Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready HAS THE State of Israel made contact with aliens? According to retired Israeli general and current professor Haim Eshed, the answer is yes, but this has been kept a secret because “humanity isn’t ready.” Speaking in an interview to Yediot Aharonot,
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Eshed – who served as the head of Israel’s space security program for nearly 30 years and is a three-time recipient of the Israel Security Award – explained that Israel and the US have both been dealing with aliens for years. And this by no means refers to immigrants, with Esh-
ed clarifying the existence of a “Galactic Federation.” The 87-year-old former space security chief gave further descriptions about exactly what sort of agreements have been made between the aliens and the US, which ostensibly have been made because they wish to
research and understand “the fabric of the universe.” This cooperation includes a secret underground base on Mars, where there are American and alien representatives. If true, this would coincide with US President Continue on page 7
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Duterte realizes only now importance of Covid tests W
President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)
ITH THOUSANDS of Covid-19 deaths since the pandemic in March and the rising number of new infections in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte said it is only now that he realized the importance of coronavirus testing for Filipinos. “Alam mo ang impor- testing — ‘yung swabbing It was unclear tante pala sa totoo lang pati ‘yung test,” he said in whether he was made and I realize now it’s the a recent presser. Continue on page 2
Sulu’s Camp Bud Datu gets a face lift DENR uncovers illegal mining, logging in North Cotabato town NORTH COTABATO Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Emmanuel Piñol ordered an investigation into illegal
mining and illegal logging operations inside the Mount Apo Protected Area in North Cotabato’s Magpet town.
Piñol said he received an initial report from the Department of Environment and Continue on page 2
Avoid large gatherings, DOH says THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) reminded the public against hold-
ing large family and social gatherings during the Yuletide holidays, saying, the
SULU – Vice Governor Toto Tan inaugurated the newly-constructed facilities at Camp Bud Datu at the headquarters of the
Philippine Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade in Indanan town. Security officials thanked Tan and the pro-
vincial government for the support in construction and renovation of facilities at the camp Continue on page 3
Chaos mar opening of SM City Mindpro in Zamboanga ZAMBOANGA CITY – Chaos marred the soft opening recently of SM City Mindpro here after curious residents and shoppers nearly
groupings can be a source of Covid-19 transmission. Continue on page 2
stormed the mall’s entrance and threatened to overpower security guards. With the disorderly Continue on page 2
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Duterte realizes only now importance of Covid tests
Continued from page 1 aware by health experts that Covid-19 testing is indeed important to control the spread of the deadly respiratory virus. But Duterte vowed to bring down the cost or provide Filipinos with free Covid-19 testing. “ Kasi mahal, I’m trying to figure out a cheaper
way of doing it and I will discuss it with the Secretary of Health (Francisco Duque) and (retired) General (Carlito) Galvez (now the vaccine czar), how to come up with a cheaper swabbing and testing kasi magbayad ka mahal lalo na sa airport.” “Ang problema noon in the early days ang sa
airport which was really a mandatory thing for me na nagpunta doon, ang presyo ata mga two. So ‘yung iba tamang-tama lang ‘yung pera especially the marginalized — marginalized I mean is ‘yung tamang-tama lang, mga estudyante. So pamasahe pauwi airport, they are really content with the
DENR uncovers illegal mining, logging in North Cotabato town
A mining tunnel inside the Mount Apo Protected Area in Magpet town in North Cotabato. (DENR Photo) Continued from page 1 Natural Resources (DENR) saying it uncovered illegal mining and illegal cutting of hardwood trees in Mount Apo. “I received a report that a team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources uncovered illegal mining operations and cutting of hardwood inside the Mount Apo Protected Area
in Barangay Don Panaca, Magpet, North Cotabato,” he said. “The initial report also said that the poachers have started planting bananas in the areas cleared of natural growing trees. I have directed officials of the Mindanao Development Authority to coordinate with the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau to get to the bottom of this,”
Piñol added, saying, he will submit an official report to President Rodrigo Duterte. Last month, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered all local governments across the country to crackdown on illegal mining and illegal logging operations following the widespread flooding caused by typhoons. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said local governments and the police must prioritize the protection of the environment. “We must act quickly and in a whole-of-society fashion to protect our remaining forests across the country otherwise we are creating and causing more disasters for our country.” “The flooding brought by Typhoon Ulysses is a harsh reminder that we are failing at doing our level best to protect the environment, especially our remaining forest cover. Kayat inaatasan ko ang lahat ng PNP units at LGUs na pigilan ang illegal logging at illegal quarrying sa kanilang mga nasasakupan,” he said. (Rhod Beñez)
Avoid large gatherings, DOH says Continued from page 1 “With our current pandemic situation, any large gathering of people is considered a risk to one’s health. It would be wiser, at this time of pandemic, to simply stay at home during this Yuletide season and limit the celebration to household members only,” said DOH Secretary Francisco Duque. Duque advised the public to utilize online platforms such as the social media, video messaging apps and e-commerce sites in place of the traditional holiday activities like attending masses or Simbang Gabi, getting in touch with relatives, and buying gifts.
“COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country may now be lower compared to previous months but this should not be a reason for complacency. Even though we see a lowering trend in the number of COVID-19 cases, this is not irreversible. We need to maintain our caution especially for the upcoming holidays. Everyone should remain vigilant as the threat of the pandemic is still here,” he said. Duque said senior citizens, especially those with weak immune systems and underlying medical conditions are more prone to contracting the deadly virus. “It is better to stay at home
during this Christmas season,” he said as he reminded everyone to strictly adhere to the minimum public health standards to prevent Covid-19 transmission. “As the holidays are nearing, let us do our part and be conscious of the six peligro factors during our holiday activities - the number of people, the density of people in an area which would make the observance of physical distancing difficult, the duration of the activity, ventilation of the venue, the nature of the activity, and the ability to use personal protective equipment such as face masks and face shields,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
— contend with the extra expenses. So iyan ngayon ang problema,” Duterte pointed out. He said one of the means to avoid and limit the spread of the virus, the government must provide for the well curative and palliative or whatever preventive measures and one of those is the Covid-19 testing. Duterte also appealed to hotel owners and inns to allow Covid-19 patients to stay in their establishments for a quarantine period and said the government
will pay for all expenses. “Itong mga hotel na bakante tutal pagkatapos niyan, you can always decontaminate the rooms. We will do it for you. Arrange with the hotels na puwede mo munang gamitin lalo na sa panahon na ito. And to the owners of hotels, inns, motel maybe kung wala ng iba, nagkulang, to accommodate the Filipinos who are in need of help. I will assume the full responsibility of paying you pagdating ng panahon. I will see to it that… I will ask Congress, I will plead sa kanila na hanapan ng
paraan bayaran kayo. And I will personally see to it that you are paid on time,” he said. The president said there is a continuing spike in Covid-19 cases in the country despite strict quarantine measures and health protocols. “Ina-announce ko sa ating mga kababayan na there is a spike still. We have cases coming up every day,” he said. The Department of Health reported over 8,000 Covid deaths since March with more than 440,000 total cases. (Mindanao Examiner)
Chaos mar opening of SM City Mindpro in Zamboanga Continued from page 1 situation, members of the specialized police unit S.W.A.T. or Special Weapons and Tactics and cops were called in to help control the huge crowd lined up outside the mall along La Purisima Street. It was unclear why the mall failed to implement health protocols as shoppers pushed each others in an attempt to get inside the SM City Mindpro. There was also a long line of shoppers waiting for their turn to get inside the mall. Videos posted by Netizens on social media showed shoppers breaking health protocols and security guards having a hard time controlling the crowd. It was like a scene from department stores in the U.S. during Black Friday. The videos quickly went viral, raising questions on the safety of everybody amid the Covid-19 pandemic. There was no immediate statement from mall executives on the chaos that broke out on its opening day. But on its Facebook page, SM City Mindpro said: “Today, we unwrapped the gift of fun shopping and safe malling in Zamboanga.”
“Thank you so much for the awesome welcome, Zamboanga! Here’s to more safe and fun malling moments together as we continue to serve your community. Muchisimas gracias and enjoy the wonderful world of SM, loves!” Ironically, the mall also failed to implement its much trumpeted digital Covid-19 contact tracing application called Trace Together. In its previous press release, SM City Mindpro said it uses Trace Together, which is an end-toend contact tracing solution to fight the spread of coronavirus disease. Mall-goers are required to download the Trace Together application and must scan the QR code at all entrances using their mobile device and declare information like name, address, mobile phone number, and health condition status. The mall is not big as residents thought it to be with department store occupying several levels and shops littered in all five floors. Its opening was cancelled several times since October. It first cancelled its grand opening in October
and moved it to November 27, but postponed this again for a still unknown reason. It then announced a soft opening on November 29 only to cancel it anew. SM City Mindpro did not say why it cancelled the soft opening. Mall executives also cancelled the VIP invitations it sent on November 26, eve of the grand opening, for reasons unclear. Those invited had to cancel their busy schedules just to attend the VIP event only to be told later that it had been cancelled. Its Facebook account was flooded with comments from Netizens criticizing the mall for its confusing decisions on whether to open or not, or the reason behind it. But there were reports the mall did not push through with the grand opening after two of its employees contracted Covid-19. It was unknown whether the duo had infected the others that forced the SM City Mindpro to cancel the opening of the mall. KCC Mall de Zamboanga, which opened on December 2015, is the biggest mall so far in Zamboanga City. (Zamboanga Post)
December 14-20, 2020
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Sulu’s Camp Bud Datu gets a face lift
(Photo by Jules Arastam) Continued from page 1 overlooking the capital town of Jolo. The project was made possible through the financial assistance extended by Governor Sakur Tan. Among the projects were the huge welcome sign
and marker of Rajah Baguinda Shrine, a mini zoo, expanded view deck. Camp Bud Datu even has its own version of Starbucks Coffee Company called “Stagbucks” and Pati’s Point, the military’s version of Padi’s Point
Restaurant and Bar in Antipolo City in Rizal province. And visitors’quarters called The Forest Lodge. The recent inauguration was attended by Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan and senior military and government officials. (Mindanao Examiner)
Stay home, celebrate Yuletide with loved ones DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Carpio reminded residents to celebrate the Yuletide holidays safely and healthily with their family and reiterated calls to stay home and avoid social parties and gatherings. Carpio said the celebration would be more meaningful if everyone in the family is complete and healthy this Christmas and New Year. “Mao kini ang pinakamaayong regalo nga atong mahatag sa atong pamilya ug sa tanang tao sa atong katilingban,” she said.
“Likayan nato ang mga party ug panagtapok-tapok. Atong balibaran ang mga imbitasyon,” she added. Carpio encouraged everyone to reflect on the current situation and to look forward to the future. “Magtigum kita ug mogasto alang lamang sa mga butang nga importante kanato ug sa atong pamilya. Ayaw usiki ang inyong kwarta sa mga butang nga walay bili – sama na lang sa mga pabuto,” she said. The mayor also asked residents to pray and co-
operate as the local government continues to fight the spread of Covid-19. Davao City has one of the highest numbers of Covid-19 cases in the country and remains under General Community Quarantine until end of the year. “Magtinabangay kita sa pagbatok sa pagkuyanap sa virus. Ug sa atong pagtinabangay – mapakita nato ang atong kusog. Pinaagi niini, dili kita mapukan,” she said. (Malou Cablinda contributed to this report.)
Police hold Saudi man on alleged terror links
A photo released by the police shows members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group serving a warrant to Saudi national Adel Sulainman Alsuhibani. POLICE ARE holding a Saudi national accused of being a member of the Islamic State operating in
East Asia. Officials said the 47year old Adel Sulaiman Alsuhibani was recently
arrested in his home in Cotabato City. His Filipina wife, Norhaya Silongan Lumanggal, 36, was also taken into custody by the police. Alsuhibani allegedly facilitated the entry in the country of IS members from the Middle East. He is believed working closely with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, whose members were mostly former fighters of the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Police claimed to have recovered a homemade bomb in the house of Alsuhibani during the search. (Rhod Beñez)
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The Mindanao Examiner
December 14-20, 2020
Sulu Pictures in the News Sulu provincial government at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Task Force Covid-19, and Jolo Municipal Government)
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December 14-20, 2020
Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready Continued from page 1 Donald Trump’s creation of the Space Force as the fifth branch of the US armed forces, though it is unclear how long this sort of relationship, if any, has been going on between the US and its reported extraterrestrial allies. But Eshed insists that Trump is aware of them, and that he was “on the verge” of disclosing their existence. However, the Galactic Federation reportedly stopped him from doing so, saying they wished to prevent mass
hysteria since they felt humanity needed to “evolve and reach a stage where we will... understand what space and spaceships are,” Yediot Aharonot reported. As for why he’s chosen to reveal this information now, Eshed explained that the timing was simply due to how much the academic landscape has changed, and how respected he is in academia. “If I had come up with what I’m saying today five years ago, I would have been hospitalized,” he ex-
plained to Yediot. He added that “today, they’re already talking differently. I have nothing to lose. I’ve received my degrees and awards; I am respected in universities abroad, where the trend is also changing.” Eshed provided more information in his newest book, “The Universe Beyond the Horizon – conversations with Professor Haim Eshed,” along with other details such as how aliens have prevented nuclear apocalypses and “when we can jump in and
visit the Men in Black.” The book is available now for NIS 98. While it is unclear if any evidence exists that could support Eshed’s claims, they did come just ahead of a recent announcement by SpaceIL, the group behind Israel’s failed attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon in
2019. Uploaded to social media with the text “Ready to get excited again?,” the announcement contained a 15-second video of the moon with text saying “Back to the Moon,” followed by the date of December 9, 2020. It is likely that this is a follow up to the Beresheet
spacecraft, which crashed after engineers lost contact with it just minutes before it was due to land. However, the follow up project, titled Beresheet 2, is expected to take three years to be ready. (By Aaron Reich. Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.)
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Pininyahang Manok sa Gata
Bakit Mahalaga ang Ihi at Kulay Nito Ang ihi ay mula sa dugo na nasala sa kidneys. Bumababa ang ihi sa ureter at pupunta sa pantog. Ang ihi ay binubuo ng tubig, dumi tulad ng urea, asin tulad ng urates, ammonia, sobrang bitamina (B at C), mineral, protina (creatinine), taba, carbohydrates at gamot na tinatanggal sa katawan. Gusto natin na magandang kalidad ng ihi kasi ibig sabihin ay natanggal maigi sa katawan ang mga dumi. Ang normal na dalas ng pag-ihi ay 7 beses sa loob ng 24 oras. Pero ang 4 to 10 ay ayos na din. ang normal na dami o urine output kapag sinukat ay 800 ml hanggang 2000 ml per 24 oras. Uminom ng mga 2 litro o 8-10 baso ng tubig kada araw. Kulay dilaw ang ku-
lay ng ihi dahil galing ito sa pigment ng dugo. Kapag kulay pula o may dugo sa ihi, posibleng may sakit na cystitis o impeksiyon sa pantog mula sa bacteria. May kasamang lagnat, masakit na puson, madalas umihi, at masakit paglabas ng ihi. Ang kulay ng ihi ay depende sa tubig sa katawan. Kapag may puti ay posible na may nana o white cells o protina o taba. Pag kulay pink, pula o brown ay may dugo. Kapag naging red o brown, maaring sobrang bilirubin mula sa atay, o umiinom ng gamot na rifampicin. Kung kulay orange ay dehydrated, may sakit sa atay, o uminom ng gamot na primaquine, riboflavin, vitamin B2, o INH. Nagiging blue o green ang kulay ng ihi
dahil sa gamot, dye sa pagkain o food color, o sakit na familial benign hypercalcemia. Meron din gassy urine o may kasamang utot (pneumaturia) kapag nagkaroon ng koneksyon sa bituka at pantog tulad ng fistula, o koneksyon sa pantog at puwerta mula sa panganganak. May pagkakataon na may kakaibang amoy ang ihi tulåd ng amoy ammonia kapag may diabetes o kumain ng bawang, spinach, mushroom, kabute, truffle, at vitamin B6. Mahalagang paalala na kapag mabula ang ihi ay magpa-urinalysis at blood test ng creatinine para masigurado na walang protina sa ihi. Kapag may protina sa ihi ay posibleng may sakit sa kidneys. Kumonsulta sa doktor.
panlasangpinoy.com INGREDIENTS : • 1 1/2 lbs. chicken cut into serving pieces • 14 oz. can pineapple chunks • 1 piece red bell pepper sliced • 1 piece green bell pepper sliced • 1 cup coconut milk
• • • • • • •
1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 pieces carrots sliced diagonally 1 piece onion diced 1 piece tomato diced 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 tablespoons cooking oil
INSTRUCTIONS : 1. Marinate the chicken in the pineapple juice from the canned pineapple chunks for 30 minutes to 2 hours. 2. Heat the cooking oil in a pan. 3. Saute the onion, tomato, and garlic. 4. Add the ground black pepper. Stir. 5. Add the chicken pieces one-byone. Cook until the color turns light brown. Flip the chicken to cook the other side.
6. Pour the pineapple juice marinade on the pan. Let boil. 7. Add the coconut milk. Stir. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender. 8. Add the fish sauce and pineapple chunks. Cook for 5 minutes. 9. Put-in the carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes. 10. Add the bell peppers. Stir and cook for 3 minutes. 11. Transfer to a serving plate. 12. Serve. Share and enjoy!
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P15-B Cebu Provincial Budget Approved
T
HE PROVINCIAL Board (PB) approved on third and final reading the Province of Cebu’s historic P15-billion budget for 2021. PB Member “Kay once these pro- the Local Finance CommitGlenn Anthony Soco, who grams will be implemented, tee. The development fund, authored the budget ordi- it can boost investments in he said, takes up the bulk of nance, thanked the mem- the countryside, it can make the 2021 budget, with 55 perbers of the Committee on the travel of goods and ser- cent or roughly P8.2 billion. Budget and Appropria- vices faster and likewise it This consists of infrations, which he chairs, and can enhance the delivery of structure projects such as the Provincial Board for the basic services of the gov- road concreting, bridges, the support. He considers ernment resulting in more waterworks system, and port the 2021 budget as a “right economic activity in the en- development, and other uninvestment in the right di- tire Province,” he said. dertakings that would allow rection” and is a vital comSoco stressed that the faster delivery of goods and ponent to the economic re- annual budget for 2021 was services. covery of the Province. Next carefully considered and deAs chairman of the year’s budget is 25 percent liberated by the members of Committee on Public Health, higher than this year’s. the Budget Committee and Board Member Kerrie Shimu-
Cebuano guerrilla fighter recalls WWII experience
MAJOR MAX Young, a 98-year-old former guerrilla fighter, vividly recalled his ordeal in World War II, particularly his daring escape, together with his comrades from their Japanese captors on March 20, 1942. Young, who hails from Cebu, disclosed his WWII experience during an exclusive interview on the eve of the 79th anniversary of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines on Dec. 8, 1941 that started WWII in the Pacific. Young could be the only surviving Filipino war veteran who fought during the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War where he was a member of the Philippine Civic Action Group to Vietnam, not engaged in combat, but civic action work. Despite his age, Young still remembers all his com-
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bat experience, particularly the Korean War where he was a tank commander, who fought almost singlehandedly against highly superior Chinese and North Korean force in the battle of Yultong where he was awarded the Taegeuk Medal, South Korea’s highest military medal for gallantry in combat. Young still does calisthenics every day doing 1,000 steps, and walks on his own. Recalling his WWII experience, Young said he was aboard working in a civilian ship, together with 160 soldiers and their families going to Manila from Cebu when we heard “over the radio at 10 in the morning that Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and Clark Air Base in Pampanga were bombed by Japanese warplanes on that fateful day of 8 December 1941”. “We were sailing near Mindoro Island when we heard the news that shocked all of us. We prayed to God for protection,” he said. He said the ship captain was undaunted as he sped up the ship going to Manila. “As we sailed to Manila, two Japanese warships spotted us. We were told to surrender, but our skipper ignored the warning,” he said. “Suddenly, the Japanese opened fire at us with their big guns as we continued to sail.”
Young said the boat’s captain proceeded to Corregidor and anchored the ship on the seashore. “We jumped to the shallow waters and ran for our lives,” he said. After a few days, they were told to proceed to Bataan but “on December 15 we went to Fort Mills in Corregidor Island where there was an enlistment in progress by the United States Armed Forces in the Far East,” he said. “I was enlisted immediately. I was elated. At that time, I was 19.” With the Philippines under attack, Young said he was ready to die and defend the country against the Japanese invaders. Later, Young said he and six of his companions decided to surrender to the Japanese on March 1, 1942, or three months after the invasion. “We were assigned to help in serving meal to our Japanese captors,” he said. “Then on March 20, 1942, we secretly planned to escape. Fortunately, we were able to escape and thanked God for His help and protection.” Young’s combat experience is a one-of-a-kind exploit that all Filipinos can be proud of and even worth making into a movie about the great Filipino soldier. (Ben Cal)
Eastern Mindanao
ra was also elated on the approval of the budget because Governor Gwendolyn Garcia allocated a large funding for Cebu’s four provincial and 16 district hospitals. Delighted with the approval, Vice Governor Hilario Davide III said many programs and projects are in store for Cebu and the Cebuanos in the P15 billion annual budget. He lauded Garcia for personally defending it and answering the questions and clarifications from the Board Members during the budget’s second reading in Daanbantayan town. “We hope that with this budget, makab-ot nato ang plano, ang projects ni Governor Garcia,” Davide said. (Mylen Manto)
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia
Cebu City to adjust curfew hours for Misa de Gallo
Worshippers attend Misa de Gallo. (File photo by John Rey Saavedra) CEBU CITY – Mayor Edgardo Labella said the local government will adjust curfew hours to pave the way for the dawn masses or Misa de Gallo. Misa de Gallo starts on December 16 and is celebrated for nine straight days before Christmas. “We will definitely adjust the hours covered under our curfew ordinance and in the curfew hours imposed by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases), more or less from 11 o’clock in the evening up to 3 o’clock dawn,” Labella said. He added the local gov-
Western Mindanao
ernment will no longer require churchgoers to bring quarantine passes in attending the masses up to the Christmas vespers Eucharistic celebration. Christmas Vespers also called Vespers of the Nativity is the first service of the feast. Sung on the afternoon or evening of December 24, it marks the transition from the 40 days of the Christmas fast to the joyous celebration of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Labella said the most important thing to consider during the holy masses is the strict observance of the minimum health standards in the
Cebu
churches. He said the local government also welcomes the idea of holding an anticipated Misa de Gallo mass in the evening, so that Roman Catholic faithful who will attend the celebration will be spread out in two to three schedules. The Archdiocese of Cebu may also consider having two dawn masses each day, an arrangement which, Labella said, will ensure observance of 50 percent-limit of the number of attendees in every church per celebration to prevent spread of Covid-19. Labella said he will meet with the officials of the Archdiocese of Cebu before issuing an executive order outlining the policy of the city in the conduct of dawn masses. He also announced that the policy on strict border control concerning arrivals of people from other provinces has now been relaxed. “Other provinces are strict in their protocols. So from there, we can see no more reason to be strict with our borders,” he said. (John Rey Saavedra)
Manila