CEBU CITY EXTENDS COVID-19 LOCKDOWN UNTIL MAY 15

MANILA - The lockdown of hundreds of thousands of residents in Cebu City is

extended until May 15 to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor

Edgardo Labella said Thursday.

Local officials extended the lockdown after some 123 detainees at the city

jail and around 136 residents in the densely populated Sitio Zapatera raised

the city's total COVID-19 cases to 312 as of Wednesday night, he said.

"Kung medyo gumanda ang takbo (if the situation gets better), mag-flatten o

mag-plateau, then maybe we can lift [the lockdown] before May 15," Labella

told DZMM.

Cebu City had some 922,000 residents in 2015, according to the Population

Commission.

Aside from the metropolis, some 50 million people in Luzon are also on

quarantine until April 30, which President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday would

decide whether or not to extend.

The Philippines as of Wednesday confirmed 6,710 cases of COVID-19, including

446 deaths and 693 patients who recovered.

ACTUAL COVID-19 CASES IN THE PHILIPPINES AROUND 9,000 — EXPERTS

MANILA — The number of actual COVID-19 cases in the Philippines could be

much higher than the current tally of confirmed infections due to

under-reporting, as well as asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases,

according to researchers from the University of the Philippines.

In a policy report released Wednesday night, UP experts said that "there

could as many 9,000 people" carrying the virus that causes COVID-19 as of

Sunday.

They observed a wide gap in the age distribution of confirmed cases in the

Philippines, with those aged 65 up representing about a fifth of COVID-19

patients.

“On the other hand, more than 50% of the population is from 0 to 24 years of

age, but they represent only 8% of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines,” read

the Wednesday report.

“This discrepancy suggests there is potentially some number of COVID-19

cases that are asymptomatic (no symptoms present), mildly symptomatic (only

lesser symptoms like lack of taste), or unreported. Based on data from South

Korea, the number of asymptomatic cases may be around 30%.”

Mass testing and contact tracing were recommended to identify "an unknown

number of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases" who could potentially

spread the coronavirus.

“There is the danger that asymptomatic cases may act as super spreaders of

COVID-19. Mass randomized testing and contact tracing will help determine

the actual number of cases, including asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic

cases, and will help control the spread of COVID-19 by identifying and

tracking the silent spreaders of the disease.”

It can be recalled that the Philippines' first lab-confirmed novel

coronavirus case was an asymptomatic woman who arrived in the Philippines on

January 21 from ChinaÂ’s Wuhan province.

The Department of Health on Wednesday reported that 1,062 healthcare workers

in the Philippines had been infected with the novel coronavirus.

Healthcare workers accounted for around 16% of the countryÂ’s confirmed

infections, which stood at 6,710 as of Wednesday.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Department of Health reported 6,710 cases of

COVID-19 in the Philippines, with the national death toll reaching 446. The

health department also confirmed 693 total recoveries in the country.

Data from John Hopkins University showed that more than 2.6 million people

in the world have contracted the infectious disease. Global death toll rose

to 183,120 as of Thursday.

DUTERTE TELLS MUSLIMS: MAY RAMADAN BRING PEACE DESPITE ADVERSITY, CHALLENGES

MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he hopes that the holy month

of Ramadan would bring peace as the country faces the coronavirus crisis.

Duterte urged Filipino Muslims to foster unity and solidarity in the country

as this year's Ramadan is considered by some as challenging with many cities

and towns under lockdown.

"Let this occasion give us peace amidst the adversity and challenges we face

each day," he said in a message.

"As you embody the religious insights and epiphanies you have gleaned from

this undertaking, may you be moved to advance our collective resolve to

eschew misguided ideologies so that we may achieve a truly progressive and

inclusive society," he added.

During Ramadan, Muslims across the world fast to fulfill a pillar of Islam.

They abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to dusk.

Muslims also use the occasion to commemorate the first revelation of the

Quran to Prophet Mohammed.

With the start of the holy month, Duterte said he hopes Muslims would

"further lead a life of purity and clarity."

"I likewise hope that your devotion and sacrifices will reaffirm your

commitment to foster unity and solidarity among your fellowmen regardless of

faith or creed," he said.

IslamÂ’s holy month of Ramadan will officially begin Friday, April 24,

Abuhuraira Udasan, executive director of the Bangsamoro Grand Mufti and

Regional Darul Ifta said.

WHO WARNS 'LONG WAY TO GO' IN CORONAVIRUS CRISIS; DEATHS TOP 180,000

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday warned that the coronavirus

crisis would not end any time soon, with many countries only in the early

stages of the fight, as the global death toll surpassed 180,000.

The pandemic has sparked not only a health emergency, but a global economic

rout, with businesses struggling to survive, millions left jobless, and

millions more facing starvation.

US President Donald Trump -- with an eye on widespread unemployment and his

re-election prospects -- prepared to sign an executive order suspending the

issuance of green cards for 60 days.

Health experts in the world's biggest economy warned it could face an even

deadlier second coronavirus wave come winter, as some US states moved to

reopen select businesses.

Nations around the world have been scrambling to fight the pandemic -- which

has killed more than 180,000 people and infected nearly 2.6 million

worldwide -- while desperately seeking ways to limit the devastating

economic fallout.

As some countries have moved to lift lockdown restrictions that have upended

daily life around the globe, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a

sober warning.

"Make no mistake: we have a long way to go. This virus will be with us for a

long time," Tedros told a virtual press conference.

"Most countries are still in the early stages of their epidemics. And some

that were affected early in the pandemic are now starting to see a

resurgence in cases."

2,400 SOLDIERS AT COVID-19 FRONTLINES

MANILA -- Some 2,400 soldiers are on the frontlines of efforts to contain

the novel coronavirus in Metro Manila, the capital region's military

commander said Thursday.

Of this number, 1,600 are manning checkpoints to limit unnecessary travel

and 800 are helping with patrols upon the request of mayors, said Brig. Gen.

Alex Luna, commander of the Joint Task Force National Capital Region.

Luna said policemen or village offiicials should always accompany the roving

soldiers who were directed to carry only short firearms and "yantok" or

sticks.

Policemen should lead the arrest of lockdown violators, he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier instructed the military and policemen to

prepare for a martial-law style implementation of lockdown measures.

"Hindi naman po martial law ito," Luna told DZMM. "We just want to show them

that if really needed, kung kailangan po nating ipakita iyong might ng ating

Armed Forces, we will do that in order for our people to be disciplined."

The entire Luzon, home to about half of the country's population, is on

lockdown until April 30 to slow the spread of COVID-19. President Rodrigo

Duterte will decide Thursday whether or not to extend the community

quarantine.

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA READY TO DEPLOY 4,000 MORE COPS

Regional police in the Zamboanga Peninsula can deploy an additional 4,000

police personnel to assist local government units in the implementation of

quarantine measures.

Col. John Guyguyon, deputy for administration of Police Regional Office 9

(PRO), says augmentation forces are being readied following the requests

received by the police command from the various local government and

barangays.

Guyguyon says "it has been observed that local government and many barangays

have been requesting additional security forces to help them enforce the

strict implementation of ECQ."

Initially, PRO-9 deployed 200 personnel from the Regional Training Center.

However, they will be pulled out on next week and will go on quarantine.

ADDITIONAL P269 MILLION AID FOR PHILIPPINES FROM U.S.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila announced fresh assistance for health and

humanitarian purposes to longstanding ally, the Philippines.

The new package of P269 million ($5.3 million) from Washington brings its

total assistance to more than P470 million ($9.3 million).

The announcement came following the phone exchange between President Duterte

and American President Donald Trump on Sunday evening.

CHED HITS PROPOSAL TO SUSPEND CLASSES UNTIL DECEMBER

MANILA — It is irresponsible at this point to recommend a nationwide

suspension of classes until December due to the coronavirus disease

(COVID-19), according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Responding to a suggestion to suspend classes until yearend, CHED chairman

J. Prospero de Vera III said any decision must take into consideration the

differences of the situation, noting areas where there are no confirmed

COVID-19 cases.

“Any decision on suspension of classes must be based on available and

reliable health and economic data on the ground,” he told The STAR

yesterday.

De Vera also stressed the need to consider the economic impact of policies

on public and private universities and the enterprises that support

educational activities.

On Tuesday, University of the Philippines Resilience Institute executive

director Mahar Lagmay suggested the suspension of classes nationwide until

the end of the year to further minimize transmission of the disease.

Lagmay, who co-heads the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team, said about 56

percent of their models showed that the mode of virus transmission is rapid

among students, particularly when they are in school.

VIRUS-HIT RICE FARMERS TO GET P5,000 CASH AID EACH: AGRI CHIEF

MANILA - Some 591,000 rice farmers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may

avail of P5,000 cash aid from government, Agriculture Secretary William Dar

said Thursday.

As of Wednesday, 22 percent of qualified rice farmers who till one hectare

and below in 34 provinces have availed of the financial assistance,

according to Dar.

"Nabinbin yung paggagawa ng cards kasi may limitasyon din. Ang usapan po

namin early last week ay over-the-counter scheme na... sa Landbank branches

all over the country," he told radio DZMM.

Farmers excluded from the agency's list of beneficiaries may approach their

local governments which would then include them in the social welfare

department's cash assistance program, Dar said.

"Tutulungan ang mga farmers natin dyan sa local government units na

magpatala sila. Sila ang gagawa ng listahan at ibibigay sa DSWD provincial

directors," he said.

FILIPINO FRONTLINERS IN UK MAKE 'ENORMOUS CONTRIBUTION' TO PANDEMIC FIGHT:

ENVOY

MANILA -- Some 19,000 Filipino workers in the UK have made an "enormous

contribution" to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic there, Britain's

envoy to the Philippines said Thursday.

Filipino doctors, nurses and consultants bring "fantastic professionalism,

skills and experience and incredible commitment and dedication" while

showing "incredible empathy and caring," Ambassador Daniel Pruce told ANC.

"Across the UK, people recognize and appreciate and are enormously grateful

for the contribution Filipino workers make," Pruce said.

Earlier, television host Piers Morgan, praised Filipinos with the UK

National Health Service in his morning program.

Across Europe, Filipino health workers are on the frontlines. In Spain,

Filipino nurses ditched their odd jobs as babysitters and restaurant servers

to serve in hospitals.

In Italy, Filipino health workers who recovered from the disease resumed

work, caring for the sick.

The British Embassy in Manila hopes to repatriate a third batch of its

citizens on April 28, Pruce said. Citizens will be collected in 3 pick-up

points: Iloilo, Tacloban and Davao.

Pruce said he was in touch with the British Chamber in Manila to get an

understanding of how they're doing as well as their future plans.

QUEZON CITY COP SHOOTS 'MENTALLY CHALLENGED' QUARANTINE VIOLATOR

MANILA — A man who was described as "mentally challenged" was shot by a

police officer who is now facing criminal and administrative charges, the

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said Wednesday evening.

Spot reports said that retired soldier Winston Ragos, 34, accosted QC police

manning a quarantine checkpoint on Tuesday, April 21. Among the police at

the checkpoint was Police MSgt. Daniel Florendo Jr. of Police Station 5 in

Fairview.

According to a statement by QCPD, police "later learned" that Ragos was

carrying a loaded revolver inside his bag, hence, Florendo drew his firearm

and "cautiously approached Ragos."

"The police ordered Ragos to yield peacefully, but instead of heeding to a

lawful order, he attempted to pull out his handgun prompting PMSg Florendo

to disable Ragos who was rushed to the Commonwealth Hospital but was

declared dead at 5:57 PM of the same date by Dr. Noli Rifareal," QCPD said

in a statement sent to Philstar.com.

A video of the incident circulating on social media showed Ragos had his

back turned when he was shot a second time.

In his statement, Police Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, QCPD Director,

attributed the shooting to a "judgment call."

"Nonetheless, we will investigate the incident," Montejo said in Filipino

According to Montejo, an investigation is being conducted by the Criminal

Investigation and Detection Unit and the District Internal Affairs Service.

MAKATI STARTS TESTING FRONTLINERS

MANILA — At least 110 medical frontliners in Makati underwent testing for

the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) yesterday, Mayor Abby Binay said.

Binay said personnel from the city health department tested 50 employees of

the Ospital ng Makati, 39 at the Rizal Health Center and 27 at Pembo Health

Center.

Testing medical frontliners is important to make sure that they are safe and

healthy, Binay said.

“Our priority are the frontliners and residents who are PUIs (persons under

investigation) and PUMs (persons under monitoring). Our frontliners are

vulnerable to contracting the disease since they have direct contact with

patients,” she said.

City health department chief Bernard Sese said the swab samples would be

brought to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) national headquarters in

Mandaluyong for testing. The results are expected to come out in two days.

Makati earlier signed an agreement with PRC for the testing of at least

2,000 frontliners and suspected carriers of the virus.

The local government also sends specimens to the University of the

Philippines National Institutes of Health in Manila.

PHILIPPINE HARVEST TRADE FAIR GETS ONLINE LEG AMID COVID-19

MANILA — The annual Philippine Harvest Trade Fair that promotes and sells

local food products shifted to online platform amid the coronavirus

pandemic.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the online leg of the Philippine

Harvest Trade Fair on Wednesday.

The DOT said the move to hold the trade fair online was to make local food

products more accessible to Filipino consumers despite the circumstances

brought by the COVID-19 and the enhanced community quarantine.

It added that this is also a way to promote local cuisine and ingredients

during the quarantine period.

This year, the Philippine Harvest will feature products from 27 local food

producers. The participation of these merchants is free as the government

seeks to lessen the economic impact of COVID-19 to local food and farm

producers.

The local food products from MSMEs and small farmers are featured on the

official Facebook page of Philippine Harvest.

The DOT said that “consumers may order directly from the respective social

media accounts of participating merchants, and products will be sent to

consumers via available delivery services such as GrabExpress and Lalamove,

while practicing social distancing.”

“With our efforts in taking the Philippine Harvest online, we are showing

that COVID-19 will not stop our mission of making locally-sourced food

sustainable and available to Filipinos,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette

Romulo-Puyat said.

“Not only can Filipinos continue to enjoy the best of local food products,

but our hardworking farmers of our farm tourism sites and MSMEs can still

receive the support they need,” she added.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

BIRTHDAY GIRL REGINE VELASQUEZ WISHES END OF COVID-19 CRISIS

MANILA — Veteran singer Regine Velasquez took to social media to share her

wish as turned 50 on Wednesday, April 22.

On Instagram, the singer-actress posted a photo of her with her family, as

she thanked those who remembered her on her special day.

She also shared her wish for the end of coronavirus crisis.

“They say 50 is a milestone. infair nararamdaman ko talaga sa tuhod ko 'yang

pagka-milestone niya," Velasquez joked, as she thanked her fanily for making

her birthday "extra special."

“Ang dasal ko sana matapos na ito at unti-unti tayong bumangon at bumalik sa

dati nating buhay. Mahirap at alam kong medyo matagal bago tayo makabawi uli

pero alam kong kaya natin to walang imposible lalo na kung taimtim tayong

magdarasal. This too shall pass by God’s grace,” she added.

For her 50th birthday celebration, Velasquez will have an online concert

this coming April 25 at 8 p.m. for the benefit of ABS-CBN Bantay Bata.

WATCH: ANGEL LOCSIN GETS BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

MANILA — Actress Angel Locsin received a surprise birthday salubong from her

family and fiancé Neil Arce as she turned 35 on Thursday.

On Instagram, Locsin posted a video clip of the birthday surprise.

“Nalaman ko ‘yung surprise nila 30 minutes earlier. ‘Di nila alam na alam ko

na. Surprise! Happy birthday to me! Salamat. In-arrange ko na 'yung sarili

kong surprise tablescape. How sweet na pareho ng birthday cake ang tatay ko

na ibinigay sa akin at ni Neil. Ang galing. Maraming salamat,” said Locsin

who received a Darna-themed cakes from her father and soon-to-be-husband.

Aside from her family, Locsin also received presents from her friends,

including actor Paulo Avelino, and her fans.

Locsin is among the local celebrities who are actively helping frontliners

who are risking their lives to fight the pandemic coronavirus disease.

Locsin made it to Forbes AsiaÂ’s latest Heroes of Philanthropy list last

December for her efforts in giving out aid to the victims of violence and

natural disasters.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 50.80

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

It is the quest for honor that makes one honorable. - Jedi Proverb