (Galas) who took the video as the first responder in the crime scene. Another personnel of the station then posted the video in a Viber group. Lt. Col. Reynaldo Parlade, the station commander, was also relieved of duty based on command responsibility.

According to Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, it was QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, who ordered the sacking of the police officers.

“This is a regrettable incident that was not supposed to spread on social media. If this was taken by our police responders for documentation purposes, there should have been no problem,” Fajardo said at a press briefing in Camp Crame.

“But since this video found its way online, an investigation is now being conducted and those who would be found responsible would be liable for both administrative and criminal cases,” she added.

An investigation is still ongoing to identify the source of the video and the persons who uploaded it on social media.

3 Quezon City cops have been relieved over the uploading of a crime scene video to social media. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/21/coa-asks-capiz-state-u-to-refund-p190-000-paid-for-services-of-multi-faith-director-in-2022

The Commission on Audit (COA) has asked the Capiz State University (CapSU) to refund P190,000 paid by the school in 2022 for the services of a Multi-Faith Director.

In its annual audit report, COA said the hiring of a Multi-Faith Director under a Contract of Service is "not proper" and "without merit" since the 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits appropriations for sectarian benefit.

It cited that the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and COA, itself, also issued Joint Circular No. 1 on June 15, 2017 which states that "hiring under contract of service shall be limited to consultants, learning service providers and/or technical experts to undertake special project or job within the specified period."

Its report stated that the Multi-Faith Director hired by CapSU took on the functions of coordinating with the Director of Student Affairs and Campus Student Services Affairs Office and the different College Deans in the conduct of the Campus Ministry, preparing the Annual Multi-Faith activities of the University, organizing Spiritual Wellness activities, conducting outreach programs, coordinating the activities of the Multi-Faith student clubs and organizations, and offering ecumenical services such as monthly mass and baccalaureate mass.

"It can be noted that the above-enumerated functions of the Contractual Multi Faith Director are not within the technical definition of contract of service as provided in CSC-DBM-COA Joint Circular No. 1 series of 2017. The said Director is not a consultant, a learning service provider or a technical expert that warrants the hiring of his services under a Contract of Service agreement," COA said.

In his monthly Accomplishment Reports, the priest who was hired Multi Faith Director said that he conducted the holy mass in various campuses of CapSU, performed confessions in all campuses, conducted a graduation retreat in all campuses, launched a donation drive for the typhoon victims, and initiated an Easter talk with the Cardinal in April.

The audit team discovered that the university hired the priest with a rate of P20,000 a month from March 16 to Dec. 31, 2022. It pointed out that although the Contract of Service was executed both by the university and the priest on May 31, 2022, the Multi-Faith Director was already rendering his services as early as March 16, 2022.

"Thus, the validity of the contract entered by the University is doubtful," the audit team said.

The P190,000 paid to the director were recorded as account under "Other General Services," and these were either charged to Regular Agency Fund (RAF) or Internally Generated Fund. This made the funds for the contract of service "not definite," state auditors noted.

"With the above-noted deficiencies, the validity and propriety of hiring a Multi-Faith Director under a contract of service and the corresponding payment of his services in the amount P190,000.00 for CY 2022 is not meritorious," the COA stressed.

Thus, COA recommended that CapSU discontinue the hiring of priests, preachers or any religious leaders and require the immediate refund of P190,000.00 paid to the contractual Multi-Faith Director for his services rendered. Otherwise, it warned it would issue a Notice of Disallowance.

The COA has asked a university to return the money it paid to a priest they hired improperly. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Revision of Quarantine System, Wear Face Masks, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.

Face masks are coming back in a big way. "Experts" say they are a must during the holiday season.

https://interaksyon.philstar.com/politics-issues/2023/12/13/266730/face-masks-experts-caution-respiratory-illnesses-ahead-holiday-season/

Experts cautioned the public about the presence of respiratory illnesses, including the prevailing COVID-19, as people prepare for the Holiday season.

These are influenza or flu, the “walking pneumonia” and the still-present COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Physician Tony Leachon, a health reform advocate and former special adviser of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, urged the public to “wear face masks,” adding that his online consultations presented “lots of COVID cases.”

“Mild cases. But can be risky among vulnerable population. 11% positivity rate. Stay safe,” he said on Facebook on Wednesday, December 13.

Leachon also shared his post on his X (formerly Twitter) account and appealed for people to “be vigilant.”

The physician made a similar appeal the day before, urging the public to “wear face masks and reinstate usual hygienic measures.”

He also suggested that people exhibiting “flu-like symptoms” do a COVID-19 antigen test for precaution.

Physician and internet personality Harold Chiu also told the public to “keep safe,” adding that “COVID-19 never really left.”

“We are lucky to have survived the last 3 [three] years, but it’s increasing due to human activity. To add to that, we have other conditions to deal with: influenza, atypical [or] walking pneumonia, RSV, and others. Keep safe, everyone! Mas masaya ‘pag healthy!” he wrote.

"COVID-19 never really left." Indeed and apparently health protocols will never leave either. 

The governor of Bulacan is encouraging residents to wear face masks. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/16/fernando-and-castro-encouraged-bulakenyos-to-wear-face-masks-to-avoid-respiratory-infections

Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro advised the Bulakenyos to wear face masks to avoid the spread of respiratory infections and other health-threatening diseases in the province of Bulacan.

The advice was made through Memorandum No. DRF-12122023-658 issued by Fernando on Tuesday, Dec. 12.  

Although not obligatory, individuals in health facilities, those with Covid-19 or respiratory infections, the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions, pregnant individuals, unvaccinated individuals, and those showing signs of illness are advised to wear face masks as a precautionary measure.

“Let us maintain good health in the province. This is the foundation of a happy and progressive community," Fernando said.

Wearing face mask is part of "the foundation of a happy progressive community."

At least health authorities in the Cordillera region acknowledge that wearing a face mask is not mandatory. They still encourage it though. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215496

Health authorities in the Cordillera region are calling on the public to wear masks when in public places to reduce the chances of virus transmission, as the weather gets colder.

“It is not mandatory but we encourage the public, especially if you have flu or is not feeling well, to wear a mask to avoid transmission of any illness to loved ones and the public when going out of your residence,” Dr. Rio Magpantay, director of the Department of Health - Cordillera, said in a media interview on Friday.

He said people should always remember the experience during the pandemic when the use of masks was mandatory to avoid being infected or infecting others.

“We all know what masks do to protect us, let us not forget that,” he said.

Marie Ruby Magsino, a nurse at the city health office, in a phone interview, said Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes encouraged residents and visitors to wear face masks as respiratory and influenza-like illnesses are expected, especially when temperatures drop during the "ber" months until February of the following year.

Why are they still reporting the lie that the flimsy face masks available to the public offer any protection from viruses?

The Mayor of Manila is also advising resident to wear face masks in public. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215276

The city government of Manila on Tuesday advised residents to wear face masks and be vigilant in places of convergence or crowded areas, especially in gatherings this Christmas season.

Mayor Honey Lacuna made the call based on the advice from the Department of Health (DOH) for the people to adhere to basic health standards amid a reported rise in coronavirus cases.

She noted the need to continue wearing properly fitting face masks, washing hands frequently, staying in well-ventilated areas, and immediately isolating themselves if they are displaying symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"This appeal especially goes for those who have co-morbidities or are in the senior age group who are more prone to getting infected. Since attending gatherings cannot be helped owing to the holidays, at least be extra careful and wear a face mask," she added in a statement.

Lacuna also called on residents to heed the advice of the DOH to wear face masks when taking public transportation.

Covid-19 is still present despite the lifting of restrictions, she said, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself contracted the disease recently.

Even the Church is advising people to wear face masks.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1875851/fwd-bishop-advincula-on-health-protocols

Archdiocese of Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has advised Catholics on Friday to observe health safety protocols in their celebration of the Christmas season.

In a circular, Cardinal Advincula told the faithful to wear face masks and observe hand hygiene, and that sick people should stay at home.

On December 16,  Filipino Catholics will begin the Simbang Gabi tradition, a series of nine masses until Christmas Eve.

“Heeding the recommendations of the Ministry on Health Care of the Archdiocese of Manila, we request our communities to observe the health and safety protocols. Let us practice voluntary wearing of face masks and hand hygiene. Those who are ill must be reminded to stay at home so as not to spread infection,” Cardinal Advincula said.

Cardinal Advincula added that reports on the rising number of case of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 should not hinder the people from embracing and relishing the joys of the Christmas season.

“We continue to receive reports about incidences of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. But we will not allow them to deprive us of Christmas joy,” he added.

Advincula likewise added that observance of health protocols will be gestures of charity and compassion to other people, especially those who are vulnerable.

“Let these measures be our gesture of charity and compassion for others, especially those who are vulnerable,” he said.

Show your charity and compassion by wearing a flimsy piece of paper on your face. 

The DOH has said there is no need to return to mandatory masking and even says COVID-19 is no longer an emergency but is now just like the flu. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1875982/doh-biz-groups-no-need-to-return-to-mandatory-masking

While there has been a slight uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Department of Health (DOH) is not keen on supporting the return of mandatory masking.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Friday said the cases, which are indeed increasing, have not yet reached an alarming rate and the trend is expected to continue as the holiday season nears.

“There are certain hospitals that already implemented stricter masking policies, like the PGH (Philippine General Hospital), but that doesn’t mean the DOH is saying we should all wear a mask again,” Herbosa told a press conference.

Herbosa noted that the public health emergency has already been downgraded and that COVID-19 is no longer a big health risk as it once was. He added that implementing mask mandates are relative to private or public institutions but not compulsory to the general public.

The trend of COVID-19, he said, is still being monitored since this can still be fatal to senior citizens and those with comorbidities, but for now there’s only been a “minimal increase” in new cases.

“During the season there’s a higher incidence of acute respiratory infections because there are a lot of parties, many family reunions, more people in shopping malls, more people in public places,” Herbosa said.

“But we shouldn’t be worried about COVID-19 anymore because according to our infectious diseases experts, the most recent COVID variant of interest is just like the common flu and cough,” Herbosa added.

According to Herbosa, there were 193,148 Influenza-like illnesses reported nationwide this year, which was 33 percent higher than last year.

Two of the country’s most prominent business groups on Friday also agreed that there was no need to restore mandatory masking despite the rise in COVID-19 infections.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon said that while they were conscious of the trend, a “granular” approach is more suited to handle areas where cases of the infectious disease are rising.

"We shouldn't be worried anymore about COVID-19?" One would not know that form al the mixed messages floating around. 

The DOH is not only saying COVID-19 is no longer an emergency but is also sayin that vaccination is "not the solution."

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/16/2319246/covax-donating-1-million-vaccines-vs-omicron-xbb

The government is accepting the COVAX Facility’s offer to donate one million doses of monovalent vaccines that target the Omicron XBB variant.

“It will be in two tranches of 500,000 each. This is so that we can still have access. Remember that vaccine now is not needed by the general population because many have already been vaccinated,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said yesterday.

Those who will receive these monovalent XBB vaccines are the “at risk” population – senior citizens and people with comorbidities.

“If you are a young individual with COVID-19 vaccine, you will not be needing this,” added Herbosa.

There is no budget allocated for COVID 19-vaccines for next year, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

At a press briefing Friday, Herbosa said COVID-19 vaccines are not covered anymore under the DOH’s budget.

“We’ve vaccinated 74 million Filipinos with (COVID-19) primary doses and boosters and then there are about 5 million Filipinos infected through natural immunity, thus high is the number of Filipinos who are already immune against COVID-19,” said Herbosa.

For new vaccines, the DOH chief said they haven’t also allotted budget for such.

“It is still in the experimental phase so we are still awaiting final registration before we can procure them and subject it to the evaluation/assessment of the Health Technology Assessment Council,” he added.

Herbosa stressed. “What I will emphasize to the public is that vaccine is not the solution (now). We learned that the solution is minimum public health standards, and managing your own personal risks.”

“This is the change narrative. During the pandemic, the government tried to protect everyone. Now, it is time to assess or manage individual risk. If you are ‘high risk,’ why will you shift to ‘risky’ behavior?” the health official said.

Herbosa explained, “This is now the DOH’s approach. Whatever your risks are, that is what you need to monitor. And for every person, the risks differ. This is now our approach as to the issue of the need for vaccines.” Herbosa said.

Now they are changing the narrative and their approach. So why continue with the vaccination program? 

Senator Lito Lapid wants to revise the quarantine system. What he wants to do is restore military rank to quarantine officials so that if there is another pandemic the Philippine Quarantine Authority will be able to act swiftly and decisively. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215527

A senator is pushing to revise the government’s quarantine system to better and effectively combat outbreaks and epidemics.

In Senate Bill No. 2508 or the Philippine Quarantine Authority (PQA) Act, Senator Lito Lapid underscored the need for a robust and adaptive public health infrastructure.

Lapid said it could be attained by transforming the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) into the Philippine Quarantine Authority and restoring the military ranks to its officials to fortify their authority in dealing with outbreaks and public health emergencies.

“By returning military ranks to quarantine officials, the PQA will be empowered to act swiftly and decisively, ensuring the immediate implementation of quarantine measures and the enforcement of public health protocols,” Lapid said in his explanatory note.

The proposed conversion to the PQA is grounded in the recognition of the need for a certain level of coercive authority to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of outbreaks and public health emergencies similar to what happened during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“By learning from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this bill seeks to equip the country with the necessary tools and authority to effectively manage outbreaks and epidemics, protecting the health and well-being of our citizens,“ he added.

The creation of the PQA is complementary to the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Act, he said, adding that while the latter focuses on research activities, the new body will serve as the regulatory and implementing agency responsible for executing and enforcing regulations on the ground.

This synergy ensures a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public health management, aligning research efforts with practical measures for effective disease prevention and control.

In effect he is saying the Philippine government needs even more control and authority to curtail liberties in the event of an emergency. We saw how that played out around the world during the pandemic and it did not go well. 

Translacion is coming back next year. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215435

The traslacion or grand procession of the iconic image of the Black Nazarene is likely to make a return early next year.

In an advisory Thursday, the Quiapo Church said a walk-through of the route of the "Traslacion" would be held on Saturday.

"We are inviting you on December 16, at 5 am, at the Quirino Grandstand for the walk through of the route of the procession of the traslacion, which is part of our preparations for the celebration of Nazareno 2024," it said.

The activity will include officials of the church, government agencies, and other stakeholders in the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, 2024.

The procession is held annually, where hundreds of thousands of devotees join the activity starting at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and ending at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church in Quezon Blvd.

In 2021, the grand procession was shelved due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.

For this year, the Quiapo Church introduced the "Walk of Faith" procession

The last traslacion (transfer or moving) was held in January 2020, two months before the Duterte administration declared a nationwide lockdown due to the pandemic.

Another sign that everything is back to normal.

In the past week daily COVID-19 cases have surged by 50%.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1877025/covid-19-cases-daily-surge-by-50-nationwide

The daily confirmed COVID-19 infections nationwide rose by 50 percent over the past week, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed.

The seven-day average cases rose from 260 to 389, according to the latest DOH weekly bulletin.

Of the 2,725 individuals found positive for the virus based on laboratory tests last week, 16 were in severe or critical condition.

Sixteen more people died of COVID-19 this December, the DOH said.

This brought the official COVID-19 death toll to 66,795 out of 4.1 million confirmed infections since the pandemic began in early 2020.

The national average hospital bed occupancy for COVID-19 cases nevertheless remained at low risk.

The DOH reported that allotted intensive care unit (ICU) beds and non-ICU beds for COVID-19 patients are 12.9 percent and 18.3 percent occupied.

At least 1,983 COVID-19 patients are currently admitted, including 211 patients who are in serious or critical condition.

The admissions comprise about 45 percent of at least 4,334 individuals known to have been infected with the virus as of Dec. 15.

However, health authorities have allayed concerns over the “slight uptick” in detected COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.

Guess you better wear that mask after all.