April 30, 2009 Major News Stories

Swine flu spreads in 10 US states, Europe

Virulent swine flu spread to 10 U.S. states from coast to coast and swept deeper into Europe, extending its global reach as President Barack Obama mourned the first U.S. death, a Mexican toddler who had traveled with his family to Texas. Total American cases surged to nearly 100.

Child dies in US as swine flu fears mount

A 23-month-old child died from swine flu in the United States -- the first fatal victim outside Mexico -- as the global spread of the virus heightened calls Wednesday for tougher travel restrictions.

State of preparedness

The Cebu City Council declared the entire city under the state of preparedness against the swine flu.

WHO calls emergency meeting 

The World Health Organization is calling a third emergency meeting of its flu experts in response to a spike in swine flu cases.

Smuggling pagmulan ng swine flu sa Pinas 

Nagbabala kahapon si Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines Rep. Ni  canor "Nick" Brio nes na ang patuloy na smuggling ng karne ng baboy, baka, ma  nok at Iba pang uri ng livestock ang magiging da hilan ng pagpasok ng ki na tata kutang "swine flu virus" na ngayon ay kumitil sa 200 tao sa Mexico at Ame rika.

ASEAN meeting to prevent swine flu 

Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) yesterday has proposed Thailand to host an ASEAN public health meeting as preparation to deal with the possible swine outbreak in the region.

Egypt orders slaughter of all pigs

Egypt on Wednesday ordered the immediate cull of all pigs in the country as a precaution against swine flu, Health Minister Hatem al-Gabali said, in the first such move in the world.

How the world is coping with swine flu

From facemasks to avoiding kisses and in one case, robbing banks, how are people all over the world responding to the "swine flu" outbreak?

Swine flu crisis: summary of latest updates

Main events of the past 24 hours in the crisis over swine flu, as well as an overview of the current swine flu situation, from the Agence France-Presse.

- The United States became the second country to confirm a death from the disease after Mexico, saying a 23-month-old toddler from Texas, had died. The US Centers for Disease Control said the total number of known victims in the US had jumped from 65 to 91 in 10 states.

- Mexico, the main country affected to date, said seven deaths were confirmed as being due to swine flu, although the number of suspected fatalities was 159. The previous figure for confirmed deaths had been 20.

- Spain reported its first case of swine flu in a person who has not recently visited Mexico.

- Officials in Mexico City ordered practically all public spaces shut down to try to halt the spread of the infection. Major tourist sites were also closed.

- According to the World Health Organization the United States had 64 cases (one death), Mexico 26 (seven deaths), Canada 13, Spain 4, New Zealand 3, Britain 2 and Israel 2.

- Over and above the WHO figures, according to reports from the governments concerned the United States has 91 confirmed cases, Germany 3, Britain 5, Costa Rica 2, Spain 10 and Austria 1.

- US President Barack Obama said the outbreak of swine flu had created a "serious situation" in the United States requiring the "utmost precautions." He also asked Congress to release 1.5 billion dollars to help fight the spread of swine flu.

- The European Commission confirmed it would call the deadly swine flu the "novel flu" to minimise damage to the farm industry.

- Egypt ordered the 'immediate' slaughter of all pigs in the country to avoid any outbreak of swine flu, Health Minister Hatem al-Gabali said.

- Evidence from the swine flu epidemic centred in Mexico is ruling out pigs as a source of transmission, World Health Organization acting Assistant Director General Keiji Fukuda said.

- A top US health official told lawmakers that vaccines against seasonal flu were likely to not protect against swine flu and that a vaccine against that deadly disease cannot be ready before September.

 

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Updates as of April 29, 2009, 22:54 GMT +0800

Main events of the past 24 hours in the crisis over swine flu:

- The United States became the second country to confirm a death from the disease after Mexico, saying a 23-month-old toddler from Texas, had died. The child was Mexican and had come to the States for treatment. Before the death 65 people had been confirmed as having contracted the disease in the United States.

- Mexico, the main country affected to date, said seven deaths were confirmed as being due to swine flu, although the number of suspected fatalities was 159. The previous figure for confirmed deaths had been 20.

- Officials in Mexico City ordered practically all public spaces shut down to try to halt the spread of the infection. Major tourist sites were also closed.

- The United Nations' World Health Organization in Geneva, where experts from around the world were due to gather on Wednesday to discuss the outbreak, said a total of 64 people had contracted the disease in the United States, 26 in Mexico, six in Canada, three in New Zealand, and two each in Britain, Israel and Spain.

- Over and above the WHO figures, Germany confirmed three cases and the central American state of Costa Rica said two of its citizens had contracted the disease. Austria said it had one confirmed case and Canada 13, while Britain said its cases had risen from two to five and Spain's doubled from two to four.

- US President Barack Obama said the outbreak of swine flu had created a "serious situation" in the United States requiring the "utmost precautions." He also asked Congress to release 1.5 billion dollars to help fight the spread of swine flu.

- US agriculture officials said they were seeking to change the name of the disease because it gave the impression that the ailment could be caused by eating pork, which was not true. "We're concerned about safety, but also about the impact on the economy," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

- Egypt ordered the 'immediate' slaughter of all pigs in the country to avoid any outbreak of swine flu, Health Minister Hatem al-Gabali said.

An overview of the current swine flu situation:

- MEXICO: Epicentre of the current outbreak with seven confirmed swine flu deaths. However there were 159 suspected deaths in the country, and over 1,300 people remained in hospital after exhibiting symptoms of the flu.

- THE UNITED STATES on Wednesday became the only other country to have one confirmed death. Before the announcement 65 people were confirmed by Washington as infected.

- CONFIRMED INFECTIONS, according to the World Health Organization and national governments: The United States 65, Mexico 26, Canada 13, Germany 3, New Zealand 3, Britain 5, Costa Rica 2, Israel 2, New Zealand 3, Spain 4, Austria 1.

NATIONS WITH SUSPECTED INFECTIONS: Argentina 3, Australia 91, Chile 8, Colombia 9, Denmark 5, France 2, Hong Kong 2, Ireland 3, Netherlands several, Poland 3, Portugal 1, South Africa 2, South Korea 6, Sweden 5, Switzerland 5

NATIONS WITH PARTIAL OR TOTAL BANS ON PORK IMPORTS: Bahrain, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Montenegro, Philippines, Lebanon, Russia, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates

 

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Updates as of April 29, 2009, 19:33 GMT +0800

Main events of the past 24 hours in the crisis over swine flu:

- The United States became the second country to confirm a death from the disease after Mexico, saying a 23-month-old toddler from Texas had died.

- Mexico, the main country affected to date, said seven deaths were confirmed as being due to swine flu, although the number of suspected fatalities was 159. The previous figure for confirmed deaths had been 20

- Officials in Mexico City ordered practically all public spaces shut down to try to halt the spread of the infection. Major tourist sites were also closed.

- The United Nations' World Health Organisation in Geneva, where experts from around the world were due to gather on Wednesday to discuss the outbreak, said a total of 64 people had contracted the disease in the United States, 26 in Mexico, six in Canada, three in New Zealand, and two each in Britain, Israel and Spain.

- Over and above the WHO figures, Germany confirmed three cases and the central American state of Costa Rica said two of its citizens had contracted the disease. Austria said it had one confirmed case and Canada 13, while Britain said its cases had risen from two to five and Spain's doubled from two to four.

- US President Barack Obama pressed Congress to release 1.5 billion dollars to help fight the spread of swine flu.

- China angrily rejected media reports suggesting that the disease had originated on its territory. A health ministry official described the reports, some of which quoted an official in the Mexican state of Veracruz, as "deliberately fabricated rumours".

- US agriculture officials said they were seeking to change the name of the disease because it gave the impression that the ailment could be caused by eating pork, which was not true. "We're concerned about safety, but also about the impact on the economy," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

- Countries around the world advised their nationals against going to Mexico, and many tour firms cancelled trips, although experts were divided on the usefulness of travel bans. "Precautionary measures are advisable but at this juncture I don't see any point in restricting travelling," said the European Union's health commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou.

An overview of the current swine flu situation:

- Mexico: Epicentre of the current outbreak with seven confirmed swine flu deaths. However there were 159 suspected deaths in the country, and over 1,300 people remained in hospital after exhibiting symptoms of the flu.

The United States is the only other country to have one confirmed death.

- Confirmed infections, according to the World Health Organisation and national governments: The United States 64, Mexico 26, Canada 13, Britain 5, Spain 4, Germany 3, New Zealand 3, Costa Rica 2, Israel 2, and Austria 1.

NATIONS WITH SUSPECTED INFECTIONS: Argentina 3, Australia 91, Austria 5, Chile 8, Colombia 9, Denmark 5, France 20, Hong Kong 4, Ireland 3, Netherlands several, Poland 3, Portugal 1, South Korea 6, Sweden 5, Switzerland 5

NATIONS WITH PARTIAL OR TOTAL BANS ON PORK IMPORTS: Bahrain, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Montenegro, Philippines, Lebanon, Russia, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates

NAME: Swine flu (which is different from a disease contracted only by pigs known as swine fever). Because pork is banned under Jewish law, Israel is calling it "Mexican flu."

The World Organisation for Animal Health says the virus is a mix of avian, swine and human viruses and has not been isolated in animals yet. It recommends "North American influenza."

200,000 jobs in Labor Day celebration

OVER 200,000 jobs would be offered in fairs to be organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) on Friday.

Police gear up for Labor Day rallies

Police personnel will be deployed in key areas in the city where labor groups are expected to gather tomorrow in line with the observance of Labor Day.

Police brace for protests

POLICE have set up security measures to prepare for the expected Labor Day protests tomorrow. In Cebu City, Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said he organized two crowd dispersal management (CDM) teams to deal with two main groups of cause-oriented organizations that will be staging rallies on Labor Day.

OFW in Taiwan fears death sentence

With no lawyer to represent her during a crucial hearing, overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Cecilia Armia Alcaraz fears that Taiwan's Appellate Court will uphold the earlier ruling that sentenced her to die by a firing squad.

SSS, Philhealth to use single ID card

In accordance with the Executive Order numbers 420 and 700, which aim to unify identification systems of government institutions that issue ID cards, the Social Security System and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation have signed an agreement to use single identification systems.

DOE taps COA for audit of oil firms' books

The Department of Energy (DOE) has sought the assistance of the Commission on Audit (COA) in the review of the books of the oil companies.

Oil companies question NEDA's overpricing claim

THAT PUMP prices are overpriced by eight pesos per liter went unsettled yesterday in a meeting of oil firms and government officials called by the Department of Energy, even as company executives questioned the state planning agency's claims.

LTFRB inspects six EDC buses

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board inspected the six buses of EDC Bus Lines and the result of the inspection will be released next week.

DTI vows to act on high cement prices

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) vowed to act on the high price of cement as the cost of this construction input remained high despite government intervention.

Mga polis andam modakop kang Dumpit

Andam ang kapolisan sa dakbayan sa Sugbu pagdakop sa ilang kaubang polis nga si SPO1 Adonis Dumpit kinsa gipasakaan na'g kasong murder sa Ombudsman for the Military human mapatay niini ang gipasanginlang tulisan nga si Ronron Go niadtong Disyembre 14, 2004.

Mary Ann sues Cerge for P20 million

Controversial prosecutor Mary Ann Castro yesterday filed a criminal complaint for libel against Acting Executive Secretary and Press Secretary Cerge Remonde after the Malacañang official asked for her recall from the Bureau of Immigration and that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against her for alleged irregularities.

CH starts 'asphalt storm' 

CEBU City Hall has started its "asphalt storm," a project to repair and asphalt all damaged roads in the city.

City council skips Ban-Tal ordinance

The members of the Cebu City Council failed to discuss the ordinance that seeks to limit the use of public lands solely for public use within the Banilad-Talamban corridor as it was not calendared in yesterday's regular council session.

Discussion on friar lands deferred

BARANGAY Apas officials and urban poor associations in Cebu City support the ordinance limiting the use of all public lands in the Banilad-Talamban corridor for public purposes only.

Move of barangay for bus biz junked

Following the tragic accident last week when a barangay-owned bus plummeted into a ravine, which killed two and injured 39 others, the City Council committee on budget and finance rejected the move of barangay Sawang Calero to make money out of its bus.

City holds public hearing on mendicancy 

Speakers for and against the proposed measure imposing a flat rate of P1,000 and an out-of-court option for violators of the Anti-Mendicancy Law want a specific measure to address the said problem.

Police arrest Lozada

Police today arrested on perjury charges a witness in a Senate corruption inquiry that implicated the president's husband.

Palace hand seen in Lozada arrest

Several militant lawmakers on Wednesday scored the Arroyo administration over the arrest of Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr, the star witness in the allegedly anomalous $329-million NBN-ZTE deal.

Cory appeals for support for Lozada

Former President Cory Aquino on Wednesday night urged Filipinos to show "loud and clear" support for whistleblower Jun Lozada who was arrested by the Manila police on perjury charges.

Palace keeps distance from Lozada arrest

Malacañang distanced itself Wednesday from the arrest of whistleblower Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada, saying the matter was between him and complainant Michael Defensor, former chief of the Presidential Management Staff.

Solons must attend Ombuds impeach bid

House committee on justice chair Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor on Wednesday said he will make sure that administration solons attend the next committee hearing that will take up the impeachment case filed against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

'Kato recovers from bullet wounds'

Wanted Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Ameril Ombra Kato has reportedly fully recovered from gunshot wounds that almost killed him early this year, a senior military intelligence official said.

Trillanes, Lim bantay sarado

Bantay sarado ngayon sa PNP Custodial Center sa Camp Crame sina dating Navy Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes IV at Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim kaugnay ng pagkakadakip kama  kailan sa anim na miyem bro ng Magdalo Group at isang New Zealander sa firing range ng Clark, Pam panga.

Prudential Life not related to Prudentialife

Insurance firm Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Co. Inc. stressed that it is different from and not connected with financially troubled pre-need firm, Prudentialife Plans Inc.

Cases against Legacy owner slow

Some of the over 50 cases filed nationwide against the owner of bankrupt Legacy Group, Celso de los Angeles, other family members, former company officials, and a government official dragged into the multi-billion scandal are slowly gaining ground.

Glo releases P1 billion for export sector

President Arroyo ordered yesterday the release of P1 billion next month to help the country's export industries survive the global economic crisis.

Filinvest boosts capital to P5.3 billion

Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI), the real estate unit of the Gotianun family, is gearing up for a major expansion program this year with P5.3 billion allotted for its capital expenditures, an increase of 29 percent from the previous year's P4.1 billion.

BIR to fill up vacant positions

The Bureau of Internal Revenue can now start the recruitment process in a bid to increase its personnel while waiting for the official approval of the rationalization plan, commissioner Sixto S. Esquivias IV said citing Budget Secretary Rolando G. Andaya Jr.

NoKor threatens nuke test 

North Korea warned yesterday it will fire an intercontinental ballistic missile — or even carry out another nuclear test — unless the UN apologizes for condemning the regime's April 5 rocket launch.

Car bombs kill 41 in Baghdad's Sadr City

Two car bombs tore through a crowded commercial district in Baghdad's main Shiite district yesterday, killing at least 41 people, Iraqi police said.

Gold medal blackout hits Cevees in Palaro

It was a rather heart-breaking day for the Central Visayas squad as it faltered from one sport to another and settled for only a silver and four bronzes from three different events here at the Leyte Sports Development Center yesterday.

2 'Palaro' athletes diagnosed with dengue

Two participants in the Palarong Pambansa held in Tacloban City were reported to have been diagnosed with dengue.

Confident Hatton packs more power

Manny Pacquiao was already resting inside his spacious suite at The Hotel of Mandalay Bay, when Ricky Hatton was busy putting on a little sweat and facing the media at the MGM Grand Garden Arena which is just a few blocks away.

Pacquiao's mom VIP treatment in Vegas

After spending hours on the road traveling from Los Angeles, California, Manny Pacquiao's mother, Dionisia Pacquiao, is now in the battle ground of her son come Saturday (Sunday in Manila) when he faces off with Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pacquiao fears getting swine flu

Even the world's pound-for-pound king is not spared from fears of the deadly strain of swine flu hounding the world.

Manny to be a fighting congressman?

Manny Pacquiao is definitely running for Congress in next year's elections but even if he wins, it won't mean the end of his boxing career.

Solons sa Pacquiao-Hatton i-quarantine 

Gustong mangyari ni Nueva Ecija Rep. Edno Joson na i-quarantine ang lahat ng mga kongresista na magtutungo sa Esta dos Unidos para manood ng laban ni People's Champion Manny 'Pac man' Pac quiao kontra Ricky Hatton sa Linggo.

Beermen smother Texters for No. 8

San Miguel Beer became more formidable on the return of two-time MVP winner Danny Ildefonso, stretching its unbeaten run to eight games with a 98-87 whipping of Talk n Text in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

'Ha ha Harry' got media to scurry

A story that appeared in a local newspaper yesterday about "Prince Harry" being in the southwest Cebu town of Dumanjug led incredulous reporters on a 65-kilometer wild goose chase.

Here's what happened: A group of 22 volunteers from the Lantaka Youth Club from Quezon City arrived in Dumanjug on April 23 and offered to repaint the school's façade, roof and walls, install light bulbs, and fix the school's garden.

Lantaka Youth Club is an inter-school youth organization that sends volunteers on "summer work camps."

The mayor said that the group wanted to keep their visit private, but the sight of the Prince Harry lookalike fanned rumors there was royalty right there in Dumanjug.

Asked whether the young man was indeed the prince the whole town has been talking about, Santos would not confirm or deny the rumors—hinting he did not want to dash people's hopes.

"He looks so much like the prince, so that's what people think," said Santos. "He just came here with us to experience this kind of work. He has been traveling through Asia doing this work."

The group is scheduled to leave Dumanjug on May 2, with the prince's lookalike likely taking on another volunteer mission in the country after their departure.

The volunteers are currently camping out at the school, sleeping in the garden or inside the classrooms. While giving the school a facelift, the volunteers cook their own food and lead Spartan lives.

A recent report on the British royal family's website said the real Prince Harry is about to complete his Fixed Wing Phase of the Army Pilots' Course at the RAF Barkston Heath to become a pilot in the Army Air Corps. Prince Harry served in Afghanistan with the British Army in 2008, but was pulled out when the media—sometimes such a royal pain—reported his presence there.

Judai's family reunited during wedding

Judy Ann Santos' wedding to Ryan Agoncillo has reunited the young actress with her father after years of not seeing each other. 

Kristine back on primetime

Just when you think Kristine Hermosa won't be starring in any teleserye on primetime TV anymore, ABS-CBN's Komiks Presents Mars Ravelo's Nasaan Ka, Maruja?comes along and swings her back into the acting scene again.

Lawyer: Rihanna will get jewelry back

Rihanna will get back $1.4 million in borrowed jewelry she was wearing the night she was allegedly beaten by Chris Brown.

George Bernard Shaw  - "We learn from experience that men never learn anything from experience."