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Covid-19 is airborne! ‘But it doesn’t mean outside air is contaminated’
T
HE LANCET report states that unlike what was believed earlier, coronavirus might actually be airborne, is the talk of the town. The report, au- route” - also gave 10 reasons thored by six experts The authors - Trisha backing their claim. They from the US, the UK and Greenhalgh, Jose Jimenez, also called for immediate Canada, said: “SARS- Kimberly Prather, Zeynep modification of estabCoV-2 is transmitted pri- Tufekci, David Fisman lished Covid-19 protocols. Continue on page 2 marily by the airborne and Robert Schooley
U.K. Covid variant found in Zambo Norte, Sur
‘
Surge in Covid-19 in Zamboanga probably from new strains
firmed the presence of Covid-19 U.K. variant in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur from 2 overseas Filipino workers who arrived home from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi in February. From a little over 3o Continue on page 5
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THE SURGE in Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga City may have been caused by new strains or variants of the novel coronavirus that are now plaguing the National Capital Region and other provinces in the country. The Department of Health said it has con-
Image : (Bronkhorst)
Sumuko na ba si Duterte sa China?
Can a vaccinated person still spread the coronavirus? NINE VACCINES have proved effective at protecting people from developing symptoms of Covid-19, the disease that can result from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It’s not yet known, however, how well the inoculations prevent people from getting an asymptomatic infection or passing the virus on to others. Preliminary signs suggest Continue on page 3
A photo by the Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office shows the first batch of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout spearheaded by the Integrated Provincial Health Office.
President Rodrigo Duterte and Panfilo Lacson
SINABI NI Senador Panfilo Lacson na hindi dapat magbitiw ng salita si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na tila sumusuko sa pakikipaglaban sa China sa pagtatanggol ng teritoryo ng bansa. Matatandaang sinabi ni Duterte - na siya rin Commander-in-Chief ng Armed Forces of the Philippines - na wala Continue on page 6
Wala na tayong magagawa sa Covid-19: Duterte INAMIN NI Pangulong Duterte na wala itong magagawa sa patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng Covid-19
sa bansa dahil rin umano sa walang humpay na paglabag sa health protocols ng mga mamamayan.
“Ngayon, alam ko na galit kayo. Magalit na lang kayo sa akin kasi Continue on page 5
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May 3-9, 2021
Covid-19 is airborne! ‘But it doesn’t mean outside air is contaminated’
Continued from page 1 But this might not mean quite what you think it means. Many have taken it to believe that the outside air could be contaminated with coronavirus and stepping out might mean that one contracts the virus. However, that’s not the case. Dr. Faheem Younus, Chief of Infectious Diseases at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, explained what it actually means. “(The) Lancet study: Air-
borne does not mean outside air is contaminated. It means the virus may remain suspended in the air - typically in indoor settings - and pose a risk. Our parks and beaches are still the safest places to enjoy without a mask (provided 6 feet distance),” he tweeted. Younus also explained the easiest way to keep oneself safe from the virus - face masks. He elaborated that it is known that Covid spreads through droplets to being airborne. “LAN-
CET STUDY: No worries. We know Covid spreads (droplet to airborne) in a spectrum,” adding that the best solution is N95 or KN95 masks, and not cloth masks. He also suggested that the masks must be used alternatively every 24 hours. “Solution: Buy two N95 or KN95 masks. Use one today; leave the other in a PAPER bag for tomorrow. Keep alternating every 24 hours. Reuse for weeks if they aren’t damaged. Ditch cloth masks,” said Younus.
The Lancet report says that detailed analysis of human behaviour and interactions, as well as room sizes and other variables are consistent with airborne spread of SARS-CoV-2. “Long-range transmission of SARSCoV-2 between people in adjacent rooms but never in each other’s presence has been documented in quarantine hotels,” the paper said.
In conclusion, the authors of the report, propose that it is a scientific error to use lack of direct evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in some air samples to cast doubt on airborne transmission while overlooking the quality and strength of the overall evidence base. “There is consistent, strong evidence that SARS-CoV-2 spreads by airborne transmission. Although other routes can
contribute, we believe that the airborne route is likely to be dominant. The public health community should act accordingly and without further delay,” the authors said. The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. It is among the world’s oldest and best-known general medical journals. (Business Today, Mindanao Examiner)
Army calls on rebels to surrender
Vaccinated or not, negative RTPCR test still required for travellers PAGADIAN CITY - The City Government of Zamboanga said all individuals who have received their Covid-19 vaccine or those who are fully vaccinated are still required to present their negative RT-PCR test results. Mayor Beng Climaco, who chairs the local Covid-19 task force, said just like all other travellers entering Zamboanga City must have negative Covid-19 results – whether by Saliva RT-PCR test or nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test. Climaco said the De-
partment of Health and the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) have yet to release or come up with guidelines on travels of vaccinated individuals. She earlier issued Executive Order 651-2021 that mandates all inbound passengers, whether APOR (Authorized Persons Outside Residence) or private individuals, regardless of reason or purpose of entry, including transit travellers to present negative RT-PCR test result within 5 days
from date of specimen collection, whether swab test or Saliva RT-PCR test, together with their valid identification cards to entry into Zamboanga City. “These are temporary measures designed to curb the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in order to promote the health and safety of the general welfare of the citizens,” the mayor said, adding, the executive order took effect April 22 and shall remain in force until lifted, amended or superseded. (Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner)
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Military photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show the bodies of rebel leader Danny Huit and wife, Naneth Catalino who are killed following a running gun battle in Agusan del Sur’s Trento town on Monday, April 26, 2021. DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Army urged communist New People’s Army rebels to surrender peacefully and take advantage of the government’s amnesty offer. “We are calling the remaining members of the communist terrorist group to yield to the government peacefully instead of fighting for a cause that only sow terror and violence.” “Choosing to die for a cause that has already claimed many innocent lives is not a noble act. The blood of the people you killed for your selfish political agenda will forever haunt you. History will only absolve you if you choose to surrender peacefully and help the country in building a peaceful and progressive Philippines,” Maj. Gen. Greg Almerol, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said. Almerol’s statement came after soldiers killed a senior NPA leader and his wife in a firefight last week in Agusan del Sur’s Trento town. The fighting broke out in the village of Santa Maria that killed Danny Huit, the committee secretary of the NPA’s Guer-
rilla Front North. His wife, Naneth Catalino, also a member of the separatist rebel group, was slain while fighting alongside Huit. This was confirmed by Col. Oliver Maquiling, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, who said members of the 67th Infantry Battalion clashed with the couple after tracking them down in the village. Maguiling said a villager tipped off the soldiers about the presence of the rebels in the area. Huit and his wife tried to escape, but eventually were killed in the running gun battle, adding, no soldiers were injured or killed in the Monday clash. He also lauded the relentless efforts of the troops in securing the communities against threats posed by rebels. A military dossier on Huit said he had a string of murder charges and was wanted in Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro provinces. Almerol praised the soldiers and the tipster for their vigilance. “The sustained coordination between the troops and the people is the key to our goal of building an insurgency-free and re-
silient community. Without their firm support, we cannot fully uproot the evils brought by the communist terrorist group,” he said. He also lauded the 10th Infantry Battalion headed by Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres to which the brigade and battalion belong. For his part, Torres praised the soldiers for “standing by their mandate of protecting the people from lawless elements” and echoed Almerol’s call for rebels to surrender and avail the amnesty offer of the government. Almerol and Torres were referring to the government’s amnesty program called E-Clip, a peace-building and social protection program that provides interventions and financial aid to those who surrender so they live peacefully with their family and become productive citizens of society. The NPA has been waging a violent campaign for many decades now in an effort to put up a communist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner. With additional reporting from Malou Cablinda.)
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May 3-9, 2021
Can a vaccinated person still spread the coronavirus?
Sayyaf terrorist linked to beheading of 4 civilians yield
A military photo shows Abu Sayyaf terrorist Abdul Asnulan Akil during his surrender in Basilan province. BASILAN - An Abu Sayyaf terrorist being linked by authorities to the brutal murders of four innocent civilians has surrendered recently to the military in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, officials said. Officials said Abdul Asnulan Akil, whose group was behind the beheading of the civilians captured by the Abu Sayyaf 3 years ago, also surrendered his M1 rifle. He is currently being interrogated by the army. Army Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said Akil’s surren-
der was largely due to the efforts of various military intelligence units in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the restive Muslim autonomous region. “Akil is a member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf group under Radzmil Jannatul and he has a standing warrant of arrest for murder,” Vinluan said. Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan, confirmed Akil’s atrocities and his gruesome murders in the province. “Akil was involved in a massacre in Kamamburingan on April 22, 2018,
wherein four civilians were beheaded,” he said. Despite his notoriety and criminal records, Vinluan said the military will support Akil. “We hope that those who remain in hiding will follow the footsteps of Akil. Rest assured that we will give our full support during their reintegration process,” he said. Akil told interrogators that he is happy to begin a new life and live peacefully. There were no immediate statements from the families of Akil’s victims and his brutality. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 they do at least some of both. 1. Why is this important? While getting vaccinated gives people considerable insurance against falling ill with Covid, which is sometimes fatal, it’s so far no assurance that they won’t get silently infected with SARS-CoV-2 and pass it on, potentially sickening people who aren’t immune. Those who are infected but never develop symptoms are responsible for 24% of transmission, one study estimated. The more SARSCoV-2 circulates, the more opportunity the virus has to mutate in ways that enhance its ability to spread, sicken and kill people, and evade the immunity provided by existing vaccines or a past infection. Already, variants of the virus have emerged that appear to be more dangerous. Also, using vaccination to achieve so-called herd immunity, when an entire community is protected though not everyone has been immunized, requires vaccines that prevent transmission. 2. Don’t vaccines stop the infection and thus transmission? Some do and some don’t. The gold standard in vaccinology is to stop infection as well as disease -- providing so-called sterilizing immunity. But it’s not always achieved. The vaccine for measles, for example, provides it; the one for hepatitis B does not. 3. Do Covid vaccines have to prevent infection to stop transmission? Not necessarily. To the extent a vaccine prevents infection, it also prevents forward transmission. But it can do the latter without doing the former. Since SARS-CoV-2 spreads through respiratory particles from an infected person’s throat and nose, a vaccine that reduces the duration of the infection, the amount of virus in the respiratory tract (the viral load), or how often an infected person coughs may decrease the likelihood of it being transmitted to others. 4. Why don’t we know whether Covid vaccines prevent infection and transmission? The trials testing the
vaccines weren’t set up to answer those questions first. Rather, they were designed to initially determine the more urgent matter of whether vaccines would prevent people from getting sick and overwhelming medical systems. To explore that question, researchers typically gave one group of volunteers the experimental vaccine and another group of equal size a placebo. After the total number of volunteers with confirmed Covid symptoms in the trial reached a pre-set level, investigators compared the number in each group to determine whether those who got the vaccine fared significantly better than those who received the placebo. For the inoculations that have worked, the vaccine groups have had anywhere from 50% to 95% fewer cases of sickness, figures that are referred to as the vaccines’ efficacy rates. 5. Why not check volunteers for asymptomatic infections as well? That’s a more complicated undertaking since the only way to know about asymptomatic infections is to regularly test volunteers, who can number into the tens of thousands in an efficacy trial. Still, about two dozen studies involving the vaccines proven to prevent disease are doing just that. 6. What have they found? Results so far are preliminary. The most extensive data released concern the vaccine made by AstraZeneca Plc. In a study in the U.K., volunteers are checked for SARS-CoV-2 infections using weekly self-administered nose and throat swabs. According to results as of Dec. 7, after a single dose, the group that received the vaccine had 67% fewer positive swabs than the placebo group, suggesting the vaccine cuts down on infections as well as disease. Earlier, Moderna Inc. reported similar results from people who had received a single dose of its vaccine as of November. 7. What other evidence do we have? Data from Israel, which has inoculated a higher percentage of its population than any oth-
er country, provide clues that the vaccine in use there, from Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE, may reduce transmission even if it doesn’t protect against infection. After more than 75% of people age 60 or older had received one vaccine dose and only 25% of those between the ages of 40 and 60 had, researchers from Israel’s biggest coronavirus testing lab looked at their data. For those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, there was a notable difference between the two age groups in the average amount of virus found in test swabs. The researchers estimated that vaccination reduces the viral load by 1.6 to 20 times in individuals who become infected despite the shot. Another study in Israel, following people who became infected after inoculation, found the vaccine reduced their viral load fourfold. Also, a study of Moderna’s Covid vaccine in monkeys suggested that it will reduce, if not completely prevent, onward transmission of the virus. 8. When will we know more? As vaccination becomes more widespread, researchers should be able to discern the effect on infection and transmission patterns, although it can be difficult to distinguish the impact of inoculations from that of measures such as lockdowns and mask mandates. The completion of the vaccine trials testing for asymptomatic infections will bring additional information. Two trials are expected to finish in April. However, one is of a vaccine from China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd., which has a reported efficacy rate as low as 50% against symptomatic disease. The other tests the Russian Gamaleya Research Institute’s shot, whose efficacy rate against symptoms was 92% in clinical trials, but it’s a small study. September should bring the completion of sizable trials of highly efficacious vaccines. Results for the shots that have proved most effective at preventing disease (95%), from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, aren’t expected until October 2022 and January 2023, respectively. (ETHealthworld.com – The Economic Times)
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May 3-9, 2021
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)
U.K. Covid variant found in Zambo Norte, Sur Continued from page 1 active Covid-19 cases in March, Zamboanga City now has more than 1,300 new cases and the number continues to climb despite strict quarantine measures and health protocols imposed by the local Covid-19 task force headed by Mayor Beng Climaco. The sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in the country was largely blamed on the new variants of SARS-CoV-2 or Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 and quickly spread across the globe. Zambo Peninsula But Zamboanga Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite claims the city remains free from the new Covid-19 variants, but the spike in active cases is so alarming that there are no more available Covid-9 wards in hospitals. Among the early Covid-19 variants are those from the United Kingdom or U.K. and South Africa, but according to the medical website Mayo Clinic, viruses constantly change through mutation. Currently, several variants of the SARS-CoV-2 that causes Covid-19 are creating concern because they contain mutations in the spike-like S protein that the virus uses to bind to and infect cells. Covid-19 Variants A variant identified in the U.K. (B.1.1.7). This Covid-19 variant appears to spread more easily and might have an increased risk of death. A variant identified in South Africa (B.1.351). This variant appears to spread more easily. It also has a moderate impact on the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody medications and moderately reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous Covid-19 infection or Covid-19 vaccine. A variant identified in Japan/Brazil (P.1). This variant has a moderate impact on the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody medications. It also reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous Covid-19 infection or a Covid-19 vaccine. A variant identified in the U.S. (California) (B.1.427). This variant appears to spread more easily. It also has a significant impact on the effectiveness of some treatments and moderately reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous Covid-19 infection or Covid-19 vaccine. A variant identified
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May 3-9, 2021
in the U.S. (California) (B.1.429). This variant appears to spread more easily. It also has a significant impact on the effectiveness of some treatments and moderately reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous Covid-19 infection or Covid-19 vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also monitoring two variants identified in New York — B.1.526 and B.1.525 — and another variant identified in Brazil — P.2. But a new Covid-19 variant, officially designated as Lineage P.3, was also detected in the Philippines in March this year as reported by the Philippine Genome Center. IATFMEID The increase in Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga City was reported after the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) relaxed its travel protocols across the country and allowed people to go from one place to another without medical certificates and RT-PCR tests. And this was aggravated by the continued violations of the health protocols and complacency of residents despite Climaco’s repeated appeals to locals to observe the guidelines. “This is the reason why the City Government is intensifying enforcement of preventive measures such as wearing of face masks and face shields by residents, practicing hand hygiene and physical distancing, to include restricting mobility of people and even temporary closure of beaches and resorts to curb transmission of Covid-19,” she said. “Otherwise, if the (Covid-19) cases become unmanageable then the national government might declare ECQ and we do not want to be under ECQ because of its effects on the livelihood of people,” she added, referring to the strictest Enhanced Community Quarantine status. Private and government hospitals have put up additional wards to address the spike in the number of patients with the deadly respiratory disease. The Zamboanga City Medical Center has already converted other wards to accommodate Covid-19 patients with nurses working at least six or 12 hours per shift. Climaco stressed that in confronting the pandemic, the government has to balance medical sci-
ence, facts and opportunity for people to be healed. Stricter Measures Based on the recommendation of the City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Elmeir Apolinario, the local government has asked the IATF-MEID to revert Zamboanga to General Community Quarantine status from the current Modified General Community Quarantine to restrict the movement of people and control the spread of the disease. “The request for GCQ is based on the recommendation of Doctor Miravite and CDRRMO. Hace kita claro, we do not want any form of ECQ because if it is implemented, the people will really suffer. That is why I am asking everyone, this possibility is a likelihood just like in Metro Manila and I don’t think it is something we welcome in the city,” Climaco said, stressing that people must fully cooperate and support the government in the fight against Covid-19 to prevent further increase in the number of infections here. The IATF-MEID and President Rodrigo Duterte will have to decide whether to place Zamboanga and other areas where there are a high number of Covid-19 cases based on their assessment on the Covid-19 situation. Climaco said the local government is making available the needed resources to assist people who are affected by temporary granular lockdowns in the barangays should Covid-19 cases spread rapidly. She also issued Executive Order 651-2021 that mandates all inbound passengers, whether APOR (Authorized Persons Outside Residence) or private individuals, regardless of reason or purpose of entry, including transit travellers to present negative RT-PCR test result within 5 days from date of specimen collection, whether swab test or Saliva RT-PCR test, together with their valid identification cards to entry into Zamboanga City. “These are temporary measures designed to curb the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in order to promote the health and safety of the general welfare of the citizens,” the mayor said, adding, the executive order took effect April 22 and shall remain in force until lifted, amended or superseded. (Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner)
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Wala na tayong magagawa sa Covid-19: Duterte Continued from page 1 wala man talaga akong magawa. Iyang virus na ‘yan lumilipad ‘yan sa hangin. Eh kung kausap mo ‘yong may virus, na ma-virus ka rin. Iyan ang problema diyan sa Covid-19 virus,” ani Duterte. “So sumunod na lang muna kayo tutal para man ito sa lahat. Ako, I would be the last --- ako ‘yong pinakahuling tao na mag-istorbo sa buhay ninyo. Sabi ko nga eh, I want the people to be comfortable. So sometimes you have to interdict or intervene because it is of national interest. But ibig sabihin para sa, for the good of all, ano ‘yan eh tawag nito? Iyong health hazard. So sumunod na lang tayo sa lahat para at ang --- tignan ko kung anong magagawa ko sa paghihirap ng tao, how we can
mitigate ang pang-ano sa tao sa kahirapan,” dagdag pa nito. Ayon kay Duterte, tanging bakuna lamang ang kasagutan sa lumalalang sitwasyon ng Covid-19 sa bansa. “From a distance, nakikita ko talaga. And every time I see people violating the law, I would just say to whoever is seated next to me, sabihin ko, ‘Tignan mo ito, tomorrow there will be a spike again.’ And true enough. And it will never be an ending story until all Filipinos are vaccinated,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. “There will always be a rise and maybe exponential ang takbo ng Covid-19 sa Pilipinas kapag hindi kayo sumunod ng batas. You know, this is not only a medical issue. It is now of national interest and maybe the survival of the
Filipinos. I would like to be somebody governing, but not really unnecessarily going to the extreme. But apparently not all, but there are a lot of you out there violating and violating and repeatedly violating the laws,” dagdag pa ni Duterte. Sa kasalukuyan, isinailalim ni Duterte sa Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine ang mga sumusunod na lugar: National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Region II: Santiago City sa Isabela, Quirino, at Abra. At General Community Quarantine naman sa Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Cagayan, Isabela, (Nueva Vizcaya), Batangas, Quezon, Tacloban, Iligan City, Davao City at Lanao del Sur. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Sumuko na ba si Duterte sa China? Continued from page 1 itong balak magpadala ng mga barkong pandigma sa West Philippine Sea kahit pa inangkin ng China ang Julian Felipe Reef sa loob ng ating exclusive economic zone, ilang milya lamang mula sa Palawan. “Hindi nararapat para sa Commander-in-Chief na maglabas ng mensaheng magbubunsod ng interpretasyon na tila sumusuko na ang pamahalaan sa pakikipaglaban sa Tsina para maangkin ang bahagi ng West Philippine Sea,” ani Lacson, ang chairman ng Senate Committee on National Defense, makaraang ihayag ni Duterte na maaring mauwi sa madugong sagupaan ang sitwasyon kapag pinilit ng Pilipinas na igiit ang pang-angkin nito sa mga lugar. “He’s the leader of our country and he’s the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces. He can think of anything and speak about anything except surrender. Remember, we have an arbitral ruling in our favor and it’s permanent although it’s unenforceable. There are so many things to think about except surrender. We cannot wave the white flag, so to speak,” ani Lacson sa panayam ng CNN Philippines. Ayon kay Lacson, posibleng malagay sa alanganin ang kasarinlan ng Pilipinas kapag hindi ito nasolusyunan. “I am not saying the President is actually raising the white flag but that’s the implication. If the officers and men of the AFP would take it that way, it could be disastrous to Philippine sovereignty,” wika pa ni Lacson. Ayaw umano ni Dute-
rte na makapag-away sa China dahil sa posibleng pagsiklab ng giyera sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa. “Ang akin diyan is walang iba, giyera lang. If we promote a war against China and America, medyo siguro mamadalian. Pero at what cost to us? Iyan ang problema, iyan talaga ang problema. But we can retake it only by force. There is no way that we can get back the… tawag nilang Philippine Sea without any bloodshed. Iyan talaga ang totoo. Maski na anong sabihin ng mga military, na may iba diyan na ano alam ko na walang ginawa. You know the cost of war.” “And if we go there really to find out and to assert jurisdiction, I said, it would be bloody. It will result in a violence that we cannot maybe win. Ang problema nito we have always, well, sided with America in so many issues, including this one. Pero kung sabihin mo that America will go to war because of the Philippine Sea tapos tayo ang mag-umpisa, ang sa ano doon that, alam mo doon sa Mutual Defense Treaty, I don’t know if I’m right, only if we are being attacked and assaulted. It does not include a war that is initiated by us,” ani Duterte. Sinabi pa ni Duterte na wala itong balak na magpadala ng mga naval ships sa Julian Felipe Reef o sa West Philippine Sea dahil hindi nito kaya ang China. “We do not send gray ships to, war ships diyan, na para ipakita lang natin sa Pilipino na maski na ilang balik natin doon, wala talagang mangyari
because we are not in the possession of the sea. Sa kanila eh,” ito ang pagamin ni Duterte sa kabila ng mga batikos sa kanya ng publiko sa pagiging pro-China nito at kabiguan na ipag-laban ang karapatan at teritoryo ng bansa. “Kaya nga ang China kung hanggang diyan lang, ‘wag ka lang maggulo, you claim there even if you go there and then wala ring mangyari kasi kanila talaga eh, para sa isip nila kanila. Even if I go there, I said, with (Defense) Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana, and sail there and ask questions, wala mang mangyari. Sasagutin ka lang, but you know the issue of the West Philippine Sea remains to be a question forever until such time that you know, we can take it back,” paliwanag pa ni Duterte. Papalagan lamang ni Duterte ang China kung magsisimula itong mag drill ng langis sa West Philippine Sea. “Ako totoo ‘yan, ‘pag mag-umpisa na sila ng drill ng oil diyan, sabihin ko talaga sa China, is that part of our agreement? Because if it is not part of our agreement, I’m going to also to excavate, to drill my oil there. If you own it, I own it. I do not want a quarrel, but that is how it is. Noon ko pa sinabi ‘yan, iyong pagkatapos na nag-usap kami ni President Xi Jinping na sinabi ko na I will get my oil also. Sabi niya, “Please don’t. We just leave it that way in the meantime,” ayon pa kay Duterte. Tikom naman ang bibig ni Duterte sa pag-angkin ng China sa Julian Felipe Reef at sa mga barko ng Chinese militias doon. (Mindanao Examiner)
Workers dig a manhole for a flood control system along the stretch of Don Alfaro Street in the village of Tetuan in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photos)
Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey KIDAPAWAN CITY Coffee lovers in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseurs think. Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected. In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad. But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lovers for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee seller in Zamboanga City. The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to
give coffee lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink. Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a home reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection. Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and
resellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who wanted the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice. And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 09153976197. (AJC)
May 3-9, 2021
The Mindanao Examiner
Sulu Pictures in the News
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The Mindanao Examiner
May 3-9, 2021
Across : 1. ___ Diego 4. Wind direction (abbr.) 7. Fragrance 12. Earl Grey, e.g. 13. Unit of weight 14. Trio number 15. Ridiculous 17. Baseball great Hank ___ 18. Political bureaucracy 20. Gush 21. Observed 22. Can.’s neighbor 25. Boston time zone (abbr.) 27. Girls 29. Hen’s perch 32. Melees 33. Get lost! (2 wds.) 35. ‘50s monogram 36. Annoy 37. Citrus fruit 39. Undermines 43. ___ gap 45. Inspect ledgers 48. Disease from mosquitoes 49. Clever 50. Tanker cargo 51. Telepathy (abbr.) 52. Artist ___ Picasso 53. Foxy 54. ___ Moines
CEBU CITY G/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan (0923) 1670009
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NORTH COTABATO KIDAPAWAN CITY CENTRAL MINDANAO COTABATO CITY Rhoderick Beñez (0927) 4757936 Answer to last week’s crossword:
PAGADIAN CITY
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Richard Suarez Down : 1. Fawn’s fathers 2. Fable writer 3. Unsophisticated 4. Agitate 5. 14-line poem 6. Opponent 7. ___ of living 8. Talk 9. Misjudge 10. “The Matrix” hero 11. Hamilton bill 16. Most recent 19. Wriggly fish 22. GI’s club 23. Tennis unit 24. Mule’s kin
26. Spike heel 28. Nap 29. Baseball stat 30. Above, in verse 31. Acorn tree 34. Foil metal 35. Go off the track 38. Office notes 40. Ventilated 41. Self-assurance 42. Breaks sharply 43. Lass 44. Friend 45. Cleopatra’s snake 46. ___ Thurman of “Paycheck” 47. Speck
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Maritess Fernandez The Mindanao Examiner The Zamboanga Post
Newspaper, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief / Producer
Answer to last week:
Reynold Toribio Graphics / Video Editor
Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily / Business Week / Mindanao Star ADVERTISING Rhoderick Beñez (0927) 4757936 Central Mindanao/ Kidapawan City/Cotabato City North Cotabato Eduardo A. Sode (0917) 3087366 044 Mabini St. Cebu City Rodil P. Ybañez (0923) 1670009 Ground flr, Dreamfield Bldg, Sanciangko St., Kamagayan Cebu City
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The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines. ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE: 3/F, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Phone & Fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197 DAVAO CITY OFFICE: Door 2, 402 Nidea Street, Barrio Obrero Phone: (082) 2841859 Mobile: (0925) 7621914 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE: 3/F JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Phone & fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197
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The Mindanao Examiner
May 3-9, 2021
17 sa Koronadala City Hall, positibo sa Covid KORONADAL CITY – Mahigit sa isang dosenang mangagagawa ng Koronadal City Hall ang nag-positibo umano sa Covid-19 at agad na isinailalim sa isolation ang mga ito upang ma-kontrol ang pagkalat ng sakit.
Sinabi ni City Health Officer Dr. Edito Vego na posibleng nakuha ng mga empleyado ang virus sa kanilang pakikisalamuha sa ibang mga tao at posibleng maging sa tahanan. Ilang beses na rin nagpaalala ang City
Health Office sa publiko na maging maingat sa sarili at sundin ang health protocols kabilang ang pagsuot ng face masks at face shield at palagiang maghugas ng mga kamay o kaya ay mag-disinfect. (Rhoderick Beñez)
Anti-Covid measures, ipatutupad ng DILG DAVAO CITY - Ipinagutos ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sa lahat ng local governments na magsagawa ng inspeksyon sa ibat-ibang mga public buildings, palengke at commercial establishments. Ito ay upang masigurong sumusunod ang lahat sa mga health protocols o minimum public health standards at sa pag-gamit ng StaySafe.
ph mobile application sa ilalim ng programang Safety Seal certification. Ang programa ay isang inter-agency effort ng DILG, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, at Department of Labor and Employment. Ang lokal na pamahalaan ang siyang magpapatupad nito at magbibigay ng Safety Seal certification sa mga su-
musunod – palengke, retail stores, restaurants, fast food stores, eateries, coffee shops, mga banko, money changers, pawnshops, remittance centers, car wash shops, laundry shops, art galleries, libraries, museums, zoo, sports centers, tutorial, testing at mga review centers, fitness gyms, spas, cinemas, arcades, at mga private establishments. (Malou Cablinda)
HEALTH TIPS
SEC shuts down trading firm THE SECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it revoked the corporate registration of Eco Hatchery and Trading Corporation for allegedly soliciting investments from the public through Ponzi scheme. Ponzi scheme is a form of fraud in which returns on investments are generated only by bringing in fresh investments from new victims. Cash from new clients is used to pay existing clients until the scheme eventually collapses. The SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) issued the order on April 23 after finding that Eco Hatchery has been offering and soliciting investments without the necessary secondary license from SEC. It said Eco Hatchery committed an ultra vires act under Section 44 of Republic Act No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines. “The company’s activities also constituted serious misrepresentation as to what it can do, to the great prejudice of or damage to the general public, a ground for the revocation of a corporation’s certificate of registration under Presidential Decree No. 902-A,” according to SEC’s order. The SEC has warned the public against investing in Eco Hatchery as early as February last
year, but the company did not react to nor refute the advisory. Eco Hatchery entices the public to invest with the promise of earning 15% every 15 days in a span of four months. A capital of P500,000 would earn P75,000 every 15 days, or a total of P1.1 million after four months, inclusive of the initial investment. The company also claimed that it operated a hatchery in Quezon province, as well as a physical office in Quezon City. The EIPD said Eco Hatchery’s compensation plan partakes of the nature of securities, particularly an investment contract, wherein a person invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to expect profits primarily from the efforts of others. As a form of security, investment contracts must be registered with the SEC before they can be offered or sold within the Philippines, pursuant to Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code. However, SEC records show that Eco Hatchery is not authorized to solicit investments from the public as it has not secured the prior registration and/or license for such activities. The EIPD said Eco Hatchery’s main strategy is actually to earn from the recruitment of new
members or investors, presented in the guise of running a prawn, shrimp, crab, and fish farm. “Necessarily, this scheme is unsustainable, as it must rely on a continuous inflow of new investors in order to make pay-outs to earlier investors. The scheme being offered by Eco Hatchery / Eco Hatchery and Trading Corporation is clearly in the nature of Ponzi scheme where the profits or pay-outs shall be taken from incoming investors or additional pay-ins of existing members-investors considering that it does not have any underlying legitimate business from where it could source its promised return on investments to its investors,” SEC said. The EIPD also said Eco Hatchery’s Articles of Incorporation explicitly stated that it “shall not solicit, accept, or take investments/placements from the public neither shall it issue investment contracts.” The EIPD found Eco Hatchery to have committed fraud in the procurement of its registration, as its stockholders, directors, incorporators Jose Marie Baquiran, Symphony Mondragon, Abner Pacheco, Lorenzo Mendez, and Stephen Cervantes provided wrong addresses in its Articles of Incorporation. (Mindanao Examiner)
ni Dr. Willie T. Ong
Pagandahin ang Buhok at Tamang Pagkain
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ng hair shaft o and mismong buhok natin ay hindi buhay kaya hindi maaayos kapag napinsala na kaya pangalagaan ang buhok. Kaya ang tamang nutrisyon ay para sa bagong tumutubong buhok. 1. Kumain ng mayaman sa vitamin B6, B12 at folate para sa paggawa ng red blood cell na siyang nagdadala ng oxygen sa selula ng anit at hair follicles. 2. Ang vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) ay makukuha sa corn oil, olive oil, mani, kasoy, pili, soya, taho, tofu, soymilk, oatmeal, kamote, peanut butter at pakwan. 3. Ang vitamin B12 ay mula naman sa itlog, keso, gatas, tulya at talaba. 4. Ang folate ay galing sa tokwa, soya, taho, alugbati, bawang, gabi, malunggay, saluyot, sitaw, mais at papaya. 5. Ang biotin ay
makukuha sa itlog, mani, peanut butter, wheat bread, atay, kidney at gatas. 6. Kailangan din ang protina mula sa manok, hipon, baboy, baka at soya. 7. Ang beta-carotene ay para sa cell growth at makukuha ito sa mga gulay at prutas na kulay dilaw at orange. 8. Ang zinc para sa tissue growth at repair ng mga glands at hair follicles. Makukuha ito mula sa baboy, manok, laman, gatas, yogurt, mani, talaba, alimango, peanut butter at kasoy. 9. Uminom ng maraming tubig para hindi matuyo ang buhok at anit. Dagdag Tips: 1. Ang cream rinse ay para dumulas ang buhok sa pagsuklay dahil ang buhol-buhol na buhok ay madali malagas. Gumamit ng shampoo at conditioner na may protein. Kapag
dry hair ka ay mild shampoo lang and gamitin. 2. Huwag i-masahe ang anit ng malakas dahil baka mabunot ang buhok. 3. Marahan lang ang pag-brush lalo na kapag basa ang buhok dahil marupok ang buhok kapag basa. Ang tamang pagsuklay ay mula sa harap papunta patalikod. 4. Iwas laging mainitan ang buhok tulad ng blow drying at init ng araw. 5. Kung puwede ay umiwas sa matatapang na kemikals tulad ng swimming pool chemicals, bleaching, kulot at straightening. Paminsan-minsan lang kung gusto. 6. Pag mag-shampoo ay basain at banlawan mabuti ang buhok. Marahan lang sa pagtuyo ng buhok gamit ang tuwalya para hindi maputol ang hibla ng buhok.
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May 3-9, 2021
Chinese can fish along with Filipinos in ‘Panatag Shoal’
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EBU CITY – Joint fishing activities between Filipino and Chinese fishermen are allowed within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea around the Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea even without agreement between the two countries, President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman Harry Roque said. Scarborough Shoal, Democracy Reef, are two West Philippine Sea. also known as Bajo de rocks in a shoal located Speaking to jourMasinloc, Panatag Shoal, between the Macclesfield nalists at the sideline of Huangyan Island, and Bank and Luzon in the the 500th anniversary or
16 Cebu, Bohol hotels secure WTTC Safe Travels Stamp
DOZENS OF Philippine hotels have so far secured the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp, indicating an increase in tourism establishments that have adapted global health standardized protocols, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat said. She said the Department of Tourism awarded the stamp to 33 hotels and resorts from six regions, 16 of which are in Cebu and Bohol, nine in Palawan, three in Boracay, three in Zamboanga, one in Baguio City, and one in Davao City. “The total number of recipients is now at 40, including the seven accommodation establishments given the Safe Travels Stamp earlier this year,” she said. The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp is the world’s first safety and hygiene stamp for travellers to recognize governments and businesses that implement global health and safety guidelines amid the pandemic. In September 2020, the Philippines received the stamp for putting in place health and safety guidelines aligned with the WTTC’s core requirements. “In March, we received more than 100 applications coming from the different regions, which also include Mabuhay accommodation establishments and destinations. This surge of interest is reflective of their readiness to adapt to the new normal and desire to be globally recognized as a fun and ‘safe travels’ facility,” Puyat said. Of the 33 new hotels to receive the stamp, 5 are star hotels while 28 have regular accreditation. “Now that the country’s vaccination program is in full swing, we anticipate that parallel initiatives across the globe will has-
ARMM
ten the resumption of international travel. As early as now, we need to prepare our facilities and destinations to be visitor-ready, with health and safety as key concerns,” Puyat said. “The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp, on top of our accreditation, will hope to restore travellers’ confidence in the Philippines as a ‘safe and fun’ destination.” Puyat clarified that the stamp is not a requirement for hotels to operate under the new normal, but getting one comes with the opportunity to get global exposure through the vast network of WTTC member organizations. “All we are requiring is a DOT accreditation but of course I am encouraging everybody to apply for this because this is like a stamp of approval that you are not only DOT accredited but worldwide pumasa ‘yong standard mo,” she said. The following are the hotels and establishments which received World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp: Aruga by Rockwell, Grand Hyatt Manila, Joy Nostalg Hotels and Suites Manila, Solaire Resort, The Peninsula Manila, Baguio Country Club, The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay, The Manor at Camp John Hay, Balai Adlao (El Nido, Palawan), Casa Kalaw (El Nido, Palawan), Club Paradise (Coron, Palawan), El Nido Resorts – Apulit Island Resort, El Nido Resorts, Lagen Island Resort, El Nido Resorts – Miniloc Island Resort, El Nido Resorts – Pangulasian Island Resort, Hotel Covo (El Nido, Palawan), Huni Lio (El Nido, Palawan), Amarela Resort (Panglao, Bohol), Amun Ini Resort and Spa (Anda, Bohol),Bai Hotel (Mandaue City, Cebu), Best Western Plus, The Ivywall Resort (Panglao, Bohol), Bohol Beach Club (Panglao, Bohol), Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa (Mactan),C Suites at 8 Newtown (Lapu-Lapu City), Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark (Lapu-Lapu City). And Modala Beach Resort (Panglao, Bohol), Mithi Resort and Spa (Dauis, Bohol), Plantation Bay Resort and Spa (Lapu-Lapu City), Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa (Lapu-lapu City), The Bellevue Resort (Panglao, Bohol), The Hotel Elizabeth (Cebu), Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Grand Astoria Hotel (Zamboanga City),Hotel Camila 2 (Dipolog City), Mibang Hotel (Dipolog City) and Seda Abreeza Hotel (Davao City). (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)
Eastern Mindanao
Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, Panatag Shoal, Huangyan Island, and Democracy Reef, are two rocks in a shoal located between the Macclesfield Bank and Luzon in the West Philippine Sea. (Mindanao Examiner via Google Earth) quincentennial of the Victory at Mactan in Cebu province, Roque has invoked a provision of the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to support his assertion on traditional fishing rights between contesting countries. “The Tribunal notes that the traditional fishing rights may exist even within the territorial waters of another State 381 and considers that its jurisdiction to address this dispute is not dependent on a prior determination of sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal,” Roque said, quoting Paragraph 407 of the arbitral ruling. In explaining the provision, Roque said traditional fishing ground can be done in the 12 nautical mile territorial sea around Scarborough Shoal among fishermen from the Philippines, China, and even Vietnam, not by virtue of an agreement, but because of the decision of the international arbitral court in which the Filipinos are relying on. He said a portion of the arbitration award must be respected, even if it is not favorable to the country. “Pinanindigan po ng Presidente natin, President Duterte itong panalo natin kasama po
Western Mindanao
yung desisyon na meron talagang traditional fishing na puwedeng mangyari sa parte ng mga Pilipino, Vietnamese, at Tsino dyan po sa Scarborough Shoal,” he said. Filipino lawmakers and the Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin in March protested the presence of over 220 Chinese fishing vessels, believed manned by militias, spotted by the Philippine Coast Guard near Julian Felipe Reef. Also called Whitsun, the boomerang-shaped reef lies about 175 nautical miles west of the Palawan province and inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China has claimed the Julian Felipe Reef as their territory. But, in a diplomatic protest, Locsin complained that “their swarming and threatening presence creates an atmosphere of instability,” and infringes the nation’s sovereignty, the Reuters news agency reported. The ships’ presence is a “clear provocative action of militarizing the area” and China should recall them, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, according to Reuters. The U.S. State Department said is standing
Cebu
by the Philippines in its latest run-in with China over disputed sea territory. In his tweet, State Department spokesman Ned Price said: “The U.S. stands with our ally, the Philippines, regarding concerns about the gathering of (Chinese) maritime militia vessels near Whitsun Reef. We call on Beijing to stop using its maritime militia to intimidate and provoke others, which undermines peace and security.” Chinese fishing vessels frequently assist the coast guard and navy in asserting China’s maritime claims, according to The Associated Press. The U.S. does not recognize China’s claims and conducts frequent freedom-of-navigation patrols in the disputed waters. China’s claim to most of the South China Sea was rejected by an international tribunal in 2016; however, Beijing has ignored the ruling and built military facilities on seven of the disputed Spratly sites, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. (John Rey Saavedra, Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes. With additional reporting from Mindanao Examiner and Rappler.)
Manila