Monday, February 28, 2022

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59 Filipinos evacuated from Ukraine

Posted: 28 Feb 2022 01:05 AM PST

A TOTAL of 59 Filipinos have been evacuated to a safer place in and out of Ukraine amid attacks being launched there by Russia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday, February 28, 2022.The DFA said six of the Filipinos, including a fourth-year medical student at the Bukovinian State Medical University, two Filipinos married to Ukrainian nationals (one of whom traveled with her two-year-old son), and two Filipinos working for an international organization, managed to cross the border to Republic of Moldova.It said four of them will be brought to Romania where they will board a flight going back to Manila.Meanwhile, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. waited for five hours at the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne Border Crossing Station in Poland to welcome 13 Filipinos evacuated from Ukraine.He assured assistance to the Filipinos affected by the geographical tension in Ukraine."We are on high-alert 24/7 to ensure that Filipinos are safe in this conflict. Our Embassies in Poland and Hungary have been working hard these past days to account for each Filipino in Ukraine, and to repatriate them as soon as possible. Our people only need to ask, and we will get them home safe," said Locsin.On February 26, Philippine Ambassador to Warsaw, Poland Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz said 40 Filipinos were brought to Lviv from Kyiv, the country's capital and currently being target of Russia's attacks.They were assisted for entry to the border of Poland where they will board flights going back to the Philippines."The Philippine Embassy in cooperation with DFA-OUMWA is committed to assisting the remaining Filipinos in Kyiv and in other parts of Ukraine in order to bring them out of harm's way while there is still time," Ruiz said.The DFA said Filipinos who need repatriation assistance may coordinate with the Philippine authorities through the following contact details:Philippine Embassy in Warsaw:Email: warsaw.pe@dfa.gov.phEmergency Hotline: +48 604 357 396Office Mobile Number: +48 694 491 663HungaryBudapest PE emergency hotline+36 30 202 1760ATN Officer Claro Cabuniag+36 30 074 5656 (mobile)+63 966 340 4725 (viber)MoldovaConsul Victor GainaMobile number (also WhatsApp no.(sad) +37369870870Email addresses: victor.gaina@phconsulate.md or consul@phconsulate.mdRussia has launched military attacks in Ukraine following the orders of its President Vladimir Putin, as they work in restoring Russia's influence over nations that emerged after the dismantling of the Soviet Union. (SunStar Philippines)

Lowest new Covid cases since start of 2022 at 951

Posted: 28 Feb 2022 12:57 AM PST

THE Philippines continued to record fewer new cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) with 951 logged on Monday, February 28, the lowest since the start of 2022.In its 4 p.m. Monday bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) said of the 951 cases reported, 895 (94 percent) occurred in the last 14 days (February 15 - February 28, 2022).The additional infections pushed the nationwide tally to 3,661,997, of which 52,179 are active or currently sick from Covid-19.The positivity rate Monday, February 28, remained at five percent, the ideal rate as recommended by the World Health Organization. This is out of the 22,407 samples tested last February 26.The DOH said the top regions with cases in the recent two weeks were National Capital Region with 231 cases or 26 percent, Calabarzon with 136 or 15 percent and Western Visayas with 93 or 10 percent.It added that 1,717 more patients have recovered from the disease, bringing the total recoveries to 3,553,367 (97 percent).The death toll continued to increase with 50 more deaths logged. The Philippines now has a Covid-19 death toll of 56,451.Of the 50 deaths, 23 occurred in February 2022 (46 percent), 22 in January 2022 (44 percent), one in October 2021 (two percent), three in September 2021 (six percent), and one in June 2021 (two percent), said the DOH.It added that it has removed from the total count three duplicates, of which one is a recovery.Thirty-six cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were also reclassified as deaths after final validation.Five laboratories were not able to submit their output last February 26. (LMY)

DOH: Covid-19 pandemic isn’t over yet

Posted: 28 Feb 2022 12:38 AM PST

DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded the public on Monday, February 28, that the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic still prevails despite the de-escalation of alert level in various parts of the country due to the continuous decrease in the number of cases.Vergeire said the country is yet to reach the endemic state, which means that the people and the society have already adjusted in living normally along with the virus."Hindi pa ho tapos ang pandemya. Hindi pa rin po tayo dumadating doon sa sinasabi nating endemic state. Nandito tayo ngayon sa level ng ating sitwasyon kung saan we are transitioning sa gusto nating marating na new normal. Tayo po ay nagpeprepara," she said in a press briefing.(The pandemic is not over yet. We have not yet reached the endemic state. We are still transitioning to new normal and we have been preparing.)"Ang endemic state po ay hindi nangangahulugan na wala nang gagawing aksyon ang ating gobyerno para maproteksyunan ang ating mga kababayan. Pangalawa, ang endemic state din hindi nangangahulugan na ang virus ay naging mas mild or ang virus ay nawala," she added.(The endemic state doesn't mean that the government will stop protecting the people, or the virus has gone mild or is no longer around.)The Inter-Agency Task Force has deescalated to Alert Level 1 the quarantine status in Metro Manila and 38 other provinces and cities in the country that were classified as low risk for Covid-19.Alert Level 1 is the lowest quarantine status in the country where all restrictions, including venue in all businesses or transportation capacity and travel, are lifted but adherence to minimum health protocols is still required.Vergeire said the government will continue to monitor the situation and impose safeguards to prevent another Covid-19 surge, noting that the reimposition of higher alert level status will be triggered by the utilization of hospital facilities, particularly in severe and critical cases."Ang atin pong pagbabantay pag nakita natin na tumataas ang kaso, mas naka-focus tayo sa severe and critical at kung paano po mapupuno ang ating mga facilities and that would be the signal for us to escalate to another higher level kung sakaling dumating sa punto na yon," she said.(If we see the cases rising, we focus more on the severe and critical cases, as well as the utilization rate of our facilities, and that would be the signal for us to escalate to another higher level.)She said the emergence of another Covid-19 variant, which may result in an increase in transmission rate, may also be a basis for the escalation to a higher alert level.Vergeire reminded the public to continue to follow health protocols, especially the wearing of face masks and the maintenance of physical distancing to prevent resurgence of cases.She also urged the public to get vaccinated and avail themselves of booster shots against Covid-19."Dadating po tayo diyan na magiging predictable and manageable na ang mga kaso sa ating bansa at makikita natin na ganun na kataas ang bakunado sa ating bansa, which can balance off the level of transmission of Covid-19 and pag dumating tayo sa punto na yan, we can already say that it is endemic already," said Vergeire.(We will reach that point wherein the cases will become predictable and manageable and the vaccination rate is already high, which can balance off the level of transmission, and once we reach that point, we can already say that it is endemic already.)As of February 27, the Philippines has a total of 3,661,049 Covid-19 cases, with 56,401 deaths.Of the total cases, 52,961 were active cases.The country is currently at low risk for Covid-19 with a five percent positivity rate, which is the ideal level recommended by the World Health Organization.The nationwide hospital utilization rate is below 27 percent.The Philippines experienced a Covid-19 surge in January 2022 due to the Omicron variant.As of February 28, about 63 million individuals in the country have completed their Covid-19 vaccination, while over 68 million have received the first dose.At least 10.13 million also received booster shots. (SunStar Philippines)

IATF amends Alert Level 1 guidelines, sets limitations for unvaxxed

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 11:06 PM PST

UNVACCINATED individuals aged 18 and above are prohibited from joining mass gatherings and entering indoor establishments, except for essential purposes, even in areas under Alert Level 1, acting presidential spokesperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Monday, February 28, 2022.Alert Level 1 is the lowest quarantine status in the country amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.Based on the updated guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the implementation of Alert Level System in the country, people 18 years old and above should present proof of full vaccination before being allowed to participate in the following activities or entry to establishments that are "closed crowded" and "closed contacts":* In-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, and funeral for those who died of causes other than Covid-19 and for the remains of the Covid-19 deceased.* All indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants and eateries. For outdoor or al fresco dining and take-out channels, no proof of full vaccination is required.* All indoor personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons and nail spas, and those offering aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, salons, spas, reflexology, and other similar procedures including home service options.* Fitness studios, gyms, and venues for exercise and sports* All indoor cinemas or movie houses operating at full capacity* Meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibition events, and permitted venues for social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties family reunions and bridal or baby showers* Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls and theatres* Indoor ancillary establishments in hotels and other accommodation establishmentsNograles said unvaccinated persons are also not allowed in venues for election-related events prior to Election Day."As it stands now, ang pinag-uusapan diyan ngayon ang (what's being discussed are the) pre-election day, election-related activities," he said in a press briefing Monday, February 28."Ang IATF patuloy na makikipag-ugnayan (The IATF is coordinating) with the Comelec. We are confident that before Election Day itself, magkakaroon ng karagdagang protocols and procedure ang Comelec to ensure na safe ang election day natin (Comelec will implement additional protocols and procedures to ensure a safe election)," he added.Under Alert Level 1, all restrictions, including venue in all businesses or transportation capacity and travel, is lifted.Paper-based contact tracing or health declaration forms are no longer required for all agencies and establishments, while digital contact tracing applications may be optional.In lieu of the contact tracing forms, Nograles said individuals who tested positive for coronavirus should be the one to inform their close contacts to trigger self isolation and monitoring.The public, however, is still required to wear face masks and observe physical distancing to prevent a resurgence of Covid-19 cases.Metro Manila, Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Kalinga, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, Quirino, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, Naga City, Catanduanes, Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Siquijor, Biliran, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin and Davao City will be under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15.As of February 28, about 63 million individuals in the country have completed their Covid-19 vaccination, while over 68 million have received the first dose.At least 10.13 million also received booster shots.The country is currently at low risk for Covid-19 with 52,961 total active cases and five percent positivity rate, which is the ideal level as recommended by the World Health Organization. (SunStar Philippines)

SEC stops AlphanetWorld’s illegal investment scheme

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 10:18 PM PST

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered AlphanetWorld Corporation, which has been doing business under the name NWorld, to stop soliciting investments from the public without the necessary license.In an order issued February 23, the Commission En Banc directed AlphanetWorld to immediately cease and desist from engaging in the unlawful or unauthorized solicitation, offer and/or sale of securities until the requisite registration statement has been duly filed with and approved by the SEC.AlphanetWorld President Julius Allan C. Nolasco and its directors, stockholders, officers, representatives, salesmen, solicitors, agents, uplines, enablers and influencers were also ordered to cease their internet presence in connection with their investment scheme.The SEC likewise directed the company from transacting any business involving funds in its depository banks and from transferring, disposing, or conveying any related assets to ensure the preservation of the assets for the benefit of affected investors.The SEC issued the cease and desist order after finding that AlphanetWorld has been selling and/or offering investment packages priced from P4,750 to P19,000 in exchange for NWorld products and a guaranteed monthly return of up to P127,000. Business transactions are supposedly made through the company's official webpage.Member-investors could also earn discounts of up to 30 percent for every purchase of NWorld products, referral bonuses, and an additional P25,000 when they meet the 25 pairs of recruits.The scheme involves the sale and offer of securities to the public in the form of investment contracts, whereby a person invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to expect profits primarily from the efforts of others, according to the SEC.Section 8 of Republic Act 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code (SRC), provides that securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution within the Philippines, without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the SEC."NWorld is unlawfully engaged in the sale and/or offer of unregistered securities in the form of investment contract, because it has no license to carry out the same," the Commission En Banc held.While AlphanetWorld is a duly registered corporation, it has never secured a secondary license from the Commission as issuer of securities or broker dealer nor registered any securities for public offering pursuant to the SRC."[T]he Commission holds that the act of NWorld in selling/offering unregistered securities operates as a fraud to the public which, if unrestrained, will likely cause grave or irreparable injury or prejudice to the investing public," the order read. (PR)

Government urges onsite work setup amid shift to Alert Level 1

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 09:42 PM PST

THE work-from-home setup is now optional, particularly in areas under Alert Level 1, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Monday, February 28, 2022.Lopez said they are now encouraging companies to require onsite work in a bid to further boost businesses, like stores and restaurants that are allowed to reopen without capacity restrictions.He said more people are expected to go out following the shift to Alert Level 1 or new normal in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 38 other areas in the country."Ie-encourage 'yung onsite work [under Alert Level 1], ibig sabihin less na yung work from home, magiging optional na yung work from home," Lopez said.(Onsite work should be encouraged under Alert Level 1, meaning it will become optional.)"Ang maganda dito kapag pumapasok na uli yung mga tao physically, nabubuhay 'yung mga restaurants at yung mga tindahan, yung mga stores, kasi nasa labas yung mga tao at wala na sa bahay," he added.(The good thing with people reporting to work physically is restaurants and stores will become lively as people are going out of their houses already.)From March 1 to 15, the NCR, along with Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Kalinga, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, Quirino, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, Naga City, Catanduanes, Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Siquijor, Biliran, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin and Davao City, will be under Alert Level 1.The decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to de-escalate the quarantine status in the said areas came following the continuous decline in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the Philippines.Under Alert Level 1, all restrictions, including venue or transportation capacity and travel, is lifted regardless of vulnerability and age.Lopez said vaccination status will, however, remain as a requirement for indoor activities.The public, though, is still required to wear face masks and observe physical distancing to prevent a resurgence of Covid-19 cases.The Philippines is currently under low risk classification for Covid-19 with 1,038 fresh cases recorded on February 27.The number of active cases in the country was at 52,961.The nationwide hospital utilization rate is also at low risk, noting that 91.5 percent of the active cases were mild to asymptomatic cases that do not require hospital admission. (SunStar Philippines)

PNP chief warns: Cops caught playing e-sabong will be sanctioned

Posted: 27 Feb 2022 09:34 PM PST

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Dionardo Carlos ordered police commanders on Monday, February 28, 2022, to inspect their personnel's cellphones in a bid to stop cops from engaging in online cockfight betting also known as e-sabong."Ilang beses ko nang sinabi na pinagbabawalan ko kayo na maglaro niyang e-sabong or online sabong and yesterday, our chief of staff caught one (playing) inside camp. That is an addiction. If you are into that, we will make sure you will stop," he said in his speech during Monday's flag ceremony in Camp Crame."If you are playing games that are not connected with our work, please stop it. Wag kayong magalit sa amin. Bilang ama, kami po ay naninigurado na hindi kayo mapahamak. Akala ninyo laro laro lang ito, eventually magkakautang kayo ng P2 million or P3 million at anong gagawin, manghohold up. Hindi maganda... I don't think we will violate their rights by doing that we are protecting them," he added.Carlos said those who will be caught playing e-sabong will be sanctioned.He said cops are still not allowed to play such kind of online gambling even on their rest days.On February 16, Patrolman Glenn Malijan Angoluan was arrested for perpetrating a series of robbery incidents in Laguna and Batangas.Investigators said the suspect resorted to such kind of illegal activity due to his addiction to online cockfight betting.On Thursday, February 24, Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chaired by former chief PNP Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said they will issue a resolution to urge President Rodrigo Duterte to order the suspension of electronic cockfight betting operations amid the investigation on the disappearance of 31 cockfighting enthusiasts in Manila, Batangas and Laguna.Some of the disappearances happened way back 2021 but still remains unresolved.Carlos said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will not stop in investigating cases.The CIDG earlier said it has gathered several key pieces of evidence and interviewed persons of interest in a bid to shed light on the incident and locate the victims.Carlos said several police officials and personnel have been relieved from their post for failing to solve the cases of missing sabungeros in their areas of jurisdiction. (SunStar Philippines)
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