The Zamboanga Post (April 26-May 3, 2021) by Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper

Zamboanga tops whole region in Covid response ZAMBOANGA CITY has topped the entire Western Mindanao region in Covid-19 response despite the surge in community transmission in the latest assessment of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG said the local government is number 1 in functionality rating garnering 86.5 percent and beat-

Founded July 2019

ing the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, including the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog and Pagadian. Mayor Beng Climaco thanked the DILG and all those who contributed in fighting the further spread of the deadly respiratory disease – from barangay health workers to the medical front-

Mayor Beng Climaco

liners and security forces, including various local government departments. She said the highest rating the local government received from the DILG only proves and demonstrated the hard work and dedication put up by each and every frontliners to save the lives of others. “We are encourage by the (high) functionality rating (given by the DILG) as

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197

this gives us the will to carry on and do what we have to do to keep our people safe and protected from Covid-19 amediante el alto caso del aqui na ciudad,” she said. “Este functionality rating que ya dale el Departamento del Interior ta sirvi como inspiracion con todo canaton, especialmente Continue on page 2

P10

April 26-May 3, 2021

Beng puts up more Covid isolation facilities

‘As propagandists, trolls spread fake news, false info’

HILE MAYOR Beng Climaco continues with the construction of more isolation facilities in Zamboanga due to the alarming increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, propagandists and social media trolls have resumed their political attacks targeting the efforts of the local government to control the spread of the deadly virus. Propagandists have nounced the recently con- ity were constructed by resorted to spreading structed 20-bed isolation the Department of Pubfake news and false in- facility in Barangay Paso- lic Works and Highways formation on facts about nanca. (DPWH) to augment the Continue on page 2 Covid-19 and even deThe isolation facil-

Mariki resettlement area to have electricity soon A photo released by the DPWH shows its officials headed by Undersecretary Emil Sadain and Region 9 Director Cayamombao Dia and Assistant Director Honorato Saldua with Mayor Beng Climaco during the recent turnover of the isolation facility in Barangay Pasonanca to the local government.

Beng fears stricter quarantine measures Mayor Beng Climaco meets with members of the Local Inter-Agency to Committee to discuss the Z3R project in Barangay Mariki.(Bong Serondo) THE LOCAL Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) said the energization of the Mariki housing project may start soon or even before the August 30 ultimatum set by Mayor Beng Climaco.

Climaco, who chairs the LIAC, has given the various government agencies and private contractors until August 31 to finish the construction of the Z3R housing units for some 720 families

Zamboanga Peninsula

displaced by 2013 deadly attacks of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to Nur Misuari. Z3R stands for Zamboanga City Roadmap to Continue on page 3

Basilan

Police last year guarded Zamboanga City day and night to ensure residents do not violate the Enhance Community Quarantine guidelines. (Zamboanga Post) WITH THE increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga, May-

or Beng Climaco said the national government may place the city under

Sulu

a strict quarantine measure unless residents Continue on page 3

Tawi-tawi

The Zamboanga Post

April 26-May 3, 2021

Beng puts up more Covid isolation facilities

‘As propagandists, trolls spread fake news, false info’

Mayor Beng Climaco has ordered the Office of the City Engineer to construct isolation facilities that could accommodate at least 700 beds. These photos show the isolation rooms at the Baliwasan Grandstand. (CEO) Continued from page 1 existing quarantine facilities and mitigate the rapid spread of the respiratory virus. The construction of the quarantine facility followed the standard designs and plans proposed by the DPWH in collaboration with the Department of Health. Three more tents will be constructed by DPWH with 30 more beds capacity. The facility composed of two constructed tents with 20 beds capacity and are equipped with air conditioner units, adequate lighting and ventilation, uninterrupted electricity supply, potable water source and sewer line. It has separate doors intended for entrance and exit while a common toilet and bath is constructed adjacent to each tent.

The project was recently inaugurated by DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain and turned over to Climaco. This was also witnessed by DPWH Region 9 Director Cayamombao Dia and Assistant Director Honorato Saldua. Climaco, head of the local Covid-19 task force, thanked DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, saying the isolation facility, completed at the more opportune time, will go a long way in controlling further spread Covid-19. But anti-Climaco propagandists and trolls said the isolation facility would put residents in Barangay Pasonanca at risk of being infected with Covid-19 because the “virus can jump out of the tent.” They also called on Pasonanca residents to oppose the project while others

have “demonized” those living near the facility to protest it. The spread of black propaganda, fake news and false information have alarmed Pasonanca residents and has prejudiced public tranquillity. Police have previously arrested dozens of people and filed charges against them for spreading fake news and unverified information on social media amid the pandemic. Those who spread fake news and false information can be charged with violations of the “Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code as amended, concerning Sec 4c4 (online libel) and Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Law.”

Violators face imprisonment of one to six months and a fine ranging from P40,000 to P200,000. They could also be punished under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and could be held for violating Presidential Decree Number 90 which makes rumor-mongering and spreading false information as unlawful because it may cause or tend to cause panic, divisive effects among the people, and undermine the stability of the government. Local health experts and the World Health Organization said Covid-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks in front of other persons. People remain contagious for up to two weeks, and can spread the virus even if they are asymptomatic. The incubation period of Covid-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset, is on average 5-6 days, but can be as long as 14 days. Thus, quarantine should be in place for 14 days from the last exposure to a confirmed case. Covid-19 affects different people in different ways and most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization. Most common Covid-19 symptoms are fever, dry cough,

tiredness and less common symptoms are aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes. Climaco has never stopped appealing to residents to strictly follow the health protocols and community quarantine guidelines. “Bien importante y necesita el suporta y cooperacion de todo na pelea contra Covid-19. Compli firmi el minimum health standards y maga reglamento para prevenir la propagacion del coronavirus. The battle against Covid-19 is not just the responsibility of government agencies, but of all sectors and each and every resident or visitor of Zamboanga City,” she said. Since the start of the pandemic last year, Climaco has maintained the strict enforcement of health protocols and community quarantine guidelines, especially at the borders and in different barangays to prevent the spread of Covid-19. “We reiterate the need for public compliance on all safety and health protocols to prevent a spike in Covid cases. The wearing of face mask and face shield, washing hands often with soap and water, or alcohol, and the strict observance of physical distancing remain to be our main defense

against Covid-19,” the mayor said. Climaco, who ordered the construction of additional 700-bed isolation facilities, shrugged off black propaganda against her and said all her actions are always guided by God. “God direct us. I was hard pressed and was falling, but the Lord helped me. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and H has been my Savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just,” she said. While trolls and propagandists were harping on Climaco’s Covid-19 response and efforts of the local government in controlling the spread of the virus by putting up more isolation facilities, among others – the Philippine Red Cross has also put up isolation facilities in various schools in Metro Manila. PRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon said they have utilized unused classrooms in Ateneo De Manila University, University of the Philippines-Diliman, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and Adamson University to serve as temporary isolation facilities and augment the shortage brought about by the surge of Covid-19. These schools are at the heart of Metro Manila and nobody has complained about it and mo one said the “virus can jump out of the schools.” (Zamboanga Post)

Zamboanga tops whole region in Covid response Continued from page 1 el de atun compañeros na gobierno local sin descanso ta trabaja cay ustedes el de amun numero uno prioridad, el de ustedes salud y seguridad el numero uno na de amun prioridad poreso ta apela kame con todo con ustedes dale grande responsabilidad na proteccion de cada egual familia,” she added. Climaco said the raging battle to stop, if not reduce the spread of the deadly virus and other Covid-19 variants, is not only the work of government alone, but of everyone as everybody is vulnerable to the dreaded disease. She said residents must not to be complacent and always use face mask and face shield in public places, and sanitize or wash hands with soap and water frequently, and comply with the community quarantine guidelines. “I am enjoining the public to please cooperate

with and help government in the implementation of these health protocols,” Climaco said. The mayor praised the various departments at City Hall and the local police force and military for their role in Covid-19 response. She has, since last year, has nothing to say but praises to all Covid-19 frontliners from Barangay Health Workers and their leaders and officials, to the doctors and nurses both in private and government hospitals, and all those involved in the fight against the disease – and calling them all “modern-day heroes.” “Ta rindi tamen kita gracias con todo que ya contribui con este (alto) functionality rating (del DILG), talli el policia, el CDRRMO, el City Health Office, City Tourism Office, City Accounting Office, el Office of the City Planning (and Development

Coordinator),el Office of the City Engineer, y todo con aquellos que ya hace este posible,” the mayor said. “And we would like to thank everyone, sabe kita cay de ustedes govierno local junto con el maga vivientes necesita gat coopera hace lang kita claro el deseo de atun para dela ya el da atun (Covid-19) vaccines aqui na de atun ciudad para puede tambien el de atun A2 (priority list el maga senior citizens) onward para recibi el de ila vacuna cay este ambos proteccion. Ta trabaja kita junto con el gobierno nacional, el Departamento de Salud junto con (City Health Officer) Doctor (Dulce Amor) Miravite para puede hace llamada na maga ospital pribado para hindi sila queda lleno y hace kita el recursos para resolve y responde con el subida del caso del Covid-19,” she further said. In March this year, the

Zamboanga City Task Force Covid-19 Policies Chief Implementer Elmeir Apolinario receives the DILG award and P50,000 from DILG Regional Director Paisal Abutazil, Office of Civil Defense Director Manuel Ochotorena and DILG City Director Ginagene Uy. Zamboanga City tops the whole of Region 9 in Covid-19 response and garnering 86.5 percent rating from the DILG. Department of Health (DOH) cited the Climaco administration for topping in the anti-tuberculosis (TB) campaign in the whole of the Zamboanga Peninsula region despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Zamboanga City was also the sole recipient of the “Population Testing Rate Award” for garnering

the highest percentage of the population tested for TB last year. And even in the midst of the local government efforts to completely eliminate the deadly Covid-19, the local government has not lost sight of its priority programs that benefit the Zamboangueño people. Considering the re-

strictions and the challenges posed by the pandemic on the anti-TB campaign, the local government though the City Health Office and Barangay Health Workers and others who were involved in the program, managed to vaccinate majority of its population against the lung disease. (Zamboanga Post)

The Zamboanga Post

April 26-May 3, 2021

Beng fears stricter quarantine measures

Mariki resettlement area to have electricity soon Continued from page 1 Recovery and Reconstruction. Rodrigo Pagotaisidro, head of the LIAC Secretariat, said the Barangay Council of Mariki passed a resolution that seeks to call off the demolition of illegal structures in the area after residents volunteered to remove them. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has lifted the order that postponed all administrative demolition and eviction activities which was issued last year when the country was under the enhanced community quarantine status due to Covid-19 pandemic. The DILG also furnished the local government with a copy of the Memorandum Circular No. 2021-031 lifting the demolition ban, virtually allowing the demolition of illegal structures in Z3R resettlement areas. The LIAC said previously ordered the demolition of illegal structures at the stilt housing project in Mariki to pave the way for the installation of street poles and power lines in the area. It also passed a resolution recently requesting the Barangay

Council of Mariki to facilitate the demolition. Different government agencies and private contractors committed to speed up works on the Z3R projects after Climaco has given the ultimatum. Climaco has repeatedly reminded LIAC members to expedite completion of the projects and the mayor even said that she plans to invite President Rodrigo Duterte for the inauguration of the government projects. In her previous meetings, Climaco instructed LIAC members to ensure the remaining 720 families now living in temporary shelters to resettle in their permanent housing units. “As mayor and chairperson of LIAC, I have given the agencies concerned a deadline until August 2021 to finish the construction of the housing units and award them to the target beneficiaries - the internally displaced people,” she said, adding, “we want our IDPs to know that we have not forgotten them even as we are currently coping with the Covid pandemic,” said Climaco. She said her directive was in line with Duterte’s

instructions to all government agencies to have their projects, programs and activities completed before his term ends next year. Last year, Climaco directed LIAC members to ensure continuity of various projects and programs amid the Covid-19 pandemic to help alleviate the plight of families displaced by the MNLF siege. Supporters of Misuari attacked Zamboanga after declaring independence and their failed attempt to raise the Bangsamoro Republik flag at City Hall. Misuari publicly denied involvement in the siege of Zamboanga that displaced over 200,000 people and affected the economies of Basilan and Sulu which are dependent on Zamboanga for their trades and goods. Climaco set September 9 as a “Special Day of Remembrance” in honor of all those who perished in the siege that lasted for 3 weeks. Eight years after the deadly attack, residents here are still crying for justice which remains elusive for the innocent victims of the siege. (Zamboanga Post)

Continued from page 1 follow health protocols religiously. Climaco said if the Covid-19 situation becomes uncontrollable due to the continued violations of the health protocols and complacency of residents, the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFMEID) could impose severe measures just as it did last year at the start of the pandemic. “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. Police continue to apprehend daily hundreds of health protocols violators despite the rising cases of Covid-19. Zamboanga City had a little over three dozen active Covid-19 cases in March. Even Health Assistant Secretary Romeo Ong congratulated the local government for keeping the number of active Covid-19 cases below 100. “I congratulate the City (Government of Zamboanga) for keeping the active cases to below 100, we should not keep our guards down, especially on our borders,” he said. Ong also urged residents to follow the strict health protocols, especially now that Covid cases spiked in other parts of the country. “This pandemic proves again this is not only a national,

but a global challenge. The virus recognizes no national boundaries, no difference in political system, in culture, in religion whatsoever. It attacks all of us the same way. So there is an even greater need for closer and more effective cooperation, it has to be a whole of government and whole of society approach,” he said. “My message is to always keep the minimum health standards, keep masks and face shields on, social distance and washing of hands. No matter whether it is the variant or not, it is the same virus and the transmission is the same. For our health care workers, get vaccinated. We are about to go to the next batch of vaccines,” Ong added. But the local health situation quickly changed and Zamboanga now has more than 700 cases and the spike in the number of infections occurred after the 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. Hospitals 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 12 hours per shift and no day’s off. Other hospitals also added Covid wards. Climaco stressed that in confronting the pandemic, the government has to balance medical science, facts and opportunity for people to be healed. 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 Com-

munity 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 will be 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. She reiterated that people have to 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 will have to decide on its own whether to place Zamboanga and other areas where there are high number of Covid-19 cases based on its 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)

NOTICE Please report to us any individual or persons who are illegally soliciting money or donations for or in behalf of THE ZAMBOANG POST. We have a strict company policy against solicitation in any forms and the Company shall not be responsible for illegal practice of unscrupulous persons, who pass themselves off as Reporter, Stringer, Correspondent or Sales Executive of The Zamboanga Post. When in doubt, please call or SMS us at these numbers (062) 9555360 or SMS 0915-3976197 or email us – mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

The Zamboanga Post

April 26-May 3, 2021

Zamboanga Pictures in the News Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go.

April 26-May 3, 2021

The Zamboanga Post

Zamboanga Pictures in the News Photos by : Bong Serondo, ZCPO, and CSWDO.

The Zamboanga Post

April 26-May 3, 2021

Across : 1. Top pilots 5. Average mark 8. Molecule part 12. Rice wine 13. contains 14. Comboy ___ Autry 15. Dozing ones 17. Skating jump 18. Least shallow 20. Prepare leftovers 23. Largest desert 27. Partly cover 29. Concerned one 30. Pub 31. Bad actor 33. Bullfight cheer 34. Scents 37. Frontmost football players 40. Article of faith 42. Brahms piece 43. Artist Henri ___ 45. “Finding ___” 48. Blood vessels 52. Defeat 53. Suit accessory 54. Leaves 55. English princess 56. Clairvoyant’s letters 57. Santa’s time

The Zamboanga Post

An Edition of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper

Maritess Fernandez

Publisher/Executive Producer

Al Jacinto

Editor-in-Chief

1. Braying beast 2. Pres. Coolidge 3. Supplement 4. Planter 5. Fast feline 6. Marshal Wyatt ___ 7. Snaky letters 8. Writer ___ Christie 9. ___-Mex cuisine 10. Washington bill 11. Producer ___ Brooks 16. Chime 19. Defunct USAF branch 20. Mechanical man 21. Escape 22. Long-legged bird 24. Perfume

Graphics/Video Editor

Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master

REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star

ADVERTISING Jeng Fernandez (0917) 7930652 Zamboanga Peninsula

Answer to last week’s crossword: Down :

Reynold Toribio

25. Rent again 26. Amphitheater 28. Friend 32. Blunder 35. Distant 36. Amtrak stop (abbr.) 38. Sniffer 39. Vigor 41. ___ Fair 44. Spring flower 45. Pistons’ league (abbr.) 46. Poet’s “yet” 47. Big boy 49. Debt letters 50. Snaky swimmer 51. Compass pt.

Weekly Sudoku:

Richard Suarez

(0910) 7348600 Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera sts., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur

The Zamboanga Post

is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines.

ZAMBOANGA CITY OFFICE:

3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City Phone & Fax: (062) 9555360 Mobile: (0915) 3976197 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

Answer to last week:

CEBU CITY G/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan (0923) 1670009

Rodil P. Ybañez

DAVAO CITY Door 2, 402 Nidea Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City, Philippines (082) 2841859 / (0932) 4323301 / (0997) 3172021

Marilou Cablinda

NORTH COTABATO KIDAPAWAN CITY CENTRAL MINDANAO COTABATO CITY Rhoderick Beñez (0927) 4757936

PAGADIAN CITY

Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera st., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur (0910) 7348600

Richard Suarez

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA BASILAN, SULU, TAWIͳTAWI ΈBARMMΉ

3rd Floor, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 / (0915) 3976197 / (0917) 7930652

Jeng Fernandez mindanaoexaminer.com mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

Bus terminal installs new body scanner

HEALTH TIPS ni Dr. Willie T. Ong

Uminom ng Malig -amgam na Tubig

M Photos released by the Zamboanga City Integrated Bus Terminal show its brand-new. Italian-made walk-through body scanner. THE ZAMBOANGA City Integrated Bus Terminal said it has installed a modern walk-through body scanner and is putting up a second scanner and another-ray machine as part of its security system. Rafael Derick Evangelista III, the Supervising Transportation Regulation Officer, said with the brand new Italian-made modern walk-through body scanner all arriving passengers will have to undergo body security and baggage check. Evangelista said the scanner, supplied by De-

The Zamboanga Post

April 26-May 3, 2021

fense and Protection Systems Philippines Inc., will further boost security at the bus terminal, adding that since last year, they have intercepted bladed weapons from passengers during baggage inspection using the x-ray machine. The body scanner is also the same being used by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the U.S. and Canadian Embassies in Manila, the Asian Development Bank and Philippine Airlines, among others. The scanning system

uses millimeter wave imaging to locate objects on a person that are concealed under clothing. It works by bouncing millimeter waves off an individual’s skin to produce an outline image of the person’s body, showing any concealed, potentially dangerous objects. “The installation of both equipment (body scanner and x-ray machine) in the arrival building was based on the recommendation made by the security forces to Mayor Beng Climaco as there is a need to check on arriving passengers and their baggage at the terminal,” Evangelista said. “Later this year, another baggage x-ray machine and walk-through body scanner would also be installed at the departure building as the purchase of these equipment is already funded in the City’s annual budget,” he added. (Zamboanga Post)

ay benepisyo ang pag-inom ng maligamgam at sapat na tubig bawat araw: 1. Magandang Panunaw - Ang mainit na tubig ay sinasabing madaling paraan upang mapabuti ang kalusugan. Kapag ang isang tao ay hindi umiinom ng sapat na tubig, ang maliit na bituka ay sumisipsip ng mas maraming tubig sa na-konsumong pagkain at ininom. Ito ang dahilan para maging dehydrated at mahirapan dumumi. Ang sobrang dehydration ay maaaring mag-resulta ng malalang constipation o pagtitibi at magresulta

ng iba pang problema. 2. Para maging regular ang pag-dumi - Kung kumpleto sa dami ng tubig na iniinom, mas madali at magiging regular ang pagdumi dahil mas magiging malambot ito at madali ito para mailabas. 3. Magandang sirkulasyon - Ang maligamgam na tubig ay maaaring makapagpa-buka ng blood vessel para dumaloy ng mas maayos ang dugo at sustansya sa ating katawan. 4. Nakakabawas ng stress - Ang isang tasang maligamgam na tubig ay nakatutulong para mabawasan ang stress at anxiety.

5. Magkaroon ng mas maayos na tulog - Ayon sa research, ang pag-inom ng isang tasang maligamgam na tubig ay nakatutulong para marelax ang katawan at maka-tulog. Maiiwasan din ang magising sa madaling araw, para maging malakas sa susunod pang mga araw. 6. Mabuti sa tiyan - Ang maligamgam na tubig ay nakatutulong sa maayos na pagtunaw ng ating kinain. Para makapasok ang sustansya sa ating katawan. Babala lang: Mag-ingat na hindi mapaso sa pag-inom ng mainit na tubig

DOH, UN donate ambulances, hygiene kits to Zambo

Mayor Beng Climaco and Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite and other officials receive the five ambulances donated by the DOH. And the United Nations also donated 240 hygiene kits to the indigenous tribe members in Zamboanga City. (Bong Serondo and Giana Andrion) CHIEF COVID frontliner Mayor Beng Climaco thanked the Department of Health (DOH) and the United Nations (UN) for their donations as the local government continues to battle the alarming increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Zamboanga City. Climaco, head of the local Covid-19 task force, said the DOH donated five ambulances and 10 units of mobile phones. Dr. Joshua Brillantes, the DOH regional director, said the ambu-

lances will help augment the emergency response of the City Health Office. The mayor and other local government officials led by City Administrator Apple Go received the ambulances. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees also donated 240 hygiene kits to members of the indigenous tribes here. The distribution of the kits was facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Integrated Resources Development for

Tri-People, National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, Civil Registrar’s Office and Commission on Human Rights and other partners. Climaco thanked the UN for the donations which largely benefited those whose birth registration were late. “Muchisimas gracias for your commitment to help our people, especially in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. Vaya con Dios,” said Climaco. (Zamboanga Post)

The Zamboanga Post

April 26-May 3, 2021

The Zamboanga Post

Founded July 2019

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT, PLEASE CALL (062) 9555360 or (0915) 3976197

P10

April 26-May 3, 2021

Maguindanaons try to sneak into Zambo with fake RT-PCR test results S

A photo released by the 74th Infantry Battalion shows 9 of ten travellers - their faces blurred - from Maguindanao’s Parang town while trying to enter Zamboanga City with fake Covid-10 negative RT-PCR test results.

ECURITY FORCES intercepted 10 people, including women from Maguindanao’s Parang town, trying to enter Zamboanga City with fake RT-PCR test results. The group was in a fice manning the post, for possession of fake RTPCT test results. She van travelling when secu- intercepting the group. rity forces stopped them Those intercepted said Covid-19 protoat a checkpoint in Baran- said they were supposed col enforcement teams gay Licomo. They pre- to attend the burial of a have been deployed in sented Covid-19 negative relative in Barangay Tali- the borders and entry RT-PCR test results which sayan. points since the paneventually were found to The 74th Infantry Bat- demic started in March be fake. talion under Lt. Col. Julius last year to strictly check Mayor Beng Climaco, Villena previously, inter- on the accuracy of inhead of the local Covid-19 cepted nearly two dozen formation in the travel task force, praised the vig- boat passengers in Ticta- documents of inbound ilance of the soldiers from pul. Some of them natives travellers. the 74th Infantry Battal- of Basilan and the oth“Our protocol teams ion and policemen from ers were from Tungawan at the borders are able to Station 1, including staffs town in the neighboring validate the information from the City Health Of- province of Zamboanga given them. That is why Sibugay. we are very particular At least 17 people in the entry of people at from Surigao were also in- the borders. Those who tercepted in Zamboanga will submit fake docuCity on their way to Sulu ments or dubious inprovince to work, but the formation, particularly group escaped after one on the required RT-PCR know my plans I have for of them turned out to be negative test result, will you” says the Lord, “plans positive for the deadly face legal charges for to prosper you and not to Covid-19 respiratory dis- misrepresentation,” Cliharm you, plans to give ease. maco said. you hope and a future.” The Department of Climaco ordered the This has been God’s word, police and military to the Interior and Local His prophecy to me as I search for the group and Government (DILG) also said yes to serve as Mayor. put all of them under aired a similar warning Desde 2013 Siege has- quarantine. Zamboanga following a series of apta na Pandemia. Na mon- City police chief Colonel prehensions of people ton de problema ya ulvida Rexmel Reyes and Joint carrying forged RT-PCR yo suyu mensaje na mi Task Force Zamboanga test results. The DILG vida. In the trying times, commander Colonel Ran- also ordered the police Garnette like an angel, re- dolph Rojas told the may- to prosecute individuals minds me God’s call being or that the men escaped who are in possession of “chosen” to serve. We all to Sulu’s island town of fake RT-PCR test results. have our calling in life and Lugus on a motorboat. It said Republic Act in our burdens may we The local government No. 11332 or the Mannever forget God’s love and coordinated with the Sulu datory Reporting of Noprovidence. The Resur- Covid-19 task force and tifiable Diseases and rected Jesus who gave His informed it that one of Health Events of Publife for us tells us: “Peace the workers was carrying lic Health Concern Act, be with you.” Tormento the virus and may have provides for penalties man durmi, may we pray infected the others. of P20,000 but not more from Psalm 4:9 “As soon as Climaco praised se- than P50,000 or imprisI lie down, I fall peaceful- curity forces and resi- onment of not less than ly asleep, for you alone, O dents for their vigilance one month but not more LORD, bring security to my and told policemen and than six months, or both dwelling.” (MBC) soldiers to strictly deny fine and imprisonment, people entering Zambo- at the discretion of the anga without the negative court. The tampering of RT-PCR test result. The mayor repeatedly records relating to notiwarned individuals who fiable diseases or health use faked RT-PCR test events of public health results and forged travel concern, which includes documents as part of an official medical test reintensified campaign to sults or medical cerstop unauthorized people tificates, or such other – who could be carriers of documents and records the virus - from illegally issued by public health authorities is punishentering Zamboanga. Climaco said charges able by law. (Zamboanawait those caught in ga Post)

Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco

Third Sunday of Easter! Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9; 1 John 2:1-5a and Lk 24:35-48 ‘WHY ARE you troubled? Jesus asks the terrified Apostles when he appears to them.’ This past week, I attended two funeral masses and often wondered what happens when we die? I used to ask my students this question: “What would you do if you knew you will die soon and had only one more day to live?” This question was also passed on from my other co-teachers, one of them Fr. John Chambers, S.J. The answer would be surprising. To what I would usually do. But, because Covid-19 has swiftly and tragically taken

lives with untimely death, the reality of dying is ever apparent. I have tried to reflect much on the thought of dying. I realize in my humble way that if I could do good and contribute to bringing God’s goodness in simple acts of love daily, life would be worth living and hopefully worth dying. I realized too, the First Principle and Foundation thought by St. Ignatius of Loyola. I read this as I was preparing to give words of condolences. Scott McClure wrote in the Creighton Daily Reflection (Of Creighton University’s Online Ministries) on April 13, 2021 excerpts from David Fleming, S.J. It reads, in part: “The goal of our life is to live with God forever... We should not fix our desires on health or sickness,

Zamboanga Peninsula

wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or a short one. For everything has the potential of calling forth in us a deeper response to our life in God.” Este gale el rason del di aton vida. We are meant for God and thus focus our eyes toward the life beyond. And what about Covid and all our problems? There is a sense of indifference to life struggles that calls us not to fix ourselves solely for self-preservation. No mas concentra na mismo cuerpo kay el vida ta esta na mano de Dios! Salud, enfermedad, riqueza o pobreza, perdicion, ganada, largo o corto vida. Todo estos tiene el valor para responde con el llamada de Dios! These past nights I would sleep at 2 a.m. and awake the next day thinking of the problems, the mess I am in. I would go about carrying a sad disposition. Amidst the day, I allow God to unfold His saving grace. Lately, I have felt, bien cansao ya gayod yo Señor Dios! I would kneel in His mercy offering my burdens to God and our Mother in Fort Pilar. God kept me from sleep to awaken me on possibilities of His saving grace. I remember mentioning, Jer.29:11 – “For I

Basilan

Sulu

Tawi-tawi