A TWENTY-YEAR old woman who had severe diarrhea was tested positive for Covid-19 after being rushed to hospital, the local task force on Covid-19 reported. The woman, who leaves in Barangay Mam-
pang, was first admitted at a private hospital on June 18, but insisted in going home to the house of her in-laws in Barangay Sinunuc on June 23 despite doctors’ advice to stay. And on the next day,
she could not get up due to weakness in her lower extremities prompting her to seek consultation at the Zamboanga City Medical Center and subsequently admitted due to hypokalaemia or deficiency of Continue on page 2
200 kilos of Cebu meat products destroyed ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities here recently destroyed over 200 kilos Continue on page 9
Mampang woman is latest Covid-19 case
A city government worker sprays disinfectant on a truck transporting hogs to ensure that animals and vehicle are free from any virus. (City Veterinary Office)
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‘Netizens tell Mayor Beng to file libel charges vs. defamers’
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ETIZENS HAVE called on Mayor Beng Climaco to sue those defaming and maligning her administration and to file libel charges against trolls and black propagandists besmirching her persona. In posts left on the by her foes. trolls in the middle of the Facebook account of CliThis after Climaco coronavirus disease 2019 maco, dozens of Netizens branded as “very mali- (Covid-19) pandemic. defended the hardwork- cious and very dangerous” Climaco blasted ing mayor against all crit- the false information and propagandists, who are icisms and fake news and fake news being peddled spreading fake news on Continue on page 3 false information spread by her foes and political
Zambo, one-stop shop for returning Pinoys from Sabah?
Mayor Beng Climaco (Bong Serondo)
Malaysia grateful for Beng’s assistance MALAYSIA THANKED Mayor Beng Climaco for the support and assistance of the local Continue on page 3
Mayor Beng Climaco speaks to Malaysian officials led by Ambassador to the Philippines, Norman Muhamad, who thanked her for the support of the Zamboanga City Government to stranded Malaysian nationals. (Malaysian Embassy Photo)
Mayor Beng Climaco listens to Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano while Secretary Carlito Galvez, chief implementer of the government’s task force on Covid-19, looks on during a meeting June 25, 2020 at Marcian Gerden Hotel in Zamboanga City. (Giana Andrion) ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco met with the group of Secretary Carlito Galvez, chief implementer of the government’s task force on Covid-19, and other stake-
holders to discuss the return of over 5,000 Filipinos from Sabah. The Duterte administration has approved the repatriation of the Filipinos and proposed to put
up a one-stop shop in Zamboanga. “Mayroon din po tayong inaabangan na repatriation galing po sa Malaysia...At mayroon Continue on page 2
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The Zamboanga Post
Zambo, one-stop shop for returning Pinoys from Sabah?
Mayor Beng Climaco speaks before Secretary Carlito Galvez, chief implementer of the government’s task force on Covid-19, and other stake holders to discuss the return of over 5,000 Filipinos from Sabah. (Giana Andrion) Continued from page 1 po tayong more or less 5,000 na inaayos po. Nakikiusap po ang ating DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) na magkaroon po ng kaunting delay para at least ma-prepare po natin ‘yung ating tinatawag na Zamboanga One-Stop Shop.” “Pero naka-prepare na po si (Defense) Undersecretary (Cesar) Yano at ang si (Foreign Affairs) Undersecretary Dodo (Brigido) Dulay nagusap-usap na po sila at ‘yon pong ating mga
tinatawag nating locally stranded doon po sa Malaysia ay ibabalik po natin ngayong mga last week po ng June at saka July po,” Galvez said during a telecast meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte. But there were health concerns on the repatriation of the Filipinos because of the high number of Covid cases in Sabah. Even the Health Minister of the Muslim autonomous region, Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, has emphasized that there is no re-
corded local transmission in its territories, the rise in numbers of Covid cases is due to returning residents who are classified into Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI), Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROF) and those availing of the Hatid Probinsya Program. The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported a total of 100 Covid-19 cases as of June 23 – and 44 of the patients have recovered from the virus while 52 remain active with four deaths. (Zamboanga Post)
Mampang woman is latest Covid-19 case Continued from page 1 potassium in the body. She was swabbed and tested positive for the deadly respiratory virus. The woman, now coded as ZC-196, is under medical care. Just last week, Mayor Beng Climaco, who heads the task force on Covid-19, reminded the public to strictly follow health protocols and community quarantine guidelines after the emergence of fresh cases of the novel coronavirus disease. Zamboanga now has over 40 active cases with five deaths since the Covid-19 pandemic spread here in March. “We urge everyone to continue complying with the General Community Quarantine guidelines, specifically the minimum health standards - wear face mask, frequently wash hands with soap and water and practice social distancing,” Climaco said. She said the local task force on Covid-19 and health authorities are exercising all
measures to ensure public safety despite being under the General Community Quarantine based on the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases and approved by President Rodrigo Duterte. “We are really exercising every ounce of safety measures and sometimes people think the City Government is very slow, but we have to be safe than sorry,” Climaco said, adding, the local government has to set three vital measures to further combat the spread of the deadly Covid-19 disease following the emergence of new positive cases. “We have to set three very important measures: One is to strengthen the monitoring in our barangay health emergency response; second is to provide opportunity for data collection and contact tracing and next, we need to also prepare system and a module where every individual Zamboangueño is responsible enough when they are in public. So these
three (important measures) have to be set in place so that we will be able to be in a more relaxed, new normal process in the city of Zamboanga,” she said. “Na favor de Dios, el de atun maga paciente de Covid-19 ta recobre embuenamente con el amor, ayuda y compacion del de atun mga medical front-liners pero mientras tiene ta recobre, tiene tamen ta umenta el caso. We need to remain vigilant and to continue carrying out the minimum health protocols. To move forward and to rise from the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to balance el de atun health and the economy poreso ay esperanza kita el declaracion del national IATF so cosa ya ba el status del ciudad de Zamboanga,” Climaco added. Climaco also signed an executive order allowing people with quarantine pass to go out on Sundays and attend religious activities whose guidelines are set by the IATF. (Zamboanga Post)
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‘Netizens tell Mayor Beng to file libel charges vs. defamers’ Continued from page 1 social media, particularly on Facebook, and especially on the issue of the rising number of Covid-19 infections and the late releasing of test results by health authorities. “Actualmente este insinuations are very malicious and very dangerous, as Local Chief Executive you do not know what it feels every time I received a (report of Covid) positive case. No one would want to endanger Zamboanga City, aquellos que tiene malicioso pensamiento que ta pensa que ta queda kita alegre na maga caso positivo is very dangerous. Poreso gane este maga tiempo mas bueno pa si concentra ya lang kita na de atun trabaho imbes de hace calayat maga false information.” “We are really praying that every Zamboangueño be healed because if every Zamboangueño is healed then Zamboanga City will be able to recover. Stop insinuating and stop accusing (and) let us work together for the benefit of Zamboanga City,” Climaco said.
Netizens Eula Gutierrez wrote: “Mabuti naman Mayor ipakulong mo mga yan, napapagod na rin akong awayin mga trolls sa comment section. Dale pruba kunesos mga trolls. Planta kaso mayor, libel ya seh. Pati mga laboratory worker ta ase sila sira, si ta abla sila ta ase daya el result. Kien ba ta ase result? Di ba mga laboratory? Hays (sic).” This was also what Anna Marie Cabato-Araneta wrote: “Sue them Mayor Beng!” Jobet Bedayo commented: “Manda man imbistiga Mayor para once and for all sabe si kita si sikien se ang mga trolls.” Alberto Kwan Jr. urged Climaco not to be affected by those who criticized herm saying she is doing a great job. “Wag niyo sila pansinin Mayor...inggit lang mga yan... you’re doing a great job. Be safe always,” he wrote. One Netizen who goes by the name “Silver Spinner Etneciv” has left a strong worded message to those maligning Climaco and
called them “monkeys.” “Chongo! Esos mga jente. Numas irbi sangre Mam Beng! We all know and we can see how much you care for us Zamboangueños. We love you,” he said. Nel Irilis offered prayers to all those afflicted by Covid-19. “Let’s all pray for the healing and recovery of every (Covid-19) positive individuals in our city.” And Edmond Lape urged Climaco to fight the trolls. “Laban lang Mayor,” he wrote on the mayor’s social media page. But for Ivy Aguas, she suggested that Climaco should give out awards to trolls. “I am waiting Mam Beng, ase tu video para award kunel mga trolls kay ase yo na TikTok,”she said, referring to the Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance and use to create short dance, lip-sync, comedy and talent videos. Aguas added: “C balyente sila porke dummy account ta usa, cobardon man.” Christine dela Cruz has written a lengthy comment
Malaysia grateful for Beng’s assistance
Mayor Beng Climaco gives a token to Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, Norman Muhamad, who thanked her for the support of the Zamboanga City Government to stranded Malaysian nationals, as City Administrator Apple Go and another Malaysian military official look on. (Malaysian Embassy Photo) Continued from page 1 government to its citizens stranded in Zamboanga City. Ambassador Norman Muhamad met with Climaco at the side line of the repatriation of the Malaysians, including those stranded in Sulu and nearby Basilan province. Muhamad also thanked Sulu Governor Sakur Tan for assisting and taking care of dozens of Malaysians in the prov-
ince. “The Embassy of Malaysia would like to record thanks to the Philippine Republic Government for finally giving the approval of this rescue operation. (Malaysia) did not forget the high appreciation to the Sulu Task Force (Covid) in taking care of Malaysians in Sulu; and the Philippine Marines and Philippine (National) Police on the safety and security that had been given through-
out the operation.” “Our party is also touched by the help of the Philippine Air Force for flying the Ambassador and officers of the Malaysian embassy in Manila to Zamboanga City so that all the affairs there can be managed by our side,” the Embassy said. It said a total of 154 Malaysians stranded in the Philippines had been flown out of the country. (Zamboanga Post)
and branding the trolls as defamer for maligning Climaco on her own Facebook page. “Where are the trolls? Shame on you! Always complaining and defaming the reports in this page. Now with this post, looks like the so-called radical thinkers can’t seem to type a word. Good luck Mayor Beng and keep doing what is best for Zambo. Your dedication and concern for your constituents will prevail. God bless!” Netizens also expressed love and empathy for Climaco. “One for all, all for one kita Mam Beng, hope and pray that this pandemic will end soon. Salute to you our beloved Mayor, God bless you always, and our City of Zamboanga as well,” wrote Winnie Flores. “God bless Mam Beng, we love you,” said GGie Bongalos Ramones. “All the love and support to our beloved Mayor Beng Climaco! We love you Mayor Beng,” Anthony Juaton also commented. Cath Erine also wrote: “Saan na ung mga mahilig mag insinuate. Labas na! Sabagay dummy account lang naman ang ginagamit nila. Tama nga naman, walang may gusto na magkaroon ng Covid ang Zamboanga at ginagawa ng mga front-liners anf kanilang mga trabaho na naaayon sa sinumpaan nilang tungkulin.” “Kasuhan na yan para di mamihasa,” said 1Rchell Llnipa, echoing what other Netizens urged Climaco to do. Francis Clair Zamora said: “Lejos pe el election ta ase ya malo. Amo gat el trabaho de esos, se ta mira bueno el andanza del administration, ta ase propaganda.” “Be strong Mayor Beng. Manada kame tan pray para kontigo. Mucho tu ya man touch mga lives, especially mga jovenes de amun time akel kwando hinde pa tu na politica. God bless and more power,” said Chiara Belle. Public Safety Climaco said the local task force on Covid-19 and health authorities are exercising all measures to ensure public safety despite being under the General Community Quarantine based on the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases and approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“We are really exercising every ounce of safety measures and sometimes people think the City Government is very slow, but we have to be safe than sorry,” Climaco said, adding, the local government has to set three vital measures to further combat the spread of the deadly Covid-19 disease following the emergence of new positive cases. “We have to set three very important measures: One is to strengthen the monitoring in our barangay health emergency response; second is to provide opportunity for data collection and contact tracing and next, we need to also prepare system and a module where every individual Zamboangueño is responsible enough when they are in public. So these three (important measures) have to be set in place so that we will be able to be in a more relaxed, new normal process in the city of Zamboanga,” she said. “Na favor de Dios, el de atun maga paciente de Covid-19 ta recobre embuenamente con el amor, ayuda y compacion del de atun mga medical front-liners pero mientras tiene ta recobre, tiene tamen ta umenta el caso. We need to remain vigilant and to continue carrying out the minimum health protocols. To move forward and to rise from the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to balance el de atun health and the economy poreso ay esperanza kita el declaracion del national IATF so cosa ya ba el status del ciudad de Zamboanga,” Climaco added. City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite was also saddened by the spread of the black propaganda, saying, health authorities are working hard to ensure the safety of everyone against the Covid-19. Climaco said Zamboanga is facing a health crisis, yet her foes continue to take advantage of the pandemic in destroying the unified efforts of the local government in addressing the Covid-19 situation because of vested political interest. She said: “Bien grande el problema ahora, man politica pa kita? Nosabe gane kita hasta cuando este crisis, nosabe gane kita si quien esta vivo y quien el despide y bien lejos pa gayot el eleccion, bien mucho ta
gasta, ta basya cen alli na maga Facebook (sponsored) pages para hace malo con este administracion. Apurao man gayot man compania, ta tomo bentaja na situacion siendo bien busy kita atende con el necesidad, trabaja anay para protecta con el ciudad. I need to keep my focus on the urgent task as Mayor rather than answering all your insinuations.” “I need to work because this is my sworn duty and the people of Zamboanga elected me to serve you as your Mayor, to protect our City most especially in this time of the pandemic. With God’s grace and la Virgen Nuestra Señora del Pilar, este el de mio tercer termino que ustedes ya dale el victoria para sirvir con ustedes and I will not fail the people of Zamboanga. I will continue to do what is needed to protect our people and focus on what matters in this time of the pandemic with God’s grace, to heal the sick and feed the hungry,” she added. Climaco’s political supporters have previously denounced what they claimed was an orchestrated black propaganda peddled in social media, especially in sponsored public groups believed being funded by anti-Climaco forces. The black propaganda, they said is being used to attack Climaco’s integrity and her strong moral principles, and moral uprightness. And even the local government’s welfare programs are being maligned anti-Climaco groups to reinforce the spread of fake news on social media. Climaco’s political advisers also echoed the same suspicion and said all the black propaganda and fake news against the mayor is part of a strategy as early as today in preparation for the next elections. One of her adviser’s likened these black propagandists to a cancer cell that multiplies and attacks the good cells, but “the mayor’s hard work and outstanding and transparent governance is like a strong antibody that completely destroys the cancer.” This is Climaco’s last and final term and several political personalities are eyeing the top post and the vice mayoralty position, including the two congressional seats. (Zamboanga Post)
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News
Local government of Zamboanga City at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos by Bong Serondo, Eugene Elnar, Carlo Ezer Camins, and Giana Andrion)
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PNP to intensify anti-drug campaign
A taxi driver is arrested during a sting operation by PDEA in Zamboanga City. (Jury Rocamora) PHILIPPINE POLICE Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa has ordered an intensified campaign against illegal drugs and to target drug lords across the country. “In addition, I also echoed the guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte for PNP units to seize every opportunity to be on the offensive against illegal drugs. An all-out offensive puts the lives of our PNP personnel at risk so we must exercise all possible precaution to ensure that they are safe and that no lives are lost,”
he said. Gamboa’s orders include operations against high-value targets belonging to the Top 10 most wanted drug personalities in every jurisdiction. He also honored the bravery of Staff Sergeant Renato Pastillero, of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-10, who was shot and wounded by Mars Sido Gomal, the subject of surveillance and monitoring operations of the police. Gomal shot Pastillero three times after a spotter from the criminal group
recognized him as an undercover agent. Gamboa also ordered the police to maximize the use of information and communication technology, saying, digital law enforcement ensures faster exchange of information and tactical accuracy on the ground. “Thru the initiative of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, we are publishing a Revised PNP First Responders’ Manual under the New Normal to emphasize the observance of minimum health
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standards in a crime scene; modified duty rotation of mobile and beat patrollers; orientation of health safety protocols; and proper use of protective equipment.” “A similar Revised Manual for Police Investigators is also being finalized to better equip our crime investigators with investigative tools and technology that will not only minimize the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus but will also enhance capacity to solve and monitor cases, serve court processes and harmonize the functions of the criminal jus-
tice system,” he said. Gamboa said the PNP Investigator’s Handbook in the New Normal contains the General Principles of Investigation and the General Investigative Procedures which will serve as an updated guide for all investigators who respond to crime incidents. He said the PNP is also reformulating police response procedures to ensure the health and safety of our police and the general public; continue investigative and detective services; and to strengthen and upgrade the PNP’s investigative
function and capability. Just recently, Mayor Beng Climaco lauded members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and police arrested a taxi driver in a sting operation at Tomas Claudio Street and another drug dealer at Atilano Drive in Baliwasan. “Thank you very much PDEA and our law enforcement authorities for the unwavering campaign against illegal drugs in support of President Duterte’s all out anti-drug war. Security remains our priority despite the pandemic,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
200 kilos of Cebu meat products destroyed Continued from page 1 of confiscated processed meat and chicken products which came from Cebu City, the Port Management Office or PMO said. The Bureau of Animal Industry and the Department of Agriculture or DA seized the meat products from a boat after alert security guards and port police at the Port of Zamboanga inspected the vessel to ensure they were free from the African swine fever virus. The meat products - 194 kilos of processed meats and 30 kilos of chicken products - had been mis-declared and did not have documents. It was all burned on Monday in the presence of representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, the Meat Inspection Service and DA. “PMO-Zamboanga is committed in performing its other mandate of making sure that Zamboanga City and its neighboring islands is free from the threat of African Swine Fever and ensuring food safety in the region per President Duterte Executive Order No. 105,” it said, referring to the creation of the national task force to prevent the entry of animal-borne diseases. Because of the confiscation of the undocumented meat products, the Department of Agriculture Region awarded the Port Police Division and PMO-Zamboanga with a certificate of appreciation and P10,000 cash to the security guards involved in the apprehension of the contraband. Good Job Mayor Beng Climaco also lauded the confiscation of the meat products. The local government is strictly implementing
safety measures to ensure that Zamboanga remains free from the African swine fever despite the humongous work it is currently doing in combating the spread of the new coronavirus or Covid-19 pandemic. Climaco said the City Veterinary Office continues to strictly implement the DA guidelines of zoning and protocols with regards to the movement, sale, and trade of hogs, pork and pork products to contain the spread of ASF in the country. She signed early this year the Executive Order 543–2020 in support to the DA guidelines and also in pursuant to President Rodrigo Duterte’s order urging local and national government agencies to harmonize efforts with the DA in stopping the spread of ASF. Checkpoints have been placed in entry and exit points in Zamboanga since last year to ensure that no infected hogs and its pork products slip past the city. She said personnel from the City Veterinarian Office continue to inspect and conduct disinfection of trucks transporting live pigs and other animals to Zamboanga to protect the hog population against the ASF. “Zamboanga City remains free from ASF,” Climaco said, adding, strict protocols are being observed to monitor and regulate the entry of hog and pork products here as a measure against the contagious animal disease. Task Force Karne Last September, Climaco organized the “Task Force Karne” with the local government working closely with the Food and Drugs Administration and DA in conducting inspec-
tions in support to the national ban on the importation, distribution and sale of all processed pork products from countries infected with the ASF such as China following the breakout of the disease in July 2019, mostly backyard pigs in the provinces of Rizal and Bulacan and then spread elsewhere in Luzon. The task force is composed of representatives from the City Veterinary Office, National Meat Inspection Service, Task Force Ordinance, and Business Permits and Licensing Division. The FDA previously ordered the pull-out from the markets of all processed pork products such as luncheon meat imported from Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Moldova, South Africa, Zambia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Belgium, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. AFS is a large, double-stranded DNA virus in the Asfarviridae family. The virus is transmitted to pigs through direct contact with infected pigs, their waste, contaminated clothing, feed, equipment and vehicles, and in some cases, some tick species. Although ASF cannot be transmitted to humans through contact with pigs or pork, the virus causes a haemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in domestic pigs; some isolates can cause death of animals as quickly as a week after infection. Climaco also reminded personnel manning the checkpoints at the boundaries to always wear face mask and disinfect or wash their hands with soap and water frequently to ensure the safety of their health against Covid-19. (Zamboanga Post)
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DOH cautions public vs. unregulated use of dexamethasone T
HE DEPARTMENT of Health has cautioned the public against the unregulated use of a steroid that researchers in England claimed can improve Covid-19 survival among certain patients. Health Undersecre- lic against non-prescribed prophylaxis or cure from tary Dr. Maria Rosario purchase and use of “dexa- the SARS-CoV-2 virus which Vergeire warned the pub- methasone” as either for causes Covid-19.
PNP Chief warns erring cops anew NATIONAL POLICE Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa again warned erring cops following the arrest of a policeman at an illegal cock fight in Cebu province in central Philippines. “Just as the Philippine National Police is quick to recognize and reward our personnel for their outstanding performance, we are equally swift and decisive in going after erring cops. This should therefore serve as a warning to PNP personnel who refuse to toe the line.” “I am both an officer of the law and an officer of the courts. Rest assured that I will file cases against you and hold you accountable for your criminal acts,” said
Gamboa, who recently visited the regional police headquarters here. Members of the Police Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) arrested Staff Sergeant Charlito Sanchez Tinoy who is assigned at Regional Personnel Holding Accounting Section while manning and betting in the illegal game in the village of Sudlon in Lahug. Tinoy was previously arrested and charged with illegal gambling, according to Brigadier General Ronald Lee, the IMEG chief, adding, the arrest of the erring cop is in line with their steppedup enforcement of the PNP internal cleansing program ordered by Gamboa. “Were intensifying our monitoring of policemen
involved in all forms of illegal activities and assure the public that we will apprehend them as soon as we have built enough evidence against them.” “We must make it clear that General Gamboa has a strict zero tolerance policy against police officers who continue to tarnish the good reputation and image of majority of the police force,” Lee said. Tinoy was among the 4 people arrested by the police on June 21 during the illegal cock fighting amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The three were all civilians - Jojo Ombos Mainit, Frederick Jacalan Vosotros, and Lando Sabanal Calumba. (Zamboanga Post and Mindanao Examiner)
“Dexamethasone is a type of steroid medication that is currently indicated in the treatment of different conditions such as severe allergies, preterm labor, and as adjunct in certain chemotherapy regimens. We strongly urge the public not to rush to the drugstores, buy this drug, and take it without the supervision of a doctor, in order to be cured or be protected from the virus,” Vergeire explained. “It is highly important to note that though this may be considered as a breakthrough in science, the study on this drug as a cure for Covid-19 is yet to be peer reviewed. Furthermore, it is intended as part of supportive care and is not meant to be a cure or prophylaxis for the disease. There is still no vaccine or cure for COVID-19,” she added. Dexamethasone landed in the news when researchers from England reported that deaths in severely-ill Covid-19 patients on mechanical ventilation decreased by one-third with the inclusion of dexamethasone in their treatment, while it reduced deaths among patients receiving oxygen by one-fifth. However the study found no benefit in patients with mild disease who do not require respiratory support. Vergeire said dexamethasone has only been given to patients who are critically hospitalized, those who are already intubated and supported by a ventila-
tor, or those who require oxygen therapy. She emphasized that dexamethasone is only a supportive drug for the critically-ill patients. “We want to remind and warn the public not to buy or worse—hoard it—in the hope of self-medicating or taking it as prophylaxis. There is still no prophylaxis nor vaccine for Covid-19, and the most effective way to protect ourselves is by continuing to practice regular hand-washing, wearing of face masks and other appropriate personal protective equipment, practicing cough etiquette, and physical distancing,” she said. Vergeire also said that the s0-called Fabunan anti-viral injection, a much talked about drug by Dr. Ruben Fabunan, a physician now based in the US, which reportedly contains dexamethasone, has not yet applied for drug trials under the Food and Drug Administration. As such, the Department of Health cannot guarantee the safety, efficacy, or purity of this specific combination of drugs. “Dexamethasone is yet to undergo further trials and review, but we assure the public that the DOH is in coordination with the global medical community. The department remains in close collaboration with different experts both locally and internationally in the search for a cure and other treatments that are safe and effective against Covid-19,” Vergeire said. The Food and Drug
Administration also has issued a cease-and-desist order against the use of the Fabunan anti-viral injection, amid reports that more people were getting the medication, she said, adding, “to date, there has not been any record of the Fabunan anti-viral injection applying with the FDA.” But according to the Market Watch, the U.K. government has approved the use of dexamethasone — the first coronavirus drug that scientists says has been shown to save lives — and it costs just £5 ($6) per patient. A trial led by Oxford University found that the low-dose steroid treatment dexamethasone cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators, and by a fifth for those on oxygen, according to results published. The treatment will now be used on the NHS as standard care for Covid-19 patients and the U.K.’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the drug could “immediately be used across the world” to save lives. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as the “biggest breakthrough yet” in the global research effort in the fight against coronavirus, at the daily briefing. He added that the U.K. had enough supplies of the drug to deal with a potential second spike in hospital admissions. (Zamboanga Post)
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