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Ceres stretches Group G lead with 4-0 win over Bali United

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

AFC Cup Group G leader Ceres-Negros FC extended its lead on top of the heap after defeating Bali United FC, 4-0, in tournament action on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Played behind closed doors over concerns on the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Ceres had its early struggles but once it got its groove it was simply not to be stopped.

The host team started the contest slow and hardly threatened the visiting squad.

But Ceres would finish the opening half strong with OJ Porteria connecting in the 35th minute to hand the “Busmen” the 1-0 lead, which they took all the way to the break.

Got the leverage it needed, Ceres started the reboot with added aggressiveness, with Bievenido Marañon doubling their lead in the 54th minute.

The Spanish striker did not stop there as 15 minutes later he scored another goal to create further separation, 3-0.

Bali United tried desperately to salvage the match but Ceres was not a willing party to it, making it a 4-0 lead in the 73rd minute care of Robert Lopez Mendy.

From there the Busmen were not to be threatened as they went on to bag the win.

Despite the comfortable lead they had in the end, Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic said it was not an easy game to win.

“It was not an easy game but I think after the first goal things opened up for us. We got better chances and went for them,” said Mr. Vidakovic following their match.

On playing behind closed doors, Ceres veteran Stephan Schrock said there was some weirdness to it but completely understood the situation.

“Despite the closed doors I’m very happy for the team. I think in the second half we played well and knew better what we had to do. We fought hard and we won,” said Mr. Schrock, who was named “Mr. Football” at the recent Annual Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards.

With its victory over Bali United, Ceres (2-1-0) now has seven points from three matches to date. Three clear from second-running Than Quang Ninh (1-1-1) of Vietnam.

Bali United slumped to a 1-0-2 record with three points and good for fourth place.

Third in Group G with three points is Preah Kahn Reach Svay Rieng FC (1-0-2) of Cambodia.

Ceres reengages Bali United in its next game in Bali on April 14.

Leader on the board after group play in the AFC Cup books a spot in the zonal semifinals.

Staying the course pays off for Magno as she books Summer Olympic berth

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

INITIALLY did not have her way at the Asia and Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament in Amman, Jordan, Filipino flyweight boxer Irish Magno stayed the course and saw it pay off as she booked a spot in the Tokyo Olympic Games later this year.

Ms. Magno, a silver medallist in the last Southeast Asian Games, earned a ticket to the Summer Games after defeating Tajikistan’s Sumaiya Qosimova by unanimous decision in their box-off on Wednesday to claim the last Olympic spot in her division.

It was an impressive bounce back after being relegated to the box-off following her unanimous decision defeat earlier in the qualifiers at the hands of Mary Kom of India.

Knowing that her Olympic aspirations in the Jordan qualifiers hinged on a win in the box-off, Ms. Magno, 28, worked accordingly, dominating her 19-year-old opponent in their contest.

The Filipino was aggressive at the opening bell, connecting on solid shots to dictate the pace.

Ms. Qosimova found her footing in the second frame but Ms. Magno continued to stay on top of things.

In the final round, the veteran fighter sustained her dominance with heavy shots on her opponent on her way to closing out things and booking the Olympic berth.

Following her victory, Ms. Magno shared that key for them was not stopping despite the early setback they had.

“I’m so very happy I made it with help from my coaches and my ABAP (Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines) family. I just listened to my coach. We saw the fight of my opponent … and we studied it and this is the result,” said Ms. Magno immediately after securing her Olympic spot.

With the win, Ms. Magno became the fourth Filipino athlete to book a place in the Tokyo Games, scheduled for July 24 to Aug. 9, joining earlier qualifiers EJ Obiena (athletics/pole vault), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics) and Eumir Felix Marcial (boxing). The latter secured his spot also at the Asia and Oceania qualifiers.

Other Filipino boxers who failed to secure an Olympic spot in Jordan, including world champion Nesthy Petecio, will have another chance of making it to Tokyo at the World Boxing Championships in Paris, France, in May.

DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR MARCIAL
Meanwhile, Olympics-bound Marcial made it a double celebration at the Asia and Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament as he also bagged the gold in the middleweight division.

Twenty-four-year-old Marcial defeated Abilkhan Amankhul in their gold medal match to partner with his Olympic berth qualification by entering the semifinals.

In the semis, Zamboanga native Marcial overwhelmingly defeated Ashish Kumar of India.

For the Philippines, boxing is traditionally a steady source of athletes in the Olympics. In 2016 in the Rio Games, two boxers competed for the country, namely light flyweight Rogen Ladon and lightweight Charly Suarez.

Boxing, too, has accounted for five of the total medals won by the Philippines in the Olympics, including two silver care of Anthony Villanueva (1964) and Mansueto Velasco (1996).

NBA suspends the season until further notice as it deals with virus pandemic

LOS ANGELES — The NBA announced that it will suspend the season after the Wednesday night schedule until further notice as it deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league said in a statement. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

The announcement came shortly after a game between the Utah Jazz and the host Oklahoma City Thunder was called off moments before tipoff.

According to the NBA, a Jazz player preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus — COVID-19. The NBA stated the affected player was not in the arena at the time.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the player in question is Utah center Rudy Gobert, and that players from the Jazz and Thunder were being quarantined at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

“This morning a player on the Utah Jazz tested negative for influenza, strep throat and an upper respiratory infection,” the Jazz said in a statement. “… In consultation and cooperation with NBA medical staff and Oklahoma health officials, the decision was made to test for COVID-19.

“A preliminary positive result came back right before tip-off of the Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City game. Subsequently, the decision was correctly made by the NBA to postpone the game,” the statement continued.

At the time of the announcement, the Dallas Mavericks’ home game against the Denver Nuggets was midway through the third quarter.

ESPN cameras caught Mavericks owner Mark Cuban finding out the news as he looked at a phone while sitting courtside, then walking to the Dallas bench before another man — presumably on the team’s staff — took the phone and talked to on-court officials.

“This is crazy. This can’t be true. This isn’t within the realm of possibility,” Cuban told ESPN. “I’m not an expert. I’m not going to try to be an expert. Our plan here was to defer to the NBA.

“I trust Adam (Silver, the NBA commissioner). It’s really not about basketball or money. If this is just exploding to the point that players and others have it … you think about your family. Stunning isn’t the right word. It’s not about the team. It’s about the country and life in general.”

Cuban said NBA teams are being permitted to “stay together” and hold practices.

He also turned his attention to team and arena employees certain to be impacted by any prolonged stoppage.

“In talking, when some of the things were coming up that we might not play games I reached out to folks at the arena and the Mavs to find out what it would cost to support people who might not be able to come to work to support them,” he said. “We’ve already started the process and putting plan in place. We might ask them to do volunteer work in exchange but this is important to me.”

Two other games — the New York Knicks at the Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets at the Miami Heat — were late in the fourth quarter.

All three games were to be allowed to finish before the suspension goes into effect.

The New Orleans Pelicans were also scheduled to play at the Sacramento Kings for a 10:30 p.m. ET tipoff, but the game was officially postponed shortly after 10:30. — Reuters

San Miguel Beermen big man June Mar Fajardo leads awardees at PBA press corps awards night

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

ACCOLADES continue to pour in for currently injured big man June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen as he leads the roster of awardees at the 2019 PBA Press Corps Awards Night set for March 16 at the Novotel Manila in Araneta City.

The newly minted six-time Philippine Basketball Association most valuable player will get the Order of Merit award from the media covering the league after garnering the most number of Player of the Week honors last season that saw his team win two of three titles.

Mr. Fajardo last Sunday claimed his sixth straight PBA MVP award at the league’s annual awards.

He, however, is expected to miss a significant time this season after injuring his leg and undergoing surgery in the offseason.

Also set to feted is Columbian Dyip star CJ Perez, who is the Scoring Champion after leading the PBA with a 20.8 point per contest average in his rookie year.

To be awarded as well is the All-Interview Team, which is given to personalities who produce quotable quotes and at the same time always make themselves available for interviews.

Making up the team are Kiefer Ravena (NLEX), Beau Belga (Rain or Shine), Vic Manuel (Alaska), Arwind Santos (San Miguel), Christian Standhardinger (Northport) and coach Yeng Guiao (NLEX).

The Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the Year award, meanwhile, is a toss-up between San Miguel Beer’s Leo Austria and Tim Cone of Barangay Ginebra.

Other awards to be given are the Game of the Season, All-Rookie Team, Mr. Quality Minutes, Defensive Player of the Year, President’s award, and the Danny Floro Executive of the Year.

To be honored as well are the D-League Finals MVPs, namely, Cignal-Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena (Aspirant’s Cup) and Hessed Gabo of BRT-Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare (Foundation Cup).

The PBA Press Corps Awards Night is presented by Cignal TV.

Makati forces San Juan to sudden death in MPBL North Finals

MAKATI-SUPER Crunch survived a late surge from North leader San Juan-Go For Gold, 91-88, in a game that was held in closed doors to forge a decider in the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan North Division Finals, Wednesday, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

With San Juan down by 10 points, the quartet of Jhonard Clarito, Art Aquino, Orlan Wamar, and CJ Isit stepped up for the defending champions, putting up a 9-3 blast to trim the lead to just two, 87-89, with 20 ticks left to play.

Joseph Sedurifa, though, showed nerves of steel from the line to give Makati a slim four-point lead with 14 seconds remaining.

Lawrence Victoria then went for a split from the line, giving John Wilson one last chance to send the game to overtime. However, Wilson muffed his three-point attempt as the Knights suffered their first defeat at home.

“We talked to each other na we’ve been in this situation before, na our backs are against the wall. Kailangan bumalik tayo sa sistema natin, at siyempre, ‘yung depensa,” said Makati head coach Beaujing Acot.

Jeckster Apinan spearheaded Makati’s fight back, posting a near triple-double of 20 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, along with two steals and a block.

Jong Baloria, meanwhile, poured 10 of his 18 points in the final period.

Sedurifa stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals, and three blocks while Joshua Torralba pumped in 14 markers.

Cedrick Ablaza, who rolled his right ankle in the third period, finished with 13 points and seven boards.

Makati was supposed to play on its home turf for Game Two, but had to surrender the advantage after failing to secure a venue.

However, the Super Crunch-backed squad enjoyed an almost neutral venue as fans were barred from entering the venue as a precaution from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

“Actually sabi nga namin, God closes a door, he opens a window. Bawal yung court sa Makati, pero binigyan niya kami ng window of opportunity na maging closed doors,” Acot explained.

“So naging advantage sa amin ‘yun, walang home crowds both teams so it’s just really just a five-on-five basketball,” he added.

Wilson, who fired 17 points in the first half, was limited to just four the rest of the game, ending up with 21 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Isit and Andoy Estrella were the two bright spots for the Knights with 17 points apiece while Clarito scored 12 points — all in the fourth period — and grabbed 11 rebounds in San Juan’s first home loss of the season.

Game Three of the North Finals, originally set for March 14, however, has been deferred to a still-to-be-determined date by the league on Thursday night. This is to safeguard the welfare of fans, players, officials and league staff against the threat of COVID-19.

Season suspended

And so the worst has come to pass. The National Basketball Association has decided to suspend the 2019–20 season until further notice. In a statement issued yesterday, it said it will “use the hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.” Evidently, the commissioner’s office deemed the choice, however extreme, to be most prudent after it found All-Star Rudy Gobert to have “preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.” Prior to the turn of events, the Jazz and Thunder were supposed to face off at Chesapeake Energy Arena. In fact, they were ready for tip-off, only to be sent back to their locker rooms while fans lay in wait. After half an hour passed, an announcement was officially made on the postponement of the match “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Before the suspension, the league thought of holding matches without fans in attendance. The Warriors were supposed to face the Nets under such conditions today. Chase Center — still brand-spanking-new and the source of revenues franchise owner Joe Lacob deemed “much more … than the Knicks or Lakers” and “understated” by Forbes — was to be devoid of unnecessary warm bodies. Save for those to be occupied by members of the family of players and staff, the 18,064 seats in the arena would have been empty. The reason: compliance with the order of the San Francisco Heath Office barring the holding of events with at least 1,000 in attendance due to concerns about the outbreak of the virus in the city.

Not coincidentally, members of the NBA Board of Governors and commissioner Adam Silver earlier had a conference call and touched on ways and means to continue with the schedule in a manner that upholds public safety. No longer. And, needless to say, the cost to the league will be considerable. Estimates on the losses run in the millions of dollars for a single contest, and, along with foregone revenues after its disagreement with China earlier in the season, in the hundreds of millions of dollars on aggregate. That said, the decision was made in complete recognition of the importance of social distancing on curbing the transmission of the virus.

How the rest of the season will play out is anybody’s guess. At this point, the hope is that the global pandemic will be contained, and soon. And only after that can the league pick up the pieces. Meanwhile, everything else goes on, and all and sundry are left to cope as best they can.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Duterte bans domestic travel to and from Metro Manila

President Rodrigo R. Duterte yesterday ordered a one-month halt to land, domestic air and sea travels to and from Metro Manila as part of government efforts to contain a novel coronavirus outbreak that has infected at least 52 people in the Philippines.

Mr. Duterte also suspended work in the Executive branch for a month from March 15, and extended class suspensions at all levels until April 12.

Companies should allow work-from-home and other flexible arrangements to prevent the spread of the virus, he said.

Government agencies can form “skeletal workforces” to ensure unimpeded delivery of services, Mr. Duterte said.

Manufacturing, retail and service establishments should continue operating, he said.

The President, who did not use the term “lockdown” for these measures, made the announcement in a televised speech after meeting with an inter-agency task force against the contagion that has killed more than 4,600 people and sickened about 126,000 more worldwide, mostly in China.

Mr. Duterte said the alert level had been raised to code red sublevel 2, which means there have been community transmissions and increased infection cases beyond the government’s responding capacity.

Mass gatherings are prohibited, while the entire Metro Manila must undergo community quarantines.

Mr. Duterte said local governments outside the metro must undergo village, city and provincial quarantines when there are at least two coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases from two different households, villages and cities, respectively.

Mass public transport including the Light Rail Transit, Metro Rail Transit and Philippine National Railways would continue, the president said. The Transportation department will issue guidelines on social distancing, he said.

Mr. Duterte also partially lifted the travel ban on China, saying Filipino workers may go there except Hubei province — where the virus was first detected in its capital, Wuhan City — provided they sign a document signifying their understanding of the risks.

The president said he would issue an executive order to formalize the recommendations of the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The Health department yesterday reported three new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total to 52.

DoH data showed two of the patients had no travel history, while the 52nd case had been to the United Kingdom.

The patients were being treated at the Medical City, Makati Medical Center and Asian Hospital.

Two of the patients are from Quezon City, while the other’s residence was still being validated, DoH said.

The agency said there were 99 Filipinos overseas who had been infected — 80 in Japan, two in the United Arab Emirates, five in Hong Kong, and six each in Singapore and the US.

The World Health Organization declared the disease a pandemic.

DoH also confirmed the death of the 35th case, a 67-year-old female, on March 11 due to severe pneumonia.

Earlier, a Chinese national from Wuhan City in China’s Hubei province died after testing positive for the disease here.

The Health department said elderly people, 66 years on average, and those with medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease and immunosuppression are vulnerable to COVID-19.

“We further urge those who are immunocompromised and are with existing health conditions to be more vigilant and avoid crowded areas and mass gatherings.” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said in a statement.

Also yesterday, Senate premises were put under “restricted access” while the building was being sanitized after a resource person who attended a hearing later tested positive for the novel coronavirus strain, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said in a teleconference.

“I have issued a directive to the Senate sergeant-at-arms, the Senate is now under restricted access, not lockdown, as the term lockdown has been misinterpreted and abused,” he said.

This means Senate officials and their staff may be allowed to enter the Senate building if they need to complete some work.

Mr. Sotto on Wednesday evening announced a lockdown after Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian confirmed a resource person present at a March 5 hearing later tested positive.

Senate hearings would be suspended until the building is fully disinfected, Mr. Sotto said.

The blue ribbon committee headed by Senator Richard J. Gordon, was scheduled to continue its probe on alleged money laundering on Thursday. Mr. Gordon postponed the hearing after the lockdown.

Both Senator Gatchalian and Senator Nancy S. Binay said they were under self-quarantine starting Wednesday evening. Ten other senators followed their lead on Thursday.

These include Senators Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, Franklin M. Drilon, Panfilo M. Lacson, Juan Edgardo M. Angara, Ramon B. Revilla, Jr., Imee R. Marcos, Francis N. Tolentino, Francis N. Pangilinan , Ralph G. Recto and Manuel M. Lapid.

Mr. Gatchalian said he was not showing symptoms but would be tested for possible infection.

Mr. Lacson said if Mr. Gatchalian tests positive for the virus, he will likewise subject himself to the test, having shared an elevator ride with him. — Gillian M. Cortez and Vann Marlo M. Villegas

DTI says price freeze on basic goods in effect for 60 days

A SUPERMARKET shelf with organic products such as noodles, floor and sieved tomatoes is partly empty and not yet refilled on Monday due to coronavirus-related panic buyings over the weekend. — REUTERS/WOLFGANG RATTAY

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced a nationwide price freeze on basic goods after the country was placed under a state of public health emergency amid a novel coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement, the agency said the price freeze will be effective for 60 days, except household liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene, whose prices will be frozen for 15 days.

The Price Act allows the government to freeze the prices of basic goods to be frozen for 60 days or until lifted by the President when there is a declaration of a state of emergency or calamity.

Basic goods include canned fish and other marine products, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent and salt.

“The DTI is closely coordinating with other government agencies, manufacturers and retailers of basic goods to ensure availability and continuous supply in the market,” Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said.

“Retailers are reminded that there should be no price movements on these goods while the price freeze is in effect,” he added.

Also covered by the price freeze are basic agricultural products such as rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh, dried and other marine products, eggs, pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh milk, vegetables, root crops, sugar and fresh fruits.

Prices of essential drugs, firewood and charcoal will also be frozen.

Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said the department continues to monitor the prices of basic goods, as well as N-95 and N-88 face masks.

Violators will be fined P5,000 to P1 million or imprisoned for up to 10 years.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte announced the public health emergency on Sunday. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Duterte to be tested for novel coronavirus

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte will be tested for the novel coronavirus amid rising cases of infection in Metro Manila, the presidential palace said on Thursday.

Mr. Duterte and his former aide, Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, will take the test to ensure they are fit, his spokesman Salvador S. Panelo told reporters.

“They have opted to undergo the test to ensure that they are fit and healthy to perform their duties as government workers,” Mr. Panelo said.

Both had been advised by health officials to take the test because they had been in contact with Cabinet officials, some of whom opted to undergo self-quarantine after being exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, Mr. Panelo said.

Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, Finance Secretary Arthur G. Dominguez III, Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones, Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar, Socioeconomic Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, and central bank Governor Benjamin E. Diokno were also under self-quarantine.

All had attended events where some patients who later tested positive for COVID-19 were also present.

Mr. Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, was also on self-quarantine.

Mr. Duterte on Wednesday received Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian during a call at the palace. On Wednesday evening, Mr. Duterte shook hands and welcomed newly appointed officials from the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police during a ceremony.

But Mr. Duterte’s scheduled visit to Boracay island was canceled on Thursday amid COVID-19 fears.

The World Health Organization has said older people who have underlying conditions were more at risk. — Gillian M. Cortez

Pinaglabanan Bridge reopens

THE HISTORIC Pinaglabanan Bridge that connects Old Sta. Mesa Road in Manila and N. Domingo Street in San Juan has been reopened after undergoing reconstruction works, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) announced on Thursday. In a statement e-mailed to reporters, SMC said that its infrastructure unit made a “new and stronger San Juan River bridge.” The bridge was closed Sept. 15 last year “following realignment of the Skyway Stage 3 project over the San Juan River.” SMC President Ramon S. Ang said, “We would like to thank motorists for their patience while we carried out a very important work.” The Skyway Stage 3 is an 18-kilometer elevated toll road that will connect Gil Puyat Ave. in Makati City to the North Luzon Expressway toll plaza in Balintawak, Quezon City. Last month, a portion of the elevated expressway project collapsed from a fire at a nearby warehouse, forcing SMC to delay the opening of the skyway project by three months to July. — Arjay L. Balinbin

COVID-19 Regional Updates: Visayas

1st COVID-19 case in Visayas is man who travelled to NCR; contact tracing on

BODY TEMPERATURE check for those coming into the Negros Oriental provincial capitol building. — @LGU.NEGORA

THE NEGROS Oriental provincial government has assured that contact tracing was immediately launched Wednesday night upon confirmation of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient in the capital Dumaguete City. In a live-streamed press conference, Provincial Public Information Officer Bimbo Miraflor said “contact tracing may have started tonight (March 11) with the Rural Health Unit of the LGU (local government unit) where he comes from.” He added that the provincial police, along with officers of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, will be tapped to assist in getting in touch with those who came into contact with the 62-year old male patient currently being treated at the Siliman University Medical Center (SUMC). The patient, according to details from the provincial government, traveled to the National Capital Region on February 28 for a convention and also visited Greenhills in San Juan City, where there are two confirmed cases. He flew back to Dumaguete City on March 1 on an 8:30 a.m. Philippine Airlines. Mr. Miraflor said they already have a copy of the flight manifest. “We urge the public not to panic. The provincial government is on top of the situation,” he said. Meanwhile, the SUMC, in a statement on March 11 before the COVID-19 case confirmation was announced, said the patient was already placed in isolation at an intensive care unit. “We are making sure that the rest of the Hospital functions normally as we are aware of the critical medical and health services that people in our community need,” SUMC said. On Wednesday morning, Governor Roel R. Degamo issued an order prohibiting “convergence of people in public events and gatherings” in any part of Negros Oriental. The executive order specifies that a large gathering consists of more than 100 people. For “small events” of 20–100 people, individuals showing any symptom of the respiratory disease “are not allowed to attend.”

Almost 100 Korean workers in Jalaur Dam project under monitoring for coronavirus symptoms

KOREAN NATIONALS working at the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP) II in Calinog, Iloilo are under strict monitoring by the local government amid concerns over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Calinog Mayor Francisco L. Calvo said he has directed the municipal health office and the police force to monitor the workers, particularly the almost 100 employees of Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd., the project contractor. “We directed them to check the Koreans who arrive here so that we can prevent the entry of the virus,” he said in a press conference. Mr. Calvo also said a local task force focusing on COVID-19 has been formed. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Jalaur project was held last February 27. The dam, a flagship project of the National Irrigation Authority, is the first large-scale reservoir outside Luzon and is scheduled to be completed by 2022. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

COVID-19 Regional Updates: Mindanao

Coronavirus patient in CdO hospital “improving”

THE 54-year old coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro City is “improving,” according to Chief of Hospital Jose Chan. “He’s improving… We’re treating him as a case of pneumonia… but pneumonia of COVID-19 will be longer, three to six weeks,” Mr. Chan said in a media briefing streamed on the city government’s social media page. The male patient, the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Mindanao, has no recent travel abroad but previously worked in Pasig City, where there are nine confirmed cases as of March 11. He first showed symptoms of the disease in late February and was first admitted to a hospital in Iligan City. He was transferred to the NMMC on March 7. Department of Health-Northern Mindanao Regional Director Adriano P. Suba-an said contact tracing is underway. “The DoH is conducting contact tracing and heightened surveillance through the barangay health emergency response teams… hospital, local disaster risk reduction and management councils, and the rest of the government is ready to respond,” Mr. Suba-an said in the same briefing. He added that they will be implementing new or other protocols based on directives from the national agencies. Mayor Oscar S. Moreno, for his part, called for calm as he stressed that the city and other local governments in the region have been actively taking steps to address the coronavirus threat. “We have actually been doing the work to ensure the prevention, preparation, etc. since early January… Every morning we do briefings (on the COVID-19), we know that this is not an ordinary time… things have changed (with the confirmed case in the region) and we have to respond. We’re confident we can overcome this.”

Davao City mayor on self-quarantine after Manila trip, meeting with Gatchalian

@MAYOR’S FB PAGE/DR.APLICADOR (DJPRH)

DAVAO CITY Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is undergoing self-quarantine after returning from an official trip on Wednesday in Metro Manila, where she also had lunch with Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian. Mr. Gatchalian has also gone into isolation for having come into contact with a patient confirmed to have the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during a Senate hearing. In a press statement released by the City Information Office Thursday, Ms. Carpio said she met with Mr. Gatchalian to discuss “important matters.” “While Mayor Sara has not suffered from flu-like symptoms, she chose to undergo self-quarantine to protect others if she may be found to be sick in the next few days. She is now confined in an isolated bedroom at her residence and will continue to work through emails, messaging, and videotelecon,” the statement said. It added that an employee of the mayor has been placed as a person under monitoring by the City Health Office after “being unwell last night.” — Carmelito Q. Francisco

Screening tent

GENERAL SANTOS City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera has clarified that the tent set up outside a medical facility serves as a screening facility, not a quarantine area, for persons exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus disease. He made the statement on Wednesday to counter “fake news” circulating on social media. “This is where our screening process will take place. All suspected cases will be further investigated here before declaring them as PUI (person under investigation) or PUM (monitoring). This is to make sure that there will be no suspected cases, PUM or PUI, entering the Emergency Room of our city hospital,” he said. The mayor also noted that the tent was installed early February.

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