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Arrest quarantine guidelines violators! P
RESIDENT DUTERTE has ordered the police to arrest all those who violate the community quarantine guidelines as the government continues to battle the spread of the deadly Covid-19 disease in the country. “So we will have to ask on notice forever. Sino ba detained there, that our police to be strict(er). namang gustong mahuli would give you a lesson So hulihin talaga. A little ka, but if you are brought for all time,” Duterte said. shame would put them to the police station and Continue on page 3
Zambo mayor appeals anew to retain regional govt.
President Rodrigo Duterte (Robinson Niñal Jr.)
Thank you all MAYOR BENG Climaco thanked all those who wished well and praised local government employees for their dedication and hard work after City Hall resumes its operations following a massive three-day disinfection to ensure the safety of every one after two workers were tested positive for the coronavirus disease. Climaco ordered the disinfection of all offices at City Hall to ensure safety and protection not only of employees, but of clients as well. To ensure the Continue on page 2
Mayor Beng Climaco with Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana, chairman of the IATF-IED. ZAMBOANGA CITY Mayor Beng Climaco has appealed to the national government to maintain its regional agencies here,
saying it not only serves the Zamboanga Peninsula, but the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi as well.
“Most, if not all of these agencies ordered transferred to Pagadian City (in Zamboanga del Continue on page 3
‘KAPA’ founder captured KAPA founder Joel Apolinario, his wife and followers following their July 21, 2020 arrest in Surigao del Sur’s Lingig town. Also shown in the photos are weapons seized by the police from Apolinario’s hideout. (Courtesy of Radyo Pilipinas Butuan) Read Story on page 9
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Thank you all
Continued from page 1 continuity of public service even during these challenging times, Climaco said the seat of government now has a skeleton workforce, and that a work from home arrangement has been made for some employees. Netizen Amrsash Salialam also wrote on Climaco’s Facebook page the following in support to the effort of the hardworking mayor: “We heal as (one) soon. God bless Zamboanga City.” But for Lets Ketters, he said: “Madam Beng, please este ya el tyempo para ase lockdown el Zamboanga City every day para na todo este. Please ase ya el debe ase Madam, lockdown ya kita every day.” Negative Even Climaco thanked all those who prayed for her safety after she was tested negative for the deadly respiratory disease that had killed at least 12 people here. Climaco underwent testing and had been swabbed this month after she was exposed to an infected official who was recently in Zamboanga with other guests who delivered equipment for the biomolecular laboratory of the Philippine Red Cross. In coming out publicly and thanking God, Climaco said: “My faith was tested when I underwent a swab test for Covid-19! When the negative result came out, I was filled with so much gratitude to God. Emboldened by the Holy Spirit to take on any challenge in life, realizing God has a purpose and mission for me in life!” She also wrote this on her social media page: “Today is the Feast of St. Thomas, the Apostle, known as Doubting Thomas! After the en-
counter with the Risen Lord, he was so emboldened with faith to give his life to Jesus!” And continued to say: “With so many doubts abounding that would distract me from my mission, I could easily give up. But God sends special angels, like Elaine, who showed me my purpose to help children, and Harvey, whose belief is an inspiration despite the distance. As I have discovered God’s purpose, so may you find yours! Elaine, Harvey, Richard, Javier, Hilda, and the Angels that remind me God’s call, thank you! May we find our true calling in life, that’s where God meant us to be!” Climaco was referring to those close to her and the Zamboangueño people who continue to stand by her amid the health crisis, and the barrage of fake news and false information, and black propaganda being spread by trolls and political foes against her. Reflection In her recent reflection, Climaco wrote the following on her Facebook page: “Sentenciao! This was the feeling I had after I was swabbed for Covid19. Fears of being positive and the people you had close contact with make us accountable. I got a call recently from the police that Dr. Teddy Herbosa, medical consultant for Covid-19 of the National IATF (Inter-agency Task Force) which I had close contact with during his recent visit to Zamboanga, turned out positive.” “I hope I did not infect you, he said. Immediately, I informed the DOH to inform others we were with and Dr. Dulce Miravite sent the team to swab us. There was this panic button that would keep us at a distance from others since we do not want to infect
them if we were positive. I felt no symptoms at all, just like the Covid Positive Doctor who was “asymptotic”!” “While waiting for the results, I still had to attend to concerns in the office. At Fort Pilar, I prayed hard for all of us who were tested. That night, I felt sad, dol vida sentenciao! Covid is unpredictable and very dangerous. This week Zamboanga City was placed again under GCQ as the numbers increased. Two colleagues from City Hall are positive with Covid. And being parents, they need prayers, for them and their families too.” “The fear of the unknown is present and we all need to follow safety measures and work shifts. Every time there is a person who is positive in Zamboanga City even if they are from BARMM, it really affects me. I remember the feeling, dol tan blando el pies when I receive news of a positive patient. The vigil is 24 hours, trying our very best with the help of our frontliners.” “I have two student frontliners, who had Covid too. One was rushed in the ICU working as a nurse in the Middle East. He gifted me with a prayer carpet because God transformed Him as a Moslem to discover his faith. I said prayers for him at Fort Pilar and his sister who is my goddaughter, informed me he was extubated! Thank God!” “Today, I communicated with my other student, who still has fever due to Covid. As his teacher Beng, I reached out to him just like my children. What he responded moved me to tears...Thank you Ma’am Beng for the concern and taking time to send me well wishes! Always take extra care too! God bless you my best teacher and my best Mayor! Thank you, Ma’am. I will also pray for your safety Ma’am. The City needs your guidance so much! God bless us all! All our Covid patients matter to me. May we help them with our prayers and support knowing they have their own families, too.” “My Covid test has expired. With the uncertainty of Covid, we will need more testing until a vaccine is found. Dr. Teddy Herbosa is now healed after all three PCRs turned out negative. All his 25 other close contacts also tested negative. The wearing of mask was a key element. May we all continue to follow all the health protocols. God keep us safe!” (Zamboanga Post)
July 27-Aug 2, 2020
The Zamboanga Post
July 27-Aug 2, 2020
Arrest quarantine guidelines violators!
A self-made street drummer in Zamboanga City wears no face mask. (Zamboanga Post) Continued from page 1 “We don’t have any qualms in arresting people. Under ordinary times, that’s what I’m saying, is that a simple violation of not wearing a mask and (practising) social distancing, all of these things. But during times of health issues, you can (arrest quarantine guidelines violators) because it can be a serious crime transmitting the (Covid-19),” he added. Duterte said local governments and other authorities should strictly impose the community quarantine guidelines and health protocols - wear face mask, observe physical or social distancing - to protect others following the government’s call to stay home to avoid contracting the fatal respiratory disease. “The theory is that you are the carrier that is why you should wear a mask so as not to pass on the infection to the other guy. Baliktad ang psychology diyan para talagang maniwala kayo,” he said. Duterte’s order came after Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco earlier ordered security forces to help the local government imposed the strict community guide-
lines here and apprehend violators, especially those who do not wear face mask in public places and others who defy city ordinances. Even City Administrator Apple Go, upon the instruction of Climaco, has a team going around day and night inspecting commercial establishments here. And recently, Go said they have issued citation tickets and seized business permits of at least 7 establishments, mostly eateries and night spots, for violating the quarantine guidelines. Go, together with Albert Santa Teresa, leader of the roving patrol of the Zamboanga City Inter-Agency Compliance Team; and Councilor Josephine Pareja and policemen and soldiers, have been going around and inspecting commercial establishments here to ensure business owners and their customers strictly follow the community quarantine guidelines in an effort to stop the spread of the deadly Covid-19 disease. She also appealed to residents and business owners to strictly observe and comply with community quarantine protocols. “Residents are strongly
urged to practice minimum health standards and to avoid crowded and confined or enclosed spaces to minimize virus contamination,” she said. Police have apprehended over 3,000 community quarantine violators since March. Most of those apprehended violated the curfew hours and for not wearing face mask. Law enforcers have been ordered to strengthen the implementation of policies and barangay officials are directed to do the same. Go said all violators will be apprehended and meted with appropriate sanctions. Last week, Climaco joined other selected local chief executives in the country in a teleconference meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) officials to tackle on-going efforts in addressing the health crisis. Climaco quickly took the opportunity of bringing anew to the attention of the IATF-EID various issues, including the moratorium on the entry of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and deportees from Sabah following the spike
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in local Covid-19 cases that resulted in the shortage of quarantine facilities here. But the IATF-EID emphasized that all local governments are requested to accept LSIs and deportees upon Duterte’s instruction and that Climaco’s requests for moratorium will be granted should situation require it. Climaco also appealed to the IATF-EID to allow members of the same household to “back ride” without need for safety barrier in between them, but IATF-EID Co-chairperson and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año rejected Climaco’s pleadings, say-
ing, “many violators pretend to be couples, so as to lax the (motorcycle barrier) requirement is not yet viable.” Año said the barrier serves as a safety net for the common practice of riders to lift their helmet face shields during stops. Among those present during the virtual conference were Health Secretary Francisco Duque, Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Chief (Covid-19 policy) Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez and his Deputy Chief Implementer Vivencio Hizon, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Environment
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Secretary Roy Cimatu, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Danny Lim. Zamboanga, as of last week, has over 200 active Covid-19 cases. Climaco appealed to the public many times over to strictly observe health protocols and follow community guidelines in order to protect themselves and the others from Covid-19. But despite her appeals and the government’s campaign on coronavirus, many residents are stubborn and continue to ignore health protocols believing they would not contract the disease. (Zamboanga Post)
Zambo mayor appeals anew to retain regional govt.
Mayor Beng Climaco with DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, co-chairman of the IATF-IED. Continued from page 1 Sur), have their clients in the city and nearby island provinces, thus their continued presence here is important,” Climaco said in her appeal to the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security Secretary Rolando Bautista during the recent 4th Regional Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict videoconferencing. Climaco’s request came after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the moratorium on the regional transfer and ordered all national government agencies here to transfer to Pagadian City and make it the regional government center with Zamboanga City as the commercial and industrial center of Region 9 or Western Mindanao. However, Duterte’s order contained on Memorandum Circular No. 78 dated June 25, 2020, ex-
empted the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Tourism, but the three agencies must establish its presence in Pagadian City. The transfer of the regional government center to Pagadian was ordered by then President Corazon Aquino in 1990 through Executive Order No. 429 which provided for the reorganization of the administrative regions in Mindanao. In 1996, President Fidel Ramos issued Executive Order No. 325 which reorganized the Regional Development Councils and the Implementing Rules and Regulations also declared Pagadian City as the regional center in Western Mindanao. And in 2001, President Gloria Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 36 which also reorganized and re-
named Western Mindanao to Zamboanga Peninsula. But eventually, Memorandum Circular No. 75 signed in2004 by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, directed the transfer of regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian citing (Aquino’s) Executive Order 429 as its legal basis. A moratorium on the transfer under Memorandum Circular No. 11 was again issued on December 22, 2010 citing the high economic and social costs that the employees were experiencing in maintaining two residences and in fully transferring to Pagadian. It further directed all regional offices that are already in Pagadian to continue their operations. Until Duterte’s latest order came out and lifted Memorandum Circular No. 11, allowing the remaining regional offices to transfer to Pagadian after almost 15 years. (Zamboanga Post)
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The Zamboanga Post
July 27-Aug 2, 2020
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)
July 27-Aug 2, 2020
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Zamboanga Pictures in the News
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‘KAPA’ founder captured
HEALTH
Mga Paraan Para Mapababa ang Cholesterol Ni Dr. Willie T. Ong SI LINDA ay nag-aalala dahil ang resulta ng kolesterol niya ay 273 mg/ dl. Sobra ito ng 73 points sa normal na 200 mg/dl. Kahit wala siyang nararamdaman, natatakot si Linda na baka atakihin siya sa puso. Ano ang dapat niyang gawin?
KAPA founder Joel Apolinario, his wife and followers following their July 21, 2020 arrest in Surigao del Sur’s Lingig town. Also shown in the photos are weapons seized by the police from Apolinario’s hideout. (Courtesy of Radyo Pilipinas Butuan) From page 1 POLICE CAPTURED the founder of KAPA Community Ministry International, or KAPA, following a firefight that killed 2 gunmen on an island resort in Surigao del Sur’s Lingig town where security forces tracked down the elusive Joel Apolinario. Apolinario, who is accused of large scale investment scam, was arrested along with 23 other armed followers on July 21 in the village of Handamayan where he is reportedly constructing a mansion despite being on the run. Philippine National Police Chief, General Archie Gamboa confirmed the capture of Apolinario and his followers, and commended those involved in the operation, mostly from the regional police office in Caraga. Gamboa branded Apolinario as notorious, who has been hiding for months, and facing charges of syndicated estafa. He said President Rodrigo Duterte also ordered Apolinario’s arrest following accusations that he defrauded at least 5 million people who invested on KAPA which promised a 30% monthly return on investments for life. “The special directive came from President Rodrigo Duterte. Arrest Apolinario and his cohorts to vindicate the thousands of members from Visayas and Mindanao who were victimized by KAPA’s massive investment scam,” Gamboa said. Gamboa said police forces in Caraga have been searching for Apolinario and his group until he was tracked down in his island-hideout. He said when police tried to serve a warrant, gunmen guarding the mansion’s towers opened fire on the cops and sparking a firefight that killed 2 of Apolinario’s followers. This was also confirmed by Brigadier Gen-
eral Joselito Esquivel, Jr., the regional police chief, who reported to Gamboa that “the operating team was engaged in a firefight with Apolinario and his men during the service of the warrant of arrest.” Apolinario and the other gunmen surrendered after police forces surrounded the mansion. Gamboa said police recovered from Apolinario’s mansion over two dozen M16 automatic rifles, two M4 rifle, one Garand rifle, three M60 machine guns, one .50-caliber machine gun, one sniper rifle, three .22-caliber rifles, one Carbine rifle, one shot gun, two anti-tank rocket propelled grenade launchers, five .45-caliber pistols and assorted ammunition. How It All Started Apolinario founded KAPA - which literally means Kabus Padatoon or Making the Poor Rich - in 2016 as Kapa Cooperative Convenience Store and General Merchandise in Bislig City. But the City Economic Enterprise Department locked down the business for failing to comply with some local government requirements. And in August 2017, Apolinario was charged with 102 cases for not settling investment claims and 27 arrest warrants were issued by the courts. However, all the cases were dismissed with the complainants compensated by KAPA. Apolinario’s company eventually become KAPA-Community Ministry International. The company enlisted new members, who became “member-donors” and in turn recruited new members. The Securities and Exchanges Commission also filed criminal charges against KAPA Community Ministry International and its executives, citing an investment scam. And on June 8, 2019,
President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to shut down KAPA, saying, the company was “clearly a form of syndicated estafa.” A criminal investigation revealed that members would have to donate at least P10,000 to receive the promised return of 30% a month. On June 10, the NBI raided Apolinario’s home in General Santos City, but he was not there. The NBI also raided 14 branches of KAPA with a warrant issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 20. The Court of Appeals had already frozen the bank accounts and assets of KAPA due to the suspected scheme. On June 13, a certain Xian Gaza exposed that Apolinario would escape the country with no plans of returning. And the next day, the Department of Justice issued an immigration lookout against Apolinario and 14 other KAPA members to prevent them from fleeing the country. On June 16, the SEC announced that over 100 million worth of assets were linked to KAPA. The SEC even cited public records that showed at least 9 luxury cars, other sports utility vehicles, and still other properties were registered under KAPA and its executives. It also revealed that KAPA members were promised to receive a “love gift” as the interest of their investments. The SEC estimated that KAPA had invested about 50 billion from donations from its members over the last three years. On June 21, a video message posted by Apolinario stated that he asked the government to help KAPA return the money to its members after the Anti-Money Laundering Council froze the company’s accounts. (Zamboanga Post)
1. Ipasuri kung tama ang blood test. Minsan ay nagkakamali ang mga laboratory sa blood test. Sigurado ka bang hindi ka kumain sa loob ng 10 oras bago kunan ng dugo? Huwag munang matakot. Subukan munang mag-diyeta at mag-ehersisyo. Pagkatapos ng 2 buwan, ipaulit natin ang blood test. 2. Kumain ng tama. Mahal ang gamutan sa kolesterol at posibleng may side effects pa. Dahil dito, piliting isaayos ang iyong pamumuhay bago tayo mag-gamutan. Kung kayo ay sobra sa
timbang, kailangan nating magpapayat. Kapag ika’y pumayat ng 5 pounds, bababa din ang iyong kolesterol. Sa diyeta, subukan ang madalas na pagkain ng oatmeal, beans (monggo) at gulay. Makapagbabawas ito ng malaki sa iyong kolesterol. Kung dati ay mahilig ka sa taba ng baboy, mantika at pritong pagkain, subukan mo naman ang taba ng isda. Tapyasin din ang taba ng baboy bago ito lutuin. Iwasan ang pagkain ng mga cakes, pastries, croissant, ensaymada, mantikilya, cookies at iba pang mamantika na bagay. Kung dati ay hilig mo ang sinangag at fried rice, piliin na lang ang sinaing. 3. Mag-ehersisyo. Mag-ehersisyo ng 3 hanggang 5 beses kada linggo. Gawin ito ng 30 minutos hanggang isang oras. Malaki ang maitutulong ng ehersisyo sa pagbaba ng iyong kolesterol.
4. Subukan ang natural na gamutan. Ang pagkain ng bawang ay puwedeng makababa ng kolesterol sa dugo ng 9 to 12%. Ang pag-inom din ng omega-3 fish oil supplements ay nakabababa ng triglyceride levels, isang klase ng taba sa dugo. 5. Gamot sa kolesterol. Kung pagkaraan ng 2 buwan na pag-di-diyeta ay mataas pa rin ang iyong kolesterol, puwede na tayo mag-umpisa uminom ng maintenance na gamot. Ito ay ang mga generic na Simvastatin, Atorvastatin o Rosuvastatin. Mayroon nang mga murang gamot sa generics na botika. Ito ang tamang paraan sa paggagamot ng kolesterol niyo. Subukang mag-diyeta at mag-ehersisyo muna ng 2 buwan. Kapag hindi nakuha sa natural na paraan ay doon pa lamang tayo iinom ng gamot.
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Zambo anti-polio drive targets over 205,000 kids
T
HE LOCAL government of Zamboanga said it is targeting to immunize over 205,000 children to protect them from polio, a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by a virus that spreads from person to person. Mayor Beng Clima- with the CHO and the DOH and WHO for the asco again urged parents World Health Organiza- sistance. to have their children tion (WHO), seeks to preClimaco reminded immunized against the vent polio outbreak, a sce- the public, especially chilhighly contagious dis- nario health workers and dren, to constantly wash ease, usually transmitted officials are committed hands with soap and for through the fecal-oral to avoid despite the com- parents to always observe route and may result in plications and challeng- sanitary preparation of life-long paralysis and es posed by the Covid-19 food and drinks. She said even death. pandemic. there is no cure for polio, Climaco, who led “Our hardworking but it can only be preventthe recent launching health workers will go ed with three doses of the of the “Sabayang Patak house-to-house to admin- polio vaccine. Kontra Polio 3” (SKSP-3) ister oral polio vaccines to In the last anti-polio program, said the City children below 10 years drive in February, the local Health Office (CHO) tar- old, regardless of vaccina- government vaccinated gets some 205,180 chil- tion status,” Climaco said, 221,917 children – more dren aged 0 to 10 years, adding, health workers than 8% from the target. regardless of immuniza- will wear face shields and Last September 19, tion status, for the biva- face masks as protection the DOH announced a lent oral polio vaccine for themselves and the polio outbreak in the Phil(bOPV) which began on children. ippines and launched a July 20 until August 2 for Health workers un- synchronized polio vacchildren aged zero to be- derwent a series of orien- cination campaign which low 10 years old in an ef- tation on the minimum aims to boost immunizafort to contain and eradi- health standards, as well tion coverage against pocate polio here. as infection control pro- lio by giving three doses of She said the an- tocols amid the corona- the oral polio vaccine to all ti-polio drive, organized virus pandemic prior to children regardless of their by the Department of the start of the anti-polio immunization status. Health (DOH) in part- program, according to CliThe country has seen nership in collaboration maco, who thanked the a decline of immunization
Good Samaritans
ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco praised those who continue to help and distribute relief assistance to poor families who are most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. “Miles de gracias good Samaritans for displaying selflessness by assisting the poor and the
needy in these trying moments of the pandemic,” Climaco said, referring to the One Muslim Christian Lumad Organization led by Dr. Romeo Bagongon and other partners – the Philippine National Police Special Action Force - 84th Special Action Company, Task Force Zamboanga, 74th Infantry Battalion,
and the Zeta Phi Omega fraternity. She lauded the groups and others who continuously distribute food aid, including the conduct of feeding programs for the children, as well as providing medical assistance and wheelchairs to the vulnerable sector. Climaco said the latest outreach missions conducted by these groups were in Barangays La Paz, Ayala, Tulungatung, Sangali, Latuan, Tetuan, Tugbungan, Calarian, Sinubong and Talisayan, among others. “Your generous support has helped our people in their hour of difficulty and struggle. May God bless the work of your hands? Vaya con Dios!,” she said. (Zamboanga Post)
Mayor Beng Climaco with WHO and Filipino health officials during the start of the “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio 3” program in Zamboanga City. (Christine Lim) coverage in the past few years, including for protection against polio. In 2018, at least 66% of chil-
dren completed their oral polio vaccine (drops) doses and 45% received their inactivated polio vaccine
(injection) dose. (Zamboanga Post. With additional report from Claudine Uniana.)
Govt. tells online meat sellers to get permits, bartering to pay taxes FOLLOWING THE proliferation of online selling of meat, the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) has issued guidelines on online selling and house delivery of meat. NMIS advised the public that online meat sellers should register with the Department of Trade and Industry, and duly licensed by the Business Permit and Licensing Office as Meat Vendor(On-line), through the Office of the City Veterinarian and to ensure that the meat is safe and fit for human consumption.It said meat must be sourced from NMIS licensed meat establishment or locally registered meat, or in case of imported meat, from Department of Agriculture-accredited country or foreign meat establishment, and accredited cold storage warehouse. NMIS said meat being sold online should be accompanied by a Meat Inspection Certificate or Certificate of Meat Inspection, and
those without these certificates shall be considered as “hot meat” and is subject to confiscation.It added that meat should be transported and handled properly or following the guidelines of the Department of Agriculture to keep its freshness and avoid spoilage. And for chilled meat, it must be cold to the touch, while frozen meat must be rock solid, and in case of imported meat, its frozen state must be maintained at all times, until such time that it will be cooked. The Office of the City Veterinarian said it will strictly adopt the NMIS guidelines and urged online sellers of meat to comply with it. The Department of Trade and Industry also warned those engaged in online barter of goods, saying this is subject to regulation and must be registered and subject to tax if being done in the course of trade or business. Trade Secretary Ra-
mon Lopez said personal transactions not in the course of trade and business are not covered by registration requirements.Bartering system in social media networks such as Facebook has seen a spike since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in March after residents stayed at home due to the strict quarantine guidelines. They resorted to bartering various items - from used and brand new clothes to plants in exchange for groceries or provisions or other personal items. And President Rodrigo Duterte - who is supporting the age-old barter system in the South - also issued Executive Order 64 in October 2018 which prescribed barter trade in Siasi and Jolo towns in Sulu province, and Bongao town in Tawi-Tawi province under the supervision of a new Mindanao Barter Council. (ZamboangaPost)