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Early case resolution sought for 141 NFA officials
The resolution of cases against 141 officials and employees of the National Food Authority must be hastened amid the six.....»»
Former BFAR director added to list of DA usecs
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has appointed former Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources director Asis Perez as undersecretary for policy, planning and regulations amid the ongoing major reshuffle at the department......»»
REPORT THE CASES | BCPO beefs up measures amid robbery cases; police on top of situation
REPORT THE CASES | BCPO beefs up measures amid robbery cases; police on top of situation.....»»
DTI monitoring bottled water prices in Baguio
The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) said that it is monitoring the prices of bottled water in Baguio City amid the increased demand for it following recorded cases of acute gastroenteritis in the city......»»
Baguio tests water sources as gastroenteritis cases spike
Water sources in this city are being tested amid a surge in acute gastroenteritis cases......»»
Bong Go calls for vigilance amid rising flu cases
MANILA, Philippines– Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has strongly urged Filipinos to stay vigilant in response to a Department of Health (DOH) report revealing over 190,000 documented cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the country. Go, chairperson of the Senate committee on health and demography, expressed deep concern over the escalating public health issue, particularly during.....»»
Go calls for heightened vigilance amid surging flu cases
Amid surging flu cases in the country, Sen. Bong Go urged Filipinos to maintain heightened vigilance to protect their health and their families......»»
COVID-19 cases rise in Manila
The number of COVID cases in Manila is increasing amid Christmas parties and preparations for the holiday, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said yesterday......»»
DOLE urges WFH amid rising COVID-19 cases
To avoid the possible spread of COVID-19 in workplaces, the Department of Labor and Employment is encouraging companies nationwide to adopt the work-from-home scheme and other preventive measures......»»
S. Cotabato on the lookout for ‘walking pneumonia’
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 14 December)—Health personnel in South Cotabato have stepped up their surveillance against “walking pneumonia” amid the increase in cases of influenza-like illness, which already resulted to 13 deaths. A report from the epidemiology and surveillance unit of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) said it recorded 20 confirmed cases of […].....»»
WATCH: Philippines holds presser on ‘Chinese aggression, harassment’ in West Philippine Sea
Spokespersons from the PCG, BFAR, AFP, DFA, and NSC hold a presser after weekend cases of harassment at the hands of the China Coast Guard.....»»
Bong Go reminds public to observe proper hygiene amid typhoid surge
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged Filipinos to be more vigilant and prioritize their health by observing proper hygiene in the wake of an alarming increase in typhoid cases across the country. According to the Department of Health (DOH), at least 17,531 cases of typhoid have been recorded this year. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his concern for the growing number of typhoid cases and called upon the Filipino people to take immediate action to protect their health and that of their loved ones. “Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na maging mapanuri sa ating kalusugan. Huwag tayong mag-atubiling magpatingin sa mga doktor kung may mga sintomas tulad ng lagnat o pagsusuka,” Go underscored. “Mahalaga ring magtulungan tayo para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng mga sakit na ito. Huwag nating kalimutan ang tamang kalinisan at sanitation sa ating mga tahanan. Siguruhing laging malinis ang ating mga paligid at inumin ang ligtas na tubig,” he added. Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily spreads through contaminated food and water. Its symptoms, which include high fever, abdominal pain, and severe weakness, can be severe and even life-threatening if left untreated. Therefore, the recent increase in cases is a cause for significant concern, stressed Go. According to the most recent disease surveillance report from DOH, there has been a 38 percent increase in reported cases of the disease from 1 January to 30 September compared to the same period last year, with 12,693 cases. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) reported the highest number of cases at 2,861 followed by Northern Mindanao with 1,932 cases, and Mimaropa Region (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) with 1,413 cases. Cases in SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) increased by 119 percent from 512 cases to 1,123. Central Luzon saw the most significant increase in cases, with a 192 percent increase from 334 cases last year to 975 cases this year. "Typhoid fever is a preventable disease, and it is disheartening to see the numbers continue to rise," Go said, adding "We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to our health. It is our responsibility to stay informed and practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of this disease." Go also urged the government and health agencies to intensify their efforts in raising awareness about typhoid prevention, enhancing healthcare services, and implementing strict measures to ensure food and water safety. Go then highlighted the importance of Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers as crucial components of the country's healthcare system, saying, “As the nation battles the increasing number of typhoid cases, it is essential for Filipinos to be aware of the facilities designed to provide quick and efficient medical services and assistance.” The Malasakit Centers program, a brainchild of Go, serves as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs. These centers bring together key government agencies to streamline the process of availing medical aid. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo sa inyong billing,” said Go. The program was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, which was principally sponsored and authored by Go. To date, there are 159 operational centers that have successfully helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide. “Sa ating pag-iikot sa buong bansa kapag naghahatid tayo ng serbisyo sa mga komunidad, lagi nating ipinapaalala sa ating mga kababayan—lalo na ang mga mahihirap—na unahin ang kanilang kalusugan. Huwag dapat silang matakot magpagamot dahil kung kailangan nila ng tulong pang-medikal ay nandiyan ang Malasakit Center sa kanilang lugar na handang tumulong sa kanila. Para sa taumbayan iyan. Kahit sino ay maaaring lumapit dito. Basta Pilipino ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center,” Go explained. Moreover, the Super Health Centers offer a wide array of medical services, including consultations, and diagnostic tests, among others, ensuring that more Filipinos receive proper medical care close to their homes. “Malaking tulong po ito na ma-decongest ‘yung mga hospitals. Makakatulong rin sa early disease detection para maagapan ang sakit. Pwede na sa Super Health Centers ang primary care at pagkonsulta sa doktor,” he added. Super Health Centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers and local government units, sufficient funds have been allocated under the DOH for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. "In times like these, we must come together as a nation. Let us be vigilant, look out for one another, and ensure that proper hygiene practices are consistently followed. By working together, we can combat this outbreak and protect the health and well-being of our fellow Filipinos,“ stressed Go. The post Bong Go reminds public to observe proper hygiene amid typhoid surge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Intentional, premeditated
In a prior editorial, this paper raised the possibility that the Chinese vessels hitting a Philippine Coast Guard ship and a resupply boat it was escorting to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea might have been intentional. While we let readers read between the lines, factual narrations of the event tended to show how improbable it would have been for two separate collision incidents, involving several Chinese and Philippine vessels, to happen by accident in the wide expanse of ocean. The two collisions happened miles away from each other amid fair weather conditions with the sun shining brightly, thus neither poor visibility nor questionable seamanship could have been a factor in the incidents. As in most cases, the simplest explanations often prove to be the correct or accurate ones. In these incidents, the latest in China’s aggressive maneuvers in the WPS, the actions taken by the Chinese coast guard and militia vessels smacked of premeditation. On Monday, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro confirmed in a press briefing that the Chinese vessels “intentionally” hit the Philippine boats trying to resupply troops stationed on the intentionally grounded navy vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre. “While conducting legitimate rotation and resupply operations within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit the Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra,” Teodoro said. It was a conclusion that would not have required the title Defense Secretary to make. Video footage and photos of the first incident showed a China Coast Guard ship chasing the very small resupply boat. As if the David-versus-Goliath affair were not enough, a second CCG vessel then cut off the boat. All the pieces of evidence considered, the word “collision” does not apply to the actions China took because this would presuppose the possibility of their being mere accidents. The operative word should be “bumped” or, if the incident resulted in grave damage to the Philippine vessels, “rammed.” The stern of the smaller resupply vessel and the bow of the Chinese coast guard ship were seen briefly touching in the video released by the Philippine military. According to a statement from the National Security Council, the supply boat sustained damage. It added that a second resupply boat was able to complete its mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. With the United States and Canada condemning China over the incident, the collision may not be the last or it may just be a portent of more serious “interactions” to come between China and the Philippines as both assert their respective sovereign claims in the WPS. If only to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific region, countries that have pledged to conduct freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea should start doing so. The burden of checking Beijing’s expansionist designs in the region should be shared not only by other claimant nations, but by governments that benefit from the trillions of dollars in trade that pass annually through the South China Sea. We cannot expect the Philippines’ summoning of the Chinese ambassador over the incidents to amount to anything, except to register the country’s strong and continuing opposition to Beijing’s aggressive acts in the WPS. China can never claim Ayungin to be part of its sovereign waters because it lies 1,000 kilometers from its nearest major landmass, Hainan Island, while the shoal is only 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan. This proximity of Ayungin Shoal to Palawan, along with other proof presented by the Philippines to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, was primarily considered by the court in ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016. China had refused to recognize the arbitral ruling precisely because it did not go its way. In fact, the court declared as baseless China’s nine-dash line claim to nearly the entire South China Sea. CCG’s ramming of Philippine vessels is a calculated act of provocation. It is a message to the Philippines and the rest of the world that China is willing to use force to achieve its goals. Beijing’s actions are a threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Asia-Pacific region. Nations must not allow China to succeed in its bullying tactics. The international community must take a stand and not allow China to undermine the rules-based order in the Asia-Pacific. The aggression being shown by Chinese maritime assets is a threat to the world, and must be stopped. The post Intentional, premeditated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dissident author warns Russians in Europe to be on guard
Russian author Sergei Lebedev's novel "Untraceable", about an undetectable toxin used to target Kremlin critics, was released a few years ago but has taken on added resonance as alleged poisonings have multiplied. Now the dissident writer is warning that the Russian exile community in Europe faces an ever greater threat amid heightened tensions over the Ukraine war. "This emigre community in Europe is now one of the most important targets for the Russian security (services)," the 42-year-old, now based in Germany, told AFP in an interview at the Frankfurt Book Fair this week. "There will be attempts to infiltrate, to get informants... Of course, there will be some assassination attempts." In Germany -- which Lebedev describes as a "hub" for overseas Russians -- there have been a growing number of suspected cases of Kremlin critics being targeted. In May, German police said they were investigating the possible poisoning of exiled Russians after an activist, Natalia Arno, reported health problems following a Berlin meeting of dissidents. Meanwhile, Berlin-based Russian journalist Elena Kostyuchenko wrote in a Guardian article last month about how she fell ill last year after visiting Munich, and poisoning was suspected. Inside Russia, the most high-profile case in recent years of a Kremlin critic allegedly being poisoned was that of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Moscow has repeatedly dismissed allegations that it has targeted critics in this way. But Western governments say evidence points to the contrary and for Lebedev, Russians in Europe are not taking the threat seriously enough. 'Very eerie' "They are not very much concerned with security," he said. "They do not understand the principles of how the security services work." "Untraceable", which tells the story of an ageing scientist who creates a highly toxic, undetectable poison, was inspired by the 2018 poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England. And it was around the time that the book was published in Russia that opposition politician Navalny was allegedly poisoned -- a development that Lebedev said he found "very eerie". While he has been vocal about his opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he does not believe he faces a threat himself. He has not found himself in the crosshairs of the authorities and feels he does not run the same level of risk as others, such as critical journalists, particularly those still trying to report from inside Russia. Still, Lebedev -- who moved to Germany five years ago with his wife -- said he has been taking extra precautions, particularly when it comes to exchanging sensitive information. Before becoming a full-time writer, Lebedev worked as a geologist and later as a journalist. He was motivated to write a novel after discovering his grandmother's second husband had been the commander of a Soviet labor camp. He was shaken by the revelation and faced the question of how to "deal with this personally -- with the fact that in your family (there) was a murderer". "I realized that the way out was to write a novel." 'Shocked' at Ukraine war The result was the book "Oblivion", about the legacy of the Soviet prison camp system, which was released about a decade ago and launched his literary career. He has since written several books and his latest is a collection of short stories, "A Present Past: Titan and Other Chronicles". It reflects what he believes is Russia's tortured relationship with the Soviet era -- and society's failure to come to terms with the past -- as well as aspects of its problematic present. Lebedev, who lives in Potsdam outside Berlin, did not flee his homeland. He first moved to Germany for professional reasons. But he has not returned since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, fearing it is not safe to do so. He said he was "shocked" when Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine. "I was the same idiot as many of us were, thinking that Putin is a... modern autocratic, modern dictator and not the blood-thirsty maniac that he is." He sees no swift end to the conflict. "The most difficult and problematic thing is that Russians are getting used to the fact that they are at war but still life is sustainable," he said. The post Dissident author warns Russians in Europe to be on guard appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Leptospirosis cases, deaths still up
Leptospirosis cases in the country are still increasing amid continuous rain and flooding......»»
DOH: Flu, COVID-19 cases increasing amid rainy season
The Department of Health reported on Thursday an increase in the number of respiratory infections, such as influenza-like illness and COVID-19, which are common during the rainy season. According to the Health Department, Covid-19 cases have been slightly increasing since August with an average of 172 new cases per day. Earlier this week, the department reported 1,231 new COVID-19 cases, of which eight were tagged as severe and critical cases. The daily average cases also climbed from 172 to 176, which is 6 percent higher than the cases from 18 to 24 September. Despite the reported increase in COVID-19 cases at the national and regional level, the DoH said the country’s health system capacity “remains at low risk” with total and intensive care unit bed utilization rates at 16 percent and 13 percent, respectively. The agency also recorded a total of 134,636 cases of influenza-like illness across the country. “Cases are slightly increasing with cases reported in the recent three to four weeks (20 August to 4 September) 8 percent higher compared to the two weeks prior,” it said. ‘Expect more’ The DOH warned the public to expect more cases of respiratory infections in the coming months as the country approaches colder months. “Communicable diseases, particularly respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19 infections, are expected to increase during the rainy season and colder months due to the proliferation of viruses as the weather transitions from increased heat and high humidity in the summer to wet and damp weather conditions,” it said. To prevent respiratory infections from further increasing, especially this rainy season and upcoming holiday season, the agency “encouraged to perform individual self-assessment and, as needed, employ layers of protection such as masking, ensuring adequate ventilation, isolating when sick, as well as getting vaccinated and boosted to provide additional protection against infection or severe disease.” The post DOH: Flu, COVID-19 cases increasing amid rainy season appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOH: No presence of Nipah virus in Philippines
The Department of Health has confirmed that there are no cases of Nipah virus in the Philippines amid increasing reports of flu-like illnesses in Cagayan de Oro......»»
Speaker to chief airport screener: Quit ASAP
The head of the Office for Transport Security should have the delicadeza to resign amid the cases of alleged theft involving OTS screeners at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Speaker Martin Romualdez said yesterday......»»
Tulfo slams SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG over low coverage of domestic workers
Senator Raffy on Thursday slammed three government pension agencies for their “deficient” compliance in providing benefits coverage for domestic workers. Tulfo cited the 2019 joint survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Labor and Employment that there are 1.4 million registered domestic workers with the Social Security System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG. However, only 6 percent of this figure, or 84,190 kasambahays were enrolled by their employers in SSS, while only 5 percent or 74,858 e in PhilHealth and 3.4 percent or 51,579 in Pag-IBIG. “This is very low compliance,” said Tulfo, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor. “These agencies are not doing enough to ensure that employers in the country have registered and have been paying the SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG contributions of their kasambahays,” he added. Tulfo also expressed disappointment amid the failure of barangay officials to implement the registration system for domestic helpers. “Knowing that some employers are too busy to enroll their house help for said coverage or deliberately avoid doing so to avoid payments,” he said. The "Domestic Workers Act" or "Batas Kasambahay,” mandates every employer to register a house help under their employment in the barangay offices—where they are residing. The law also orders Punong Barangas to be responsible for the Registry of Kasambahay within their respective jurisdiction. “Why barangay officials managed to be very active on house-to-house campaigns during the elections period but were unable to go door-to-door to survey households with kasambahays and ensure implementation of Batas Kasambahay,” Tulfo questioned. Hence, he recommended the removal of “qualified theft punishment” for kasambahays. "Employers are using this to pin down house helps seeking better treatment or complaining about work-related benefits," Tulfo said. “In some cases, employers would get back at their kasambahays and avoid giving them proper treatment as mandated by the law by planting evidence pointing to a crime they did not commit, like stealing, employers would later report it to the police to send innocent and voiceless kasambahays to jail,” he added. The post Tulfo slams SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG over low coverage of domestic workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US federal judge, 96, suspended over ‘mental fitness’
The oldest US federal judge, at age 96, was suspended from her duties Wednesday over questions about her mental competency, in a case evoking the debate over elderly politicians like Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Pauline Newman, an appellate court judge since 1984, was accused by colleagues of working too slowly and of frequently appearing confused, agitated, and belligerent, which raised concerns of "disability," according to the ruling by the Judicial Council of the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Interviews with staff "provided overwhelming evidence that Judge Newman may be experiencing significant mental problems including memory loss, lack of comprehension, confusion, and an inability to perform basic tasks," it said. Despite being given a reduced workload, Newman takes four times as long as other judges to issue opinions in cases before the court, it said. The council said that because Newman refused to accept being examined by a council-chosen neurologist and psychiatrist to judge her mental acuity, it was suspending her for one year, which could be extended if she still refused to cooperate. But Newman, who has been deprived of reviewing cases since April, has said the proceedings against her were conducted illegally and suggested they were the product of personal animosity from other judges. She backed her argument with the results of examinations by specialists she herself chose. "Judge Newman demonstrated no substantial emotional, medical, or psychiatric disability that would interfere with continuation of her longstanding duties as a judge," psychiatrist Regina Carney said. The case comes amid questions about the capabilities of an increasing number of elderly politicians -- President Joe Biden, 80, and rival Donald Trump, 77, among them -- to perform their duties. Born in 1927, Newman earned a PhD in chemistry from Yale and then became a patent law expert. In 1984 she was named to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, a special court dealing with patent laws and government contracts. The ruling against her noted she had been called "the heroine of the patent system." Her attorney, Gregory Dolin of the New Civil Liberties Alliance, said the review of her case was stacked against her. "The bottom line is that Judge Newman did not get due process," he told AFP. He said personal animosities as well as ageism factored into the case. "It's easy to say she's 96, she's past her prime, even if it's not true," Dolin said. "Whatever you might say about some politicians in Washington, Judge Newman is not in that group," he added. The post US federal judge, 96, suspended over ‘mental fitness’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»