Coronavirus Lockdown: Deactivate Emergency Operations Center, Reimposes Face Mask Indoors, and More!

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

Cebu City has finally deactivated its Emergency Operations Center for COVID-19. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/507631/cebu-city-deactivates-eoc-for-covid-19

The Cebu City government deactivated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for COVID-19 on Thursday, June 1, 2023.

Cebu City Councilor and former Cebu City EOC deputy chief implementer Joel Garganera told reporters that starting Thursday, the city’s COVID-19 case management and other COVID-19-related concerns will be transferred to the Cebu City Health Department (CHD) headed by Dr. Daisy Villa.

“As to its deactivation, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared the end of the pandemic and cases are at [a] manageable level. CHD also assumed the responsibility under their community surveillance,” Garganera said.

“It will now be up to the Mayor to reactivate it again if the need arises,” he added.

Their reasoning is that the WHO has declared the end of the pandemic. If only the DOH would listen but they are on record saying the WHO's proclamation does not mean the pandemic is over. 

The pandemic is over but one town in La Union is reimposing face masks indoors. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202667

The municipality of Agoo has required anew the wearing of face mask in public and private indoor places in the town to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In an Executive Order (EO) No. 28 obtained by the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, Agoo Mayor Frank Sibuma said proactive measures must be implemented to ensure the protection of the community against Covid-19.

This after the Municipal Health Office recorded an upsurge in the town’s active cases in the past weeks with 17 cases as of May 30. The order took effect on Wednesday, May 31.

“This order shall apply to all residents, non-residents, who will enter Agoo, traders, business establishments, religious congregations, and government and non-government offices located within the municipality,” he said.

The EO stated that the general public is required to use face mask when entering public and private indoor places within the jurisdiction of Agoo such as hospitals, health clinics, schools or educational institutions, government, and private offices, places of worship, business establishments, restaurant bars, enclosed stores, shopping malls, beauty and grooming parlors, gymnasiums, and other buildings with enclosed walls that are considered indoors.

It added that inside houses and residential dwellings, the wearing of a face mask is at the discretion of the family head or subdivision supervisor for rented or exclusive dwelling areas.

Sibuma said the wearing of face mask is also required within the premises of Agoo Hypermarket and public transportation plying within the town.

“The concerned heads of offices and business managers shall provide alcohol or sanitizer stations at the entrance of their respective offices or establishments for customers and clients,” he said.

The organizers of indoor events such as sports activities, graduation ceremonies, birthdays, weddings, and baptisms, among others are also required to ask the attendees to wear facemasks and to provide sanitizer or alcohol stations.

Regular sanitation of indoor buildings is also enjoined, he added.

Why are they doing this? The pandemic is OVER!

Bivalent vaccines have finally arrived in the Philippines. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1779306/over-390000-doses-of-donated-bivalent-jabs-from-lithuania-arrive-in-ph-says-doh

Over 390,000 bivalent COVID-19 vaccine doses from the Lithuanian government arrived in the country on Saturday night, according to the Department of Health (DOH). 

In a Facebook post, the DOH said it received the bivalent vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 in Pasay City. 

“It is with great pleasure that we have received such generous donations from the Lithuanian government and our sincerest gratitude to our partner agencies for being one with the DOH in seeing that within our reach is a bountiful future, one that is most achievable starting with ensuring that we have sufficient protection against the COVID-19 virus,” DOH officer-in-charge  Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire said. 

“To every eligible Juan and Juana, we urge everyone to get the opportunity to gain longer and stronger protection by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Together, let us move towards a healthier Pilipinas,” she added. 

The DOH earlier said  healthcare workers, senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities will be prioritized.

Vaccines were wasted in the past. How will these vaccines be used effectively? Infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante has an answer. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/872041/solante-suggests-targeting-vulnerable-recipients-of-bivalent-covid-19-jabs-to-avoid-wastage/story/

Infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante on Monday said the government should soon consider targeting the vulnerable population to be prioritized in receiving COVID-19 bivalent vaccines to avoid wastage.

The health professional made the remark when asked what could be done to ensure that these vaccines targeted against the Omicron variant and the original COVID-19 strain will not be spoiled, just like what happened to the 50 million doses that expired in March.

(It's important at this point in time to see and test if our acceptance of vaccines is still good, especially for this COVID-19. If, for example, the vaccination rate is low, we need to recalibrate. Most likely, we just have to target the vulnerable population moving forward.)

(With regards to prioritization, if the bivalent vaccines are not much accepted by the healthcare workers or the elderly, then we must quickly move up to the immunocompromised and those with comorbidities so that they would not go to waste.)

The first batch of bivalent jabs arrived in the Philippines on Saturday. These were more than 390,000 doses donated by Lithuania.

Currently, only adults belonging to A1 (healthcare workers) and A2 (senior citizens) categories are allowed to receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine as third booster dose. They need to wait at least four months after receiving their second booster shot before they take the next one.

Inoculation for other population groups, meanwhile, will be opened in succeeding phases, subject to the availability of stocks and possible technical changes, according to the Department of Health.

Of course since the vaccine is not mandatory it really depends on if those who qualify for it will be willing to take it.

Nationwide, the daily average of new COVID-19 cases is down by 22%.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202896

The country’s daily average of new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases decreased by 22 percent from May 29 to June 4, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday.

In its latest case bulletin, the agency recorded 1,301 daily infections, a 366-case decrease from the 1,667 recorded between May 22 to 28.

A total of 9,107 new cases were recorded in the recent week.

The tally of severe and critical infections increased to 559 from the previous week’s 554.

Ten deaths were verified during the past week with three of them occurred from May 22 to June 4.

Don't forget this is the nationwide average. Even if some areas are up the average is down. 

Marcos has finally appointed a Health Secretary.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/06/23/dr-ted-herbosa-takes-oath-as-doh-secretary

Dr. Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa took his oath Tuesday as secretary of the Department of Health.

He was sworn into office before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace.

"The DOH family welcomes this development, as this is crucial in the Department's operations. With this transition, the DOH ensures that the healthcare services will remain unhampered," the agency said in a statement.

Herbosa served as a DOH undersecretary from 2010 to 2015 and was the regional director of the department's National Capital Region office. He was also a special adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic.

Well good for him. Hopefully he is not so cowardly.

Two Boys Electrocuted by Hot Wires On the Same Day in Different Provinces

In the Philippines death by electrocution is quite common. Lineman get jolted on the job, families get zapped in their houses, and in one case a foreigner out for a walk on the beach took a wrong step onto a hot wire, or maybe not. 

Last week the decrepit Philippine power grid claimed the life of two boys on the same day. In the first case a boy was out bathing in the rain when a live wire fell from an electric post and onto the ground.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1778657/boy-dies-due-to-electrocution-in-samar

A 13-year-old boy died due to electrocution on Wednesday while bathing in the rain in Barangay Cagmanipis Norte, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City, Samar.

Eugine Gotido was enjoying the rain around 2:30 p.m. when a live wire from an electric post fell on the ground, according to his grandfather.

The boy, he said, did not notice the live wire which resulted in his electrocution and death.

The Samar Provincial Police Office received the report at 6:52 p.m. on Thursday, June 1.

In the second case a boy was on his way to school when he accidentally touched a live wire obstructing his way. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1778728/another-boy-dies-after-touching-live-wire-in-leyte

 A 6-year-old boy died from electrocution while on his way to school in Leyte town, Leyte on Thursday, June 1.

Reports from the local police showed that Edson Bismonte accidentally touched a live wire that was blocking his way about 7 a.m. in Sitio Camansilis, Barangay Palid I, Leyte.

The boy was with his sister, Eliza, 10, when the incident happened.

Eliza tried to help her younger brother by pulling his backpack but was thrown away due to the electric shock.

She asked for assistance from the nearby residents who helped rush the victim to the rural health unit but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The management of the Leyeco V Electric Cooperative (Leyeco V), who owns the live wire that electrocuted the victim, has yet to issue a statement on the incident.

What could Leyeco V Electric Cooperative possibly say aside from offering blood money? They won't be held to account for that loose wire.

While fat cats and the National Grid Cooperation of the Philippines rake in huge dividends of money projects remain unfinished and wires across the nation pose a threat to everyone.  

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/870979/ngcp-grilled-after-records-show-up-to-99-of-annual-net-profits-go-to-dividends/story/

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Wednesday faced another round of grilling from the Senate energy committee after records showed that 75% to 99% of its annual profits went to dividends.

At the continuation of the investigation into NGCP’s operation, Senator Raffy Tulfo, panel chairman, asked the NGCP to disclose its income and dividends for years 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019 as he mentioned reports that the state grid corporation only allocates a minuscule amount of its revenues for redevelopment or reinvestments.

Tulfo took a swipe at  NGCP as he noted that in 2019 alone 75% of its income went to dividends; in 2017, 99% of its income went to the profit sharing; and in 2014, the amount of dividends is higher than the net income.

“Only in the Philippines na for profit ang transmission. It should not be for profit. Maliwanag pa sa sikat na araw nag-tumitib-tiba ‘yung mga may ari nito,” Tulfo said.

The entire grid needs an overhaul to make it safer. Don't expect that anytime soon or ever.

Insurgency: Without Letup

Let's talk about ISIS because they still remain a threat in Mindanao. Abu Sayyaf was the group principally associated with ISIS but the AFP says they are on the way out. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1774248/abu-sayyafs-reign-of-terror-ends-in-sulu-after-major-blows

The “reign of terror” of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu has now ended following the several setbacks the group has experienced, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Wednesday.

The AFP spokesperson, Col. Medel Aguilar, made this pronouncement in a statement as he recounted the surrender last Jan. 8 of ASG leaders  Amah Patit and 20 others who composed the core group of the group’s leader Radullan Sahiron.

Aguilar said Patit and other members “surrendered to the government on the instruction of Sahiron himself.”

“At that time, Sahiron was already old and reportedly sick,” Aguilar said.

Sahiron, however, has allegedly died, but Aguilar said the AFP would have to verify it.

“Since then, no word was heard from the wanted ASG leader except for unverified information from several sources that he is already dead,” Aguilar said.

“We need to get first-hand information first from those who are close to him. We don’t want to disturb the ‘dead’,” he added.

The AFP cannot verify the ASG leaders death! What do they even mean that they don't "want to disturb the dead?" Either he is dead or not and the AFP cannot even verify it!

The PNP has sent in reinforcements to prevent ISIS from attacking.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/05/30/2270197/cops-soldiers-sent-lanao-del-sur-town-after-dawlah-islamiya-threatens-attack

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has deployed personnel to strategic spots in Marogong town in Lanao del Sur, which the outlawed Dawlah Islamiya has threatened to attack. 

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. told reporters Tuesday he is thankful to Police Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, director of PRO-BAR, for personally supervising Monday's positioning of more police officers in Marogong. Thousands of residents have evacuated to other towns, fearing an attack by members of the DI terrorist group.

In an interview on Radyo Bangsamoro, Marogong disaster risk officer Ronaldin Damiano said at least 3,550 residents have gone to safer areas outside town, with some seeking shelter as far away as Iligan and Cotabato cities. He said classes are suspended and only around half of establishments are open as the town worries about a repeat of the Marawi Siege of 2017.

The outlawed Dawlah Islamiya, in text messages and Facebook posts last week, threatened to enter the town proper of Marogong last week following the the arrest of its members in a series of police operations in Lanao del Sur.

More than 20 Dawlah Islamiya members also fell in anti-narcotics operations in the province in recent months, now detained and are being prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

Nobleza said Tuesday a platoon from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and personnel of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Mobile Company are now positioned around the town proper of Marogong as part of their preparations for any Dawlah Islamiya incursion.

He said a company-size contingent from the Army’s 32nd Infanty Battalion had also been deployed in different barangays in the municipality.

“Contrary to what these terrorists are spreading around via text messages and social media, the PRO-BAR and counterparts in the Philippine Army and the administration of Gov. Adiong are on top of the situation. We are in full control,” Nobleza said.

“Our Provincial Peace and Order Council, the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, the PRO-BAR and the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army are cooperating in addressing the Marogong security issue,” Adiong said.

Despite the fact that the MILF, MNLF, NPA, and ISIS remain active threats in Mindanao the DOT, DILG, and DND are partnering up to promote Mindanao as a safe tourist destination. 

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1778090/fwd-dot-signs-agreement-with-dilg-dnd-to-promote-mindanao-as-a-tourist-destination

The Department of Tourism (DOT) signed an agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to build up Mindanao as a peaceful tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers.

In a statement, the DOT said the memorandum of agreement was signed on May 31 in Zamboanga City to ensure peace, security, and order as the national government prioritizes tourism development programs in Mindanao.

During the ceremonial signing, each department committed to promoting tourism, preserving Mindanao’s diverse cultural heritage, and creating an inclusive environment to foster growth in the region further.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, during the ceremony, stressed the DOT’s commitment to creating equal tourism opportunities, further stressing how it is high time for Mindanao to showcase the world its beauty.

“It is time to put to the fore the ethereal Mindanao beauty that has sometimes been relegated to the backburner, to highlight to the world its spectacular views, its wonderful and amazing culture as well as the warmth and love of the people of Mindanao. Time has come to fully promote your sites, your heritage, your culture, your people, and to reintroduce this region to the world,” said Frasco.

“So, we signed this agreement today with high hopes and a firm resolve for us in the national government, to be able to deliver the necessary support from agencies of government to Mindanao so that you will receive the opportunities for tourism development that you deserve,” she added.

She also bared the DOT’s plans to invite foreign ambassadors to witness the beauty of Mindanao.

 Meanwhile, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. stressed the DND’s commitment to assist DOT in boosting Mindanao as a tourist spot.

“As we all know, Mindanao has a long history of being associated with violence, danger, and chaos. Terrorism has sought its ugly head and armed conflicts, not to mention the prevalence of crime, had sullied this promising area’s reputation, but that is no longer the case,” said Galvez.

“Through the National Tourism Development Plan 2023 to 2028, and pursuant to the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DOT is set to establish Philippine tourism anchored on Filipino  culture, heritage and identity, which aims to be sustainable, resilient and competitive in order to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” he added.

Galvez is being disingenuous. Mindanao is not simply "associated with violence, danger, and chaos." It is violent, dangerous, and chaotic! In North Cotobato teachers now need military escorts. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202619

Following the recent killing of a teacher and wounding of another in Pikit, North Cotabato, the military has started providing security escorts to public school teachers in critical villages of the municipality.

Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, the Army's 90th Infantry Battalion commander, said Wednesday that his unit also deployed motorcycle-riding soldiers "in full battle gear” to protect public school teachers as they travel to their respective schools and on the way home.

“The Department of Education has been alarmed by the attacks against teachers in Pikit, so we are here providing them security,” Gavilanes said in a radio interview.

Good luck convincing embassies to revoke their travel warnings to Mindanao and also in getting travel insurance companies cover travel to Mindanao. 

In the Visayas the war against the NPA continues without letup. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202223

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Andres Centino, instructed Army commanders in Negros Island on Thursday to intensify operations against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) "without letup."

This came as Centino lauded the Philippine Army in Negros Island for the series of encounters this past weekend that dealt a big blow to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

In his message, Centino told battalion commanders on the island to conduct "relentless combat operations" against the remaining NPA rebels in Negros.

“I am reminding our soldiers that we should have that sense of urgency now that the enemy has weakened. They are now lacking in resources, losing their mass base, and they no longer have their leaders,” he said.

Following a closed-door meeting with the Army commanders, Centino told reporters that he directed the troops to "end the insurgency in Negros at the soonest possible time."

“We don’t have to count the numbers, but what is important is that we have addressed the problem here in Negros, as we still have remaining insurgents that continue to fight the government,” Centino said

The insurgency continues to weaken in Negros and Samar. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202490

The New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) has suffered a big blow with the recent arrest of one of its leaders and the deaths of four fighters, the Philippine Army said on Tuesday.

Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the arrest of Rosita Solayao Taboy alias Laling, secretary of the NPA Regional Organization Department and member of the rebel’s executive committee in Eastern Visayas, is a victory to the government’s efforts to end the insurgency.

Taboy and her husband, alias Beto, were arrested by police and soldiers in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan last May 26. Beto was a demolition expert of the NPA’s national operations command.

The couple was also said to be responsible for numerous atrocities committed in the Eastern Visayas region, including the burning of the Smart Communication tower in Catbalogan City in 2000, the assassination of Cafgu Active Auxillary Danilo Nuguit in 2006, and the ambush of military personnel that resulted in the death of 10 soldiers and a 9-year-old civilian in 2010.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ligayo said the NPA’s downfall is now more evident as its top leaders are either captured, surrendered or killed.

“The arrest of the couple is another victory for the combined efforts of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines in pursuit of peace and security. This is a great development in attaining justice in honor of the victims of violence perpetrated by the communist terrorist group in Eastern Visayas,” Ligayo said.

The military has been monitoring the movement of two remaining guerilla fronts in Eastern Visayas, all operating in Northern Samar.

They are reportedly hiding in the upland villages of Catubig, Las Navas, Silvino Lobos, Palapag, Mapanas and Gamay towns.

Several upland communities in the province are considered the hotbed of the communist terrorist group due to thick forests and poor road networks.

Is the AFP really going to let "thick forests and poor road networks" hamper them from defeating those two remaining fronts? 

Now to end with one of the most hilarious pieces of propaganda I have ever seen. See if you can spot it. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/27/nine-ex-npa-rebels-surrender-to-authorities-in-negros

The Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) announced on Saturday, May 27, that nine former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Barangay Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Thursday, May 25.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th IB commander, presented the returning rebels to Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander, and Wendell John Vallejera, executive assistant of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Friday, May 26.

They were former members of Central Negros 2 Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (CN2-KR NCBS), according to the Army.

The Army said that the former rebels allegedly served as informants, relaying information about the presence and movements of government forces in their respective barangays, and providing logistical support to the NPA, aside from being involved in the armed movement.

The former NPA members also turned over some war materiel to the 94th IB, including an M4 rifle, three homemade shotguns, and one .38 caliber revolver.

Do you see it? It's the t-shirts! 94IB LOVES YOU. Sure they do. How much taxpayer money was wasted printing those t-shirts? 

Dog Owner Neglects 101 Dogs at Private Shelter

A dog's life is tough in the Philippines. Owners will let you run about all day which sometimes results in you getting struck by a vehicle. Sometimes a crazy owner will harm one of your brethren. In this case the crazy owner corralled 101 dogs at her house as a private shelter and instead of taking care of them she  abandoned them to die. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1776545/sick-abandoned-dogs-in-cebu-city-face-death

At least 77 abandoned dogs in this city may have to be euthanized due to their deteriorating health condition.

Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, the Cebu City veterinarian, said these dogs were among the 101 canines the Cebu City government rescued from an abandoned animal shelter in the mountain village of Adlaon two weeks ago after their owner left them sometime in February this year.

Of the 101 dogs, 16 had died while eight others were healthy and were qualified for adoption.

“I hope people will understand that we have to lessen the agony of these dogs. They came from a very stressful environment and now they are in this kind of situation that is very taxing,” Maribojoc told the Inquirer on Monday.

She said the rescued dogs were very weak and sickly since they had not eaten for probably a month.

“In fact, some of them killed other dogs just to survive,” Maribojoc said.

This is a very tragic situation right here. A single owner was running a private animal shelter with 101 dogs! How was this allowed to happen? How does one acquire 101 dogs? Clearly she had no money to feed them or to keep them healthy. And then she cruelly walks away leaving them to their fate.  

Based on the information they gathered, she said the rescued dogs were fed by the shelter’s caretaker for three months using personal money even without any salary.

However, she said the caretaker eventually left the dogs. Since they were already very weak and sick, the remaining dogs have to be euthanized.

Maribojoc, however, assured the public that the sick dogs will be euthanized in a rapid, painless and stress-free death.

Instead of exposing the animals to carbon monoxide, she said they would adopt a system where the dogs will simply be put to sleep.

Maribojoc said the city government had postponed the euthanasia of these dogs several times, hoping that some people would come over to adopt some of the dogs.

“I appeal to dog lovers who have enough space at home to visit the Cebu City dog pound to possibly adopt some of these dogs,” she said.

Maribojoc reminded those who wanted to rescue animals and put them at home to coordinate with the Cebu City government. Those who have more than 10 dogs must inform the city government and have their pets listed at the Bureau of Animal Industry, she added.

Republic Act No. 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act states that if a dog is captured, the city pound has the authority to fine the owner or to euthanize the dog if they are not claimed within the holding period, which is usually within one day to a week from capture.

Surely the community knew of this private shelter with 101 dogs.  You can't hide that kind of smell or sound. 

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of humane treatment of all animals, said euthanizing unclaimed animals in a pound after the holding period remains legal in the country.

The group, on its website, however, stressed that the government must employ humane methods when catching and performing euthanasia on animals.

The most humane way to euthanize an animal, it said, is through barbiturates, a kind of depressant or sedative drug. Other methods, such as gassing or electrocution, are inhumane and illegal, PAWS said.

Gassing was formerly used to kill dogs by connecting the hose from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe and revving the engine continuously for 10 to 15 minutes, emitting poisonous fumes and sending the dogs to death.

“We have very little influence on what happens in city pounds, but PAWS will take action if there is evidence of inhumane methods or acts of animal cruelty taking place in an animal pound,” it said.

Running a hose from a car to a room filled with dogs seems rather cartoonish and ridiculous. Would they be using a government vehicle? A private vehicle? Maybe they will call a taxi? 

Of course breathing in toxic fumes and slowly drifting away is less violent than being shot in the head which is what happens sometimes in Philippine animal shelters. 

https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3095186/animal-shelters-full-millions-stray-dogs-and-cats-roam-philippines-one

Vet and clinic founder Maricelle Licuanan, 41, says some strays in the Philippines were born on the streets, while others are abandoned family pets.

“Once these animals become an inconvenience to the owners, they are neglected or tossed onto the streets. Most of them are intact [unsterilised] so they mate with other strays and more unwanted animals are born. Sadly, it’s a never-ending cycle,” says Licuanan, whose clinic desexed more than 60,000 animals between March 2017 and July 18, 2020. 

Malou Perez, 30, is the founder of Pawssion Project, a Filipino dog rescue charity, and she believes letting animals die on the streets or shooting them dead in pounds is far more cruel than having them desexed in a painless operation.

“Based on the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines, it is legal for city pounds to euthanise unclaimed dogs by gunshot,” she says. “The government authorises this because using a firearm is cheaper than using other procedures. 

“When I went to the pound in 2018 to rescue dogs that were about to be executed, I saw how horrible the situation was,” she adds. “I was standing right next to a hole where the dogs were to be buried. It was very traumatising. I remember fiddling with my phone to distract myself from the dogs whimpering out of desperation and anguish. I had to go into the cells to calm them down. It was awful.”

Indeed death by gunshot is one of the few legal and acceptable means by which an animal is allowed to be euthanized in the Philippines.

https://paws.org.ph/downloads/AO%209%20and%20%20AO%2013%20Euthanasia%20of%20Animals.pdf

While only a licensed veterinarian is allowed to euthanize an animal when it comes to the gunshot method a person skilled in firearm usage must pull the trigger. 

6.3 Physical Methods

6.3. a Firearms (gunshot)

Firearms may likewise be used in euthanasia of specific animals. Shooting however, should only be performed by highly skilled personnel trained in the use of firearms such as those who are members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies. Only licensed and authorized firearms shall be used in the euthanasia of animals.

The following must be considered when firearms are used in euthanasia:

1. 6.3.a.a  Firearms shall be with no less than 22 caliber using non expansive bullets provided that the animal is pursued until death.

2. 6.3.a.b  The person using the firearm should aim or target the brain for the quick and immediate death of the animal. This should be done under the supervision of a duly licensed veterinarian.

"Provided that the animal is pursued until death?" One clean shot should be all that is needed. But dogs shouldn't be shot or mistreated. However this is the Philippines where life of any kind is cheap.

Retards in the Government 312

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

 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202203

Around 430 barangay officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs are now under monitoring by the Philippine National Police (PNP), its chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said on Thursday.

Acorda said some of these barangay officials are included in the PNP’s list of high-value individuals and street-level Individuals in the war against drugs.

“They are subject to intelligence operations. We are hoping that this will be reduced in the coming days. Hopefully, those involved would eventually stop. If not, they will be subject to police operations,” Acorda told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the Buhay ay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan in private sector workplaces in Quezon City.

Acorda said these barangay officials have varying involvement in illegal drugs where some are pushers, some are protectors and others are financiers.

“But based on our update, there are more or less 430 barangay officials (involved in the illegal drug trade), many of them are in Region VI (Western Visayas),” he added.

Acorda urged the public not to vote for candidates who are involved in illegal drugs.

“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to voters not to consider candidates, who have involvement in illegal drugs, to become our next set of barangay officials,” the country’s top cop stressed.

For his part, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. urged all candidates for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to undergo a drug test amid police intelligence reports that there are around 430 barangay officials involved in the illegal drugs activities.

Abalos said illegal drugs remain one of the biggest problems in the country and barangay officials should take the lead not only in fighting them but also in leading by example by proving that they are clean.

“To all those who would run for the barangay elections, we are fighting a war that is a global problem. If you want to run and serve, then undergo a drug test and show to us that you are ready to serve. I am calling out to all candidates,” said Abalos.

430 barangay officials are known to be involved in drugs and are being monitored by the PNP.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/27/coa-flags-sorsogon-city-on-hiring-of-job-order-personnel-in-2022

The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged Sorsogon City's hiring of 2,704 job order (JO) personnel who were paid P163.5 million in salaries in 2022 due to deficiencies in the hiring process.

In its annual audit report, COA said the most of the hired JO personnel were for the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) as street sweepers and garbage collectors.

It said the hired JO personnel also worked with the city’s Public Safety Office (PSO) as traffic enforcers and in the City Health Office (CHO) as midwives, nurses, and contact tracers.

At the same time, COA said that the city councilors each hired more than 10 JO personnel despite the existence of a permanent private secretary and a number of casual employees already assigned to them.

"Most of these JO personnel were assigned as barangay coordinators, data encoders, and public relations officers which were not related to the primary functions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) as provided in Section 458 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code) and despite the presence of the BAPAS (Barangay Affairs and Public Assistance Division)," the audit report said.

"Several drivers were also hired even though only five vehicles were issued to three of the SP Members," it said.

While the City Human Resources Management Office (CHRMO) limited the hiring of JO personnel for councilors to just 15 each, the COA said its audit found that these were "not really necessary and could be dispensed with without loss or damage" to the city government.

The COA also noted instances where the same position title had different rates and job descriptions.

It blamed the city government’s missteps to the absence of a Human Resource Plan (HRP). While the CHRMO was able to craft one for permanent employees, the same cannot be said for JO personnel, it said. Even in prior years' audit observations, the COA had already recommended that the CHRMO formulate a plan.

"We reiterated our prior years’ recommendation and management agreed to require immediately the CHRMO to formulate a HRP and issue a uniform policy guideline on the hiring of JO personnel to determine properly the necessity of hiring JOs and to strengthen internal controls pertaining thereto," it added.

Sorsogon City has descrepanices in its job order program. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202325

Police arrested a 41-year-old fire volunteer after he yielded suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP23.4 million during a drug sting in Parañaque City at dawn Saturday.

Suspect Jonnie Romo was arrested during a buy-bust operation along Balimbing Street, Phase 3, Olivarez Compound, Barangay San Isidro, at 2:50 a.m., Southern Police District (SPD) Director, Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft, said.

Romo yielded eight plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu, two medium-sized plastic tea bags sealed with the label "Guar Yun Wang," one medium-sized transparent plastic sachet, a genuine PHP1,000 bill on top of 139 pieces of buy-bust money, blue-green eco bag, a brown envelope, and a weighing scale.

The seized illegal drugs have an estimated combined weight of 3,450 grams, with the standard drug price amounting to PHP23,460,000.

The confiscated illegal drug items have been turned over to the SPD Forensic Unit for quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Kraft said drug charges would be filed against the suspect who is currently detained at the Parañaque City Police Station.

A volunteer fireman has been busted for drugs. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202375

The Philippine National Police-Firearms Explosive Office (PNP FEO) has revoked all gun licenses and permits of a former mayor of Langiden town in Abra for misdeclaration and having different signatures affixed to all documents concerning his firearms.

The official was identified as Artemio Cirillo Donato Jr., a resident of Barangay Baac in Langiden, Abra.

Aside from his license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) and firearms registration (FR), the FEO also revoked Donato's permit to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR).

In a statement Monday, the FEO said the move is a result of the continuous evaluation and audit of uploaded documents for the application of LTOPF and FR where it appeared that Donato "misdeclared the true and correct qualifications, the type of license and other license/s he possesses."

"Likewise, Mr. Donato bears different signatures on his other documents such as the Firearm Registration Form for the transfer of firearm, Firearm Registration Form for a newly purchased firearm, and the Deed of Sale of Firearm uploaded. This only showed that the application forms and Deed of Sale are void, and there are misrepresentations, misdeclarations/falsity committed, thus he has not completed the standards and requisites for issuance and obtaining an LTOPF to allow him to acquire firearms and ammunition," the order read.

FEO records also showed that Donato has 15 assorted firearms registered in his name.

The FEO also directed the former mayor to surrender all registered firearms under his name to the Regional Security Unit Cordillera (RSCU COR).

"In this regard, you are directed to coordinate with RSCU COR or the nearest police station in your address to process the turnover and documentation of 15 firearms in your possession within 48 hours upon receipt of this notice," the PNP FEO said.

It added failure to comply would prompt the police force to take the "next necessary step for confiscation" of the firearms in Donato's possession.

The gun permit of a town mayor has been revoked because he falsified the documents. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/30/sandigan-convicts-ex-chairperson-of-oroquieta-city-water-district-of-malversation-charges

The Sandiganbayan has convicted Evelyn Catharine O. Silagon, chairperson of the board of directors (BOD) of the Oroquieta City Water District (OCWD), for converting to her personal use and benefit some P2.9 million of funds of the water firm.

Silagon was convicted of 34 counts of violation of Article 217 paragraph 1 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) or malversation of public funds. For each count, she was sentenced to four months to three years imprisonment.

Silagon was also convicted of 24 counts of violation of Article 217 paragraph 2 of RPC and sentenced to two to eight years imprisonment for each count.

"In the service of her sentence, accused Silagon shall be entitled to the benefit of the three-fold rule as provided in Article 70 of the RPC, as amended," the anti-graft court said.

The three-fold rule states that the maximum duration of the sentence should not be more than three times the length of time corresponding the most severe of the penalties imposed upon an accused but in no case should exceed 40 years.

Silagon was also imposed perpetual disqualification from holding public office and was ordered to pay a fine P2,924,769.42, the amount of the funds malversed.

"She shall further pay the OCWD the same amount plus interest of six percent per annum, to be reckoned from the date of finality of this decision until full payment, by way of her civil liability," the court added.

The Sandiganbayan has convicted Evelyn Catharine O. Silagon, chairperson of the board of directors of the Oroquieta City Water District, for converting to her personal use and benefit some P2.9 million of funds of the water firm.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1776539/village-councilor-trying-to-pacify-quarelling-couple-shot-dead

A village councilor in this city who was trying to pacify a quarreling couple ended up dead after the husband, who was drunk, shot him with a pistol on Sunday night.

Lt. Col. Hamlet Lerios, Digos City police chief, identified the slain councilor as 47-year-old Rey Emecino Colita of Purok-6, Barangay San Roque, and the suspect as 35-year-old Jayradee Busadre Frande, a carpenter and resident of Relocation, Barangay Igpit.

Colita was in a disco celebrating the founding anniversary of the barangay when he was informed about the commotion involving a couple just a few meters away.

Colita, together with another village councilor, Ronelo Awe, went to the place where they tried to pacify the couple.

However, the drunken carpenter fired a pistol, hitting Colita in the back, causing his instantaneous death.

The heated argument stemmed from the refusal of Frande’s wife to go home with him as he was already reeking of alcohol.

Forensics personnel from the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office found a spent shell from a .45-caliber pistol.

Digos police have launched a pursuit operation to arrest Frande who fled after shooting the village councilor.

A village councilor was shot dead while trying to pacify a couple arguing. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/31/3-ex-cainta-rizal-officials-convicted-of-graft-violation-of-local-government-code

Three former officials of Cainta town in Rizal have been convicted of violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Local Government Code in the irregular purchases of scanner and miscellaneous supplies in 2000.

Former municipal budget officer Privada B. Gonzales and officer-in-charge of the general services office Marciano A. Doroteo were found guilty of two counts of graft each and one count each of violation of Section 89 (a) of Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code on prohibited business and pecuniary interest.

Also, former budget officer III Glady G. Formales was convicted of one count of graft and one count of violation of RA 7160.

On their conviction for graft, they were sentenced to a prison term ranging from six to 10 years for each count, and six months to six years for violation of RA 7160.

They were also ordered to pay a fine of P5,000 each for their violation of RA 7160.

For their graft conviction, Gonzales and Doroteo were held ordered to jointly pay the government P502,700.

Three former government officials have been convicted of graft. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/05/31/2270391/2-pnp-officials-tagged-p67-billion-shabu-cover-up

Two lieutenant colonels have “a lot of explaining to do” after they were tagged by relieved Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo as among the main players in the alleged cover-up surrounding the seizure of 990 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

Domingo identified Lt. Cols. Glenn Gonzales of the Quezon City Police District and Arnulfo Ibañez, then officer-in-charge of the PDEG Special Operations Unit-National Capital Region, in the attempted cover-up to exonerate former police officer Rodolfo Mayo over the raid on Mayo’s lending firm in Manila last year that resulted in the discovery of shabu valued at P6.7 billion.

“If you want to know who is behind the drug syndicate at the (PNP), you should look at the boss of Gonzales and Ibañez,” Domingo told former PNP chief and now Sen. Ronald dela Rosa during the latter’s committee hearing yesterday on the drug pilferage.

He admitted lapses in the police operation against Mayo and his accomplice Ney Saligumba Atadero, notably the absence of a drug inventory upon their arrest due to a plan to use Mayo in a follow-up operation to find his source of drugs.

“I admit there are lapses in our entire operation, but such judgment calls and procedural lapses were done by me in good faith based on the reports of my men,” Domingo said.

He pointed to Ibañez as Mayo’s superior and the one who signed a spot report that included Mayo as an arresting officer in a separate drug bust so that the latter could lead operatives to another alleged drug warehouse.

But former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin later canceled the plan to use Mayo in the follow-up operation and ordered the filing of charges against him instead, Domingo said.

Azurin had Mayo secured instead “supposedly because Ibañez might clean up his mess and kill Mayo.”

As for Gonzales, he intervened in the operation despite being assigned to the Quezon City police and arrived at the crime scene supposedly to get a “reward” for his informant, who allegedly tipped off police, according to Domingo.

“Ibañez and Gonzales have a lot of explaining to do,” Dela Rosa later said of the two in a press briefing after the hearing. “Questions surrounding this shabu haul revolve around the two, aside from Mayo.”

Two Lieutenant Colonels have been implicated in the cover up of a large shabu haul. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/1/councilor-in-laguna-accused-of-rape-yields

A municipal councilor of Santa Cruz, Laguna accused of rape surrendered to the police here on Wednesday, May 31.

Police identified the suspect as Mark Anthony Joven, 41.

Joven was accompanied by his lawyer after an alleged warrant of arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in Santa Cruz, Laguna on May 10.

After verification with the e-warrant system, it was found out that the accused has two unserved warrants of arrest for the crime of rape with criminal case number SC-30954 dated May 10 and three counts of rape through sexual assault with criminal case numbers SC-30955, 30956, and 30957 dated May 10 issued by Judge Mary Grace S. Bonsol-Cabal, acting presiding judge of RTC Branch 27.

He was later taken into custody.

The court did not recommend bail in the first rape case. But in the second case, the court recommended a bail of P120,000 for each count.

Joven is detained at the custodial facility of the Pila Municipal Police Station.

A town councilor has been charged with rape.