ODETTE DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 375; 56 MISSING: PNP
MANILA - The death toll from Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) climbed to 375, while 56 others are missing, data released by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday night showed.
Majority of the fatalities were recorded in the Caraga region (167) and Central Visayas (170), while 24 were logged in Western Visayas, six in Eastern Visayas, one in Western Mindanao, and seven in Northern Mindanao, the PNP said.
Of the missing, 47 are in Central Visayas, eight in Caraga, and one in Eastern Visayas.
The PNP, which sourced its data from its regional offices, said 500 were injured, broken down as follows: 364 in Central Visayas, 118 in Caraga, 15 in Eastern Visayas, and three in Northern Mindanao.
The number of deaths logged by the PNP is significantly higher than the 58 reported so far by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, of which nine it said have been confirmed to be directly caused by the typhoon.
The NDRRMC also said 18 have been reported injured, two of which have been verified, and 199 others are missing.
Police said there are 3,571 evacuation centers catering to some of the 30,065 displaced families or 99,568 individuals. More than 600 police personnel are deployed there, it said.
There are also 468 police personnel who were affected by the typhoon.
In the NDRRMC's latest report, the number of displaced individuals stood at more than 442,000, with 2,435 evacuation centers in operation.
The PNP also reported that 3,164 areas are without electricity, while 1,897 have no cellular communication service.
Odette entered the Philippine area of responsibility last Tuesday, and made multiple landfalls starting two days later from Siargao Island in Surigao Del Norte until Roxas, Palawan. It exited the PAR noon of Saturday.
PHILIPPINES LOGS 3RD CASE OF OMICRON VARIANT
MANILA — The Philippines has recorded its third case of the Omicron variant—a Filipino who returned from Qatar last month.
The 36-year-old male overseas Filipino worker arrived at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport via Qatar Airways 924 on November 28, Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. The patient had travel history to Egypt.
According to Vergeire, the patient underwent isolation in Cebu until December 16 after testing positive for COVID-19 on December 5. The patient, who is asymptomatic, is now undergoing home quarantine in Cavite.
The results of the latest batch of genome sequencing were released on Saturday. The patient was tested again on Sunday and his test yielded a negative result.
“The case is currently finishing his home quarantine in Cavite and has remained to be asymptomatic since arrival,” Vergeire said.
Authorities identified three close contacts of the individual. Vergeire said all underwent home quarantine and tested negative for COVID-19.
DUTERTE VISITS NEGROS, GIVES 'GUIDANCE' ON ODETTE RESPONSE
President Rodrigo Duterte has given "guidance" on addressing the needs of typhoon Odette survivors in Negros Occidental during a visit to the province, his office said on Tuesday.
Duterte attended a situation briefing by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson in Kabankalan City on Monday, said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
"The President provided guidance and issued several directives to national agencies to address the immediate concerns of the local governments of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental," Nograles said in a statement.
"President Duterte also vowed to raise additional funds, estimated at P10 billion, for the rehabilitation and recovery efforts in the typhoon-affected areas," he added.
Footage uploaded by government broadcaster PTV showed trees uprooted and houses smashed to the ground by the typhoon in Negros.
Nograles said the social welfare department would continue providing family food packs, water and shelter to residents, while housing assistance will be given to those with damaged homes.
Uprooted trees will be cleared from the roads and used as construction materials for houses by the public works department. The agency will also help with river dredging as soon as funds are available, said Nograles.
He said farmers and fishers will receive agricultural assistance.
TROOPS RACE TO DELIVER AID TO PHILIPPINE TYPHOON SURVIVORS
LOBOC — Troops raced Tuesday to deliver food and water to typhoon-ravaged islands of the Philippines as charities appealed for aid to help hundreds of thousands left homeless by the deadly storm.
At least 375 people were killed and hundreds injured when Typhoon Rai (local name: Odette) pummelled the southern and central regions of the archipelago, wiping out wooden houses, uprooting trees and knocking out power across entire islands.
The United Nations reported "utter devastation" in the areas worst affected by Rai, which slammed into the country on Thursday as a super typhoon.
"Never in my entire life have I encountered such a typhoon," said Catholic Bishop Antonieto Cabajog in Surigao, on the northern tip of Mindanao island.
"To say 'super' is an understatement," he told a Catholic church-run news agency.
More than 400,000 people were sheltering in evacuation centers or with relatives, the national disaster agency said, after their homes were damaged or destroyed by the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year.
One of the hardest-hit islands was Bohol — known for its beaches, "Chocolate Hills" and tiny tarsier primates — where at least 94 people have died, provincial Governor Arthur Yap said on Facebook.
A state of calamity has been declared on the island.
COA FINDS ‘DEFICIENCIES’ IN NTF-ELCAC PROJECTS
MANILA — The Commission on Audit (COA) has found several “deficiencies” in the implementation of programs, projects and activities (PPAs) of the six member agencies of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in 2020.
In its consolidated “Annual Financial Report” for national government-agencies, the COA said “incomplete documentation, low fund utilization and unutilized funds, unauthorized fund transfers and lack of guidelines on the use of funds” were observed in the implementation of various PPAs of the task force’s member-agencies.
It said the adverse findings “cast doubt” on the efficient use of public funds by NTF-ELCAC agencies – the Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The audit body said the DILG, in particular, failed to utilize P8.735 million intended for activities under “strengthened communication strategies, capacity development and alliance-building with all sectors for local peace and development.”
The COA said that because of the department’s low budget utilization, the expected communication output, which included audio-visual presentation on “ELCAC in times of COVID-19” as well as localization of various information, education and communication materials, were not carried out or attained during the year.
It directed the DILG to submit an explanation stating the reasons for the unimplemented PPAs.
The DSWD, meanwhile, was called out over the disbursement of P5.32 million for supposed assistance to 330 rebel returnees without valid supporting documents.
GORDON HITS LTO OVER MOTORCYCLE PLATES
MANILA — Sen. Richard Gordon criticized yesterday the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for its failure to implement Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, which was enacted into law almost three years ago.
“The first batch of license plates for motorcycles was distributed on Aug. 27, 2020. The LTO still needs to produce 18 million motorcycle plates by June 2022,” he said.
Gordon, who authored the law, said the LTO failed to protect motorcycle riders and committed injustice by dilly-dallying in implementing the provisions of RA 11235.
He reprimanded the agency for what he called “unconscionable and inordinate delays” in releasing motorcycle plates as well as the establishment of a joint LTO-Philippine National Police Operations and Control Center.
“The implementation of the law has been delayed so the (Senate) Blue Ribbon committee was forced to call hearings to determine what caused the delays,” Gordon said.
“Non-implementation of the law can have dire consequences for our people. Many suffered injuries or died because of this dereliction of duty,” he added.
Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, has initiated an investigation into the non-implementation of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Law.
The probe revealed that five motorcycle dealers falsified documents, shortchanging the government of billions of pesos worth of taxes for misdeclaration of sales.
NLEX READY FOR SURGE IN TRAFFIC VOLUME
MANILA — The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corp. is gearing up for the expected increase in traffic volume this Christmas and New Year holidays.
Beginning yesterday until Jan. 3 next year, the tollway company is beefing up its operations along the NLEX-SCTEX as part of its motorist assistance program.
NLEX has fielded 1,200 patrol crews, traffic marshals, security teams and toll lane personnel to assist motorists and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
The company said traffic management teams are monitoring the toll plazas in Balintawak, Mindanao, Karuhatan, Bocaue, San Simon, San Fernando, Tarlac and Tipo as a high number of vehicles is expected in these areas.
25 PDEA INFORMANTS GET P15.5 MILLION REWARD
MANILA — Twenty-five civilian informants of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday received a total of P15.5 million in cash rewards.
PDEA chief Wilkins Villanueva said information given by the informants resulted in the arrest of several high-value drug suspects and the confiscation of illegal drugs.
Villanueva said only informants scheduled to receive P500,000 or larger amounts were present during the program to prevent crowding.
Rewards below P500,000 were turned over to PDEA regional offices to be awarded to their respective informants.
COMELEC ORDERS MARCOS TO ANSWER 3 DISQUALIFICATION SUITS VS PRESIDENTIAL BID
MANILA — A division of the Commission on Elections has ordered presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to answer the three disqualification cases he faces.
Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, a member of the Comelec’s First Division, said summonses were already sent to Marcos, via email, on three cases filed against him. These will also be printed out and personally served to Marcos, Guanzon added.
"The summons directed respondent [Marcos] to file a verified answer to each petition within five days from receipt, in accordance with the rules," she also said.
These are the suits filed by Martial Law survivors led by Bonifacio Ilagan, Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party and Abubakar Mangelen, who claims he is the legitimate chair of the Partido Federal ng Filipinos that fielded Marcos as their presidential bet.
Preliminary conferences for the said cases are set on Jan. 7, 2022, Guanzon added.
SM SUPERMALLS OPENS FIRST BATCH OF SM STARTUP MARKETS NATIONWIDE
Eight online MSMEs are given an opportunity to open their first physical store at SM
SM Supermalls launched the first batch of MSME shops at the opening of the SM StartUp Markets last December 15, at the SM Megamall.
During the launch, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan announced that they will be opening eight shops under the SM StartUp Package in SM Megamall.
“From Clark and Pampanga to Cagayan De Oro and Davao, we will be seeing new concepts and fresh products in 13 SM malls under various categories by January,” Tan said.
All the MSMEs shared similar humble beginnings.
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85 PCT OF SOUTHERN LEYTE HOUSES DESTROYED IN ODETTE ONSLAUGHT: OFFICIAL
MANILA – Around 85 percent of houses in Southern Leyte were damaged in the onslaught of typhoon Odette, an official said Tuesday.
“Ito Sir ay talagang hardest hit kami sa typhoon Odette, kaya andaming mga bahay na talagang na-topple down, totally damaged po, abot ng mga 85 percent dito sa Southern Leyte saka kokonti na lang talaga ang tumatayo at hindi nasisira,” said Danilo Atienza of the province’s disaster council.
The official said they are still verifying reports of about 20 casualties and seven missing in their province.
“May initial po na missing na around seven. Pero expected siguro meron pang mga additional information ngayon kasi ito ay isa lang po na data na nakukuha natin.”
Atienza also said they are still struggling to reach some far-flung areas.
He said the people of Southern Leyte need food, potable water, and temporary shelter.
“Ngayon po ay talagang nangangailangan yung mga tao dito sa Southern Leyte ng pagkain tsaka ng tubig mainom, considering yung mga tubig ay medyo hindi pa safe dahil sa nagiging polluted.”
“At yung mga temporary shelters dahil madaming bahay na talagang na-topple down, kaya kailangan ng mga tao na nasa evacuation centers ngayon ng temporary shelter.”
Atienza said the local government managed to pre-position some relief goods for distribution. He noted, however, that they still need help.
SOME 80 PCT IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE ‘HOMELESS’, SAYS PROVINCIAL DISASTER MITIGATION AGENCY
SURIGAO CITY—On-and-off rains have posed problems for thousands in Surigao del Norte who have lost their homes or returned to roofless ones after the onslaught of typhoon Odette.
About 90 to 95 percent of houses and buildings in the province were damaged by the storm, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said Monday.
Engr. Marilyn Puno, the province’s PDRRMO chief, told ABS-CBN News her office estimated about 4 out of 5 in the province are “homeless” because of Odette.
"Meaning they are unroofed. They can’t stay now [in their houses]. It’s not livable cause its open,” Puno said.
Residents in Surigao City and nearby towns, including those evacuated from high-risk areas, have occupied themselves by washing clothes and hanging them on beach fronts, downed power cables, and roofless houses.
However, sudden rainshowers lasting minutes — both in the morning and afternoon — prevent them from fully drying the clothes.
While the province has issued calls for donations of building materials, they ask for a more immediate solution.
NGCP RESTORES POWER TRANSMISSION IN PARTS OF VISAYAS, MINDANAO
MANILA – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines has restored a number of power transmission lines in Visayas and Mindanao, its spokesperson said Tuesday.
“We have restored several areas particularly in Mindanao. Almost all the affected areas there have been restored as regard transmission, except for the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur,” Atty. Cynthia Alabanza told ANC’s “Rundown.”
Areas where the NGCP has restored transmission lines include Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, as well as the northern part of Cebu province connected to the cooperatives of VECO and CEBECO II.
Other areas that have restored transmission lines include Leyte and Samar, particularly the cooperatives of DORELCO and SAMELCO.
Alabanza stressed, however, that the restoration of transmission doesn’t necessarily mean the areas already have power.
“I just wanna clarify thought that while transmission services may be normalized in some areas, this does not necessarily mean that consumers at the household and commercial levels already have electricity.”
“Because we still have to hand off that power to the distribution utilities and the cooperatives before they reach the household level and the commercial establishments,” she explained.
Alabanza said they are still hoping to complete aerial inspection of other Odette-affected areas.
OVER 3,000 QUEZON CITY FAMILIES TO GET LAND TITLES
MANILA — More than 3,000 informal settler families in Quezon City will be able to own the land on which they have lived for decades after the local government acquired several properties from various landowners in the city.
Mayor Joy Belmonte signed over the weekend the deeds of sale with private entities for parcels of land in Barangays Baesa, Bagong Silangan, Payatas and Old Balara.
Belmonte said the local government bought a 24,285-square-meter property in Baesa, a 5,000-sqm lot in Old Balara, 90,675-sqm lot in Bagong Silangan and 19,476-sqm land in Payatas.
“This marks the beginning of a long promise’s fulfillment. The city government will allot funding so that we can finally end the decades of waiting of our constituents,” she said.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
DIMPLES ROMANA HOPES TO WORK WITH SHARON CUNETA
MANILA -- Actress Dimples Romana took to social media to share her memorable experience fangirling over screen veteran Sharon Cuneta.
On Instagram, Romana uploaded snaps of her with Cuneta taken on the set of the ABS-CBN Christmas special, which was aired last Saturday.
"Someone come pinch me I’m dreaming. Love you FOREVER Ma’am @reallysharoncuneta. You give the tightest, most genuine hugs!! Praying to be able to share the screen with you one day, some day," Romana wrote.
In the comment section of Romana's post, Cuneta also left her message for the "Viral Scandal" actress.
"I pray that too, dearest Dimples! You are one of the ‘realest,’ sweetest actresses I know and hope to get to know better! Hope to see you again soon!" Cuneta wrote.
Also included in the Instagram post of Romana is a photo of her, Cuneta and actress Julia Montes.
Montes, one of the best friends of Romana, is currently working with Cuneta in ABS-CBN's hit series "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano."
SPORTS
NBA SCORES DEC 19
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Heat18-13 23 25 19 23 90
Pistons5-24 20 26 33 21 100
LITTLE CAESARS ARENA, DETROIT, MI
SCORING LEADERS
M. Strus MIA
24 PTS 4 REB 1 AST
S. Bey DET
26 PTS 4 REB 2 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Trail Blazers13-18 28 23 26 28 105
Grizzlies19-12 32 20 28 20 100
FEDEXFORUM, MEMPHIS, TN
SCORING LEADERS
D. Lillard POR
32 PTS 5 REB 5 AST
D. Brooks MEM
37 PTS 3 REB 3 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Spurs11-18 27 29 29 29 114
Kings13-18 37 26 28 30 121
GOLDEN 1 CENTER, SACRAMENTO, CA
SCORING LEADERS
D. Murray SA
25 PTS 7 REB 9 AST
B. Hield SAC
29 PTS 3 REB 4 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Hornets16-16 15 32 33 26 106
Suns24-5 37 32 39 29 137
FOOTPRINT CENTER, PHOENIX, AZ
SCORING LEADERS
M. Bridges CHA
26 PTS 5 REBJ. McGee PHO
19 PTS 7 REB 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Mavericks14-15 25 25 38 17 105
Timberwolves15-15 27 29 30 25 111
TARGET CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
SCORING LEADERS
T. Hardaway Jr. DAL
24 PTS 6 REB 4 AST
K. Towns MIN
21 PTS 6 REB 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Lakers16-15 22 37 25 26 110
Bulls18-10 28 33 22 32 115
UNITED CENTER, CHICAGO, IL
SCORING LEADERS
L. James LAL
27 PTS 13 REB 4 AST
D. DeRozan CHI
28 PTS 4 REB 5 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 49.93
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We know what we are, but know not what we may be. - William Shakespeare
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