Dengue "outbreak" pronouncement today
The Department of Health (DOH) Central Visayas Office will formally declare today an "outbreak" of dengue cases in six barangays in Region 7.
Renan Cimafranca, DOH 7 head of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, said that these six barangays are in Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental.
Cimafranca said that from January 1 to September 25, 2010, Central Visayas has recorded 8,708 dengue cases. The number is 75.5 percent higher as compared to the same period last year wherein only 4,961 dengue cases were recorded.
Of the recorded dengue cases this year, more than 5,000 were in Cebu while around 2,000 cases were in Cebu City.
Health authorities recorded a total of 63 deaths.
Cimafranca added that the number of dengue cases is still expected to rise.
"As of now, peak season sa dengue pa gyud ta," Cimafranca told The Freeman.
Some of the symptoms of dengue are sudden onset of high fever which may last from two to seven days; joint and muscle pains including pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nosebleeding; abdominal pains; vomiting of coffee-colored matter and dark-colored stools.
There are currently no vaccines for dengue fever, a severe flu-like illnessalso called as breakbone fever.
DOH Secretary Enrique Ona earlier said that the increase in dengue cases can be attributed to the continuous rains.
He reminded the public that dengue, although an all-year round disease, is more common during rainy days when there are more breeding sites for the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes.
WHO: Severe dengue fever cases growing
It also said that an estimated 2.5 billion people are at risk globally from dengue, and more than 70% of them reside in the Asia Pacific region.
Among the badly affected countries cited are the Philippines, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Singapore also has dengue cases but according to WHO, it is experiencing a declining trend, with total number of cases over the years continuing to fall.
It said this could be partly due to an effective outbreak and response system which includes intersectoral collaborations during and between outbreaks.
Why dengue cases are increasing
The WHO pointed out that a number of factors have caused the increase in dengue cases.
These include higher temperatures and rainfall in many parts of the region this year, growing population densities, and greater international travel.
In some countries, the rise in dengue cases may also be due to higher awareness levels and better surveillance systems.
While no firm evidence point to global warming as the ultimate culprit, climate change has played an important role. Because of climate change, mosquitoes are now found in areas where they were once uncommon, including the Republic of Korea and the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Keep environment clean
Since dengue fever is spread by mosquitoes breeding in still water, WHO called for a more concerted effort in keeping the environment clean.
"Given the trend, it is vital that communities adopt a cooperative approach in the fight against dengue," said Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO's Regional Director for the Western Pacific. "Keeping the environment clean and eliminating mosquito breeding sites are the most effective ways to prevent dengue."
Dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed in such places as containers which can hold water, as well as among improperly managed garbage, in building sites, and in flower pots.
Dengue is said to be particularly prevalent in substandard housing areas with poor sanitation.
WHO advised the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent, mosquito coils and mats, mosquito nets, and by wearing protective clothing. No vaccine has yet been developed for dengue.
Diagnosing dengue fever in its early stages and prompt supportive treatment can help prevent it from becoming more severe and leading to death. The principal symptoms to watch out for are high fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash, and mild bleeding of the nose or gums.
Students protest: 2 more years a burden to parents
Grenade used in Bar blast, police says
Supreme Court forms planel to probe Bar exams blast
Cebu university defends student linked to bar exams blast
"I went here to clarify reports branding our student Jed Carlo Lazaga to be a suspect in last Sunday's blast," lawyer Elaine Bathan, assistant law dean of the Cebu-based University of San Jose Recoletos Law School.
"In fact, we believe he is innocent because during that time he was ganged up by a group of men and even robbed him of his belongings, including his wallet," Bathan said.
Police said a witness identified Lazaga as the one who hurled the grenade near the De La Salle Universityalong Taft Avenue in Manila, hurting 44 people, mostly law students who were in festive mood as it was the last day of their month-long Bar examinations.
Bathan said police should refrain from prematurely revealing results of their investigation.
"We had heard the explanation of the Manila Police District official that the reports came out were still premature as their investigation is still on going. Please be careful in revealing facts and observe fairness," she told reporters.
She said Lazaga even reported the incident to the police.
Police earlier revealed that a man wearing a fraternity t-shirt of Alpha Kappa Rho (AKHRO) was seen by witnesses as the one who threw the explosive device.
Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla, the MPD officer-in-charge, on Monday the grenade attack fell short of its target, the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, and instead landed on a festive crowd of San Beda College law students, particularly members of the Alpha Phi Beta fraternity and sorority.
But Tau Gamma Phi head Corky Pallares brushed off this police theory, saying they were not at odds with any fraternity.
NBI summons frat leader over Bar exams blast
Jojo del Rosario, Alpha Kappa Rho (Akrho) grand council president, said he was asked to submit a statement regarding the incident.
He confirmed that one Jed Carlo Lazaga, who was accused of being among those behind the violence, is indeed an Akrho member.
Lazaga's fraternity "brothers" in Cebu have denied that he was involved in the bombing.
Akrho-Cebu president Richard Buscayno also said that the University of San Jose-Recoletos law student has not been involved in fraternity-related activities for a long time.
Police Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo, spokesperson of a special task force looking into the incident, said they are still investigating Lazaga.
The NBI, meanwhile, plans to summon the leaders of other fraternity groups that were in the De La Salle University (DLSU) area during the "salubong" for the Bar examinees.
Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla, officer-in-charge of the Manila Police District (MPD), said they have identified 3 suspects behind the explosion, which was caused by a World War 2-era MK-2 grenade.
"Ang granada, kapag sumabog sa ere, it will spread 360 degrees. Pero ito po ay tumama sa sahig kaya't sa mga paa ang tama ng mga biktima," said Chief Inspector Oliver Navales of the MPD's explosive ordnance division.
The police findings matched a statement given on Monday by a witness, who claimed to have seen a man pull out a grenade from a bag before throwing the explosive into the crowd along Taft Avenue.
Rongavilla said charges of multiple frustrated murder and physical injuries will be filed against the yet-to-be-named suspects.
Palace to let SC punish perpetrators of DLSU blast
Official list of Sept. 26 Bar exams blast victims
Ospital ng Maynila
Name Age Gender Address
1. JOANNA KATRINA LEDDA 23 Female Quaipo, Manila Transferred to Manila Doctors
2. ARVIN ROSALES 21 Male Immediately Sent Home
3. PHILIP EDWIN DE ELLO 23 Male Marikina City Bar Exam Watcher Immediately Sent Home
4. GENNILYN ONG 21 Female Sta. Mesa, Manila Immediately Sent Home
5. CYRIL FERRER 20 Female Transferred to Private Hospital
6. KATHLEEN (KC) SAMBA 23 Female Sampaloc, Manila Transferred to Manila Doctorsl
7. AZENITH GONZALVO 20 Female Transferred to Private Hospital
8. JAMELL ANN MARIE SUDIA 24 Female Sampaloc, Manila Immediately Sent Home
9. RENALD SUDIA 50 Male Transferred to Private Hospital
10. CAN ESTRADA 24 Female Transferred to Private Hospital
11. CRISELYN GARAYUGA 26 Female Transferred to Private Hospital
12. ARIANA MARZAN 34 Female Quezon City Transferred to Private Hospital
13. SANGRI CHUA 21 Female Transferred to Private Hospital
14. ULYSSES GONZALES 27 Male Transferred to Private Hospital
15. GLADYS MIQUE 23 Female P. Tuazon St., Sampaloc, Manila Transferred to Manila Doctors
16. PRINCESS DAWEGOY 23 Female Sampaloc, Manila Transferred to Private Hospital
17. DENISE OSORIO 22 Female Cainta, Rizal Immediately Sent Home
Philippine General Hospital
Name Age Gender
1. DIANA CAMITA 23 Female
2. ALANA ESPIRITO Female
3. GERSON MERCADO 25 Male
4. RAINER MILANES 24 Male
5. RAISSA LAUREL 23 Female
6. CLAUDINE ABROJENA 21 Female
7. DONALIE QUILATES 28 Female
8. EUNICE ABDON 24 Female
9. DATU MOHAMMAD ABDUL 23 Male (from Arellano University)
San Juan de Dios Hospital
1. Mitchel MAgdaong 28 Male
2. rafael gumolo 30 Male
Medical Center Manila
1. MARK MARASIGAN 26 Male
2. ETHEL JOY ARRIIOLA 25 Female
3. MARK SUVA 23 Male
Manila Adventist Hospital
1. ANA DELOS REYES 24 Female San Beda College
2. MELANIE RAYMUNDO 29 Female Non-Law Student
3. STELLA MANIQUIS 24 Female San Beda College
4. STEPHANIE JUSAY SISON 22 Female San Beda College
5. ELIZABETH BONDALONTA 23 Female San Beda College
6. EVA CHRISTINE NAPARAN 23 Female San Beda College
7. BERNADETTE RAMIREZ 20 Female San Beda College
8. ROCHELLE OJENA 21 Female San Beda College
9. FRANCESCA REBANAL NAZ 21 Female San Beda College
10. EILEEN LEDESMA DEL MUTA Female Central Philippine University, Iloilo
Manila Doctors Hospital
1. LOVELY ABADILLA 21 Female
2. JICEL RIOTUTAR 21 Female
3. CAMILLE VILASIN 24 Female
4. MA. CASTLES NAVARRO 26 Female
5. CHARLOTTE SAYSON 23 Female
6. ERIC SIO 23 Male
7. KATHLEEN (KC) SAMBA 23 Female Sampaloc, Manila from Ospital ng Maynila
8. JOANNA KATRINA LEDDA 23 Female Quaipo, Manila from Ospital ng Maynila
9. GLADYS MIQUE 23 Female P. Tuazon St., Sampaloc, Manila from Ospital ng Maynila
Source: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
Palace lawyers complete IIRC report review
Hostage probe body to submit additional reports, ballistics tests to Aquino
Court junks Gregorio Mendoza's motion to dismiss case
'Gun ban should start Sept 28, not Sept 25'
Lawyer Romulo Macalintal said this was after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) made a mistake of starting the gun ban's implementation on Saturday (September 25).
Macalintal explained that according to law, the Comelec's resolution declaring the start of the election gun ban should take effect "seven days after its publication."
He said the Comelec resolution's publication was September 21, and the 7-day grace period ends on September 28 (Tuesday).
Airsoft, pellet guns covered by poll gun ban—Comelec
Comelec OKs Palace request for exemptions to appointment ban
The government posts—mostly directorial jobs in different government agencies, ambassadorial posts and judicial positions in various municipal and regional trial courts—were enumerated in a letter sent by Ochoa to Comelec on September 24.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Malacanang submitted the request "based on the fact that the barangay elections is a non-partisan exercise."
The Comelec said in its resolution that it found Ochoa's request as "sufficient" since "these appointments are not only urgent, but essential to the functioning of the offices or agencies concerned."
The poll body added that the appointments can be made as long as they "shall not in any manner influence the conduct of the barangay and SK elections" to be held on October 25.
In an earlier resolution, the Comelec enforced the appointments ban from September 25 to November 10 because of the coming elections.
Comelec exec emotional after getting threats
City to streamline urgent procurement guidelines
The Cebu City government is drafting a new set of guidelines for the use of cash advance for emergency procurement after some department heads complained of the delay in the release of funds during emergency situations.
HLURB wants panel to look into 93-1 beneficiaries' woes
The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board in Central Visayas has recommended the creation of a committee to determine the remaining balance of the urban poor beneficiaries occupying the province-owned lots under the Ordinance 93-1.
No SRP access for garbage trucks: Garbage on roads turn off investors
The carelessness of some garbage collectors and their lack of interest to do their job right could affect the decision of investors at the South Road Properties (SRP).
HIV cases in Cebu City hit 163
Thirteen new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus have been discovered from July up to last week bringing to 163 the total number of HIV cases recorded in Cebu City since January this year.
Palace asks for time to lick jueteng
Palace denies resurgence of jueteng under Aquino
Bongbong wants to expand Senate probe on jueteng
SC tells Congress: Respect rule of law
House defies SC on Ombudsman impeachment
Lawmakers, Ombudsman face off during budget hearing
Ombudsman not effective under Arroyo gov't, SolGen tells high court
Bishops to support protests against birth control
Aquino ready to discuss birth control with bishops
Aquino urged: Time to pass RH law
DFA defends Aquino's VFA silence in Obama meet
Ex-solon denies link to Aquino 'slay plot'
Justice sought for raped health worker in Maguindanao
Dr. Tahir Sulaik, provincial health officer of Maguindanao, said they want the suspects, many of whom allegedly members of rich families, placed behind bars.
The victim, whose name was withheld, is still confined at a hospital in Cotabato City under close watch by policemen. Her family reportedly fears for her safety considering the background of the suspects.
Investigators, however, have yet to identify any suspect.
The victim was found Sunday morning naked and unconscious in a cornfield in Barangay Timanan, South Upi town.
Police said the victim was on her way home after visiting a co-worker in Barangay Timanan on Saturday night when the suspects dragged her in a cornfield where they took turns in raping her.
Dismissal of mutiny charges vs 7 military officers a 'vindication'
The seven—Colonel Orlando de Leon, Lieutenant Colonel Custodio Parcon, Lieutenant Colonel Achilles Segumalian, Major Jose Leomar Doctolero, Captain William Upano, Lieutenant Homer Estolas and Lieutenant Belinda Ferrer—were acquitted after the military court ruled there was no sufficient evidence against them.
"This is a vindication," said lawyer Trixie Angeles.
Angeles said that except for Segumalian, who reached his retirement age in detention, the officers can now return to active military service.
Aquino orders DoJ to review cases vs 43 jailed health workers
Demand for nurses declining, DOLE chief says
She said it would not be "surprising" if the country's nurses land in jobs which do not need the skills for which they obtained their licenses. "This is the mismatch we've been saying," she said.
She said that based on the government's job portal, the top in demand occupations locally are call center agents, customer service assistants, accounting clerks, mechanical engineers, sales clerks, drivers, cashiers, production workers, technical support staff, and forklift operators for the skilled workers.
But Baldoz said they also aim to increase the skills of Filipino workers based on the jobs that would be generated by President Benigno Aquino III's meetings with political, business, and civil society leaders during his week-long US visit.
"We have to prepare the skills registry and also the competencies for each skill. We are working that out with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Education," she said.
Nursing has been a popular undergraduate field of study in the past years due to the promise of well-paying jobs abroad. Just last month, more than 37,000 new nurses passed the licensure exam given by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) in July. (See: 37,679 pass nursing board exam; Ateneo de Naga grad is No. 1)
The popularity of nursing as a field of study has led to the establishment of sub-par nursing schools around the country despite a government ban on opening of new nursing schools implemented six years ago. (See: Since a 2004 ban on new nursing schools, more than 120 have opened)
New jobs
Earlier in the day, Aquino said he was able to secure a commitment of at least 43,650 new jobs in the next three years, including some 4,500 in construction related jobs.
To which, Baldoz said: "It is good news that will really help in the job generation because his goal is to really be able to generate jobs and address poverty that continues to confront us as a big challenge of the administration."
She said this is part of the President's plan to give workers a genuine option on whether to work here or abroad.
"He realized that this might not be done overnight, but I think he is really determined to address problems that hindered investments from coming into the country (which are needed to) generate jobs and address poverty," she said.
Baldoz said that they have also engaged in "massive consultations" with different industries and generated a list of the kind of workers needed and the skills that they must have.
"That has been disseminated to all schools and universities including [local government units], legislators, Cabinet secretaries and other policy makers," she said.
Senate to probe employment scam in Singapore
PhilHealth hikes quarterly contributions from new members to P600
NFA alarmed by expected low global supply of rice
RP to generate 1,000 jobs, P19-B income if piracy is curbed—study
Hundreds feared dead in Mexico landslide
Gunmen hijack school bus in Nigeria
Israeli navy blocks Jewish activist boat from reaching Gaza
Former US president Jimmy Carter hospitalized
Pacman plays basketball to prep for bout
Pacquiao's conditioning coach to give tips to Asian Games athletes
Corteza keeps no. 2 ranking in World Pool list
The Davaoeño is just behind top player, Mike "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland, who has 2,082 points. The Fin bested Corteza in the 2009 World Ten-Ball Championship in Manila.
Third in the Top 10-ranking is Antonio "Nickoy" Lining, also of NBS. His 1,580 points got a boost from his 2nd-place finish in the China Open.
In 4th to 6th places are Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany (1,434), Karl Boyes (1,432) and Darren Appleton of Great Britain (1,399).
At 7th place is Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo (1,310) followed by 8th placer Ruslan Chinakhov of Russia (1,245), 9th placer Jeffrey "The Bull" de Luna of the Philippines (1,221) and 10th placer Marcus "Napoleon" Chamat of Sweden (1,161).
Rounding up the top 20 are:
Niels "The Terminator" Feijen 11th place-1146 points
Francisco "Django" Bustamante 12th place-1142 points
KuoPo-Cheng 13th place-1107 points
Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening 14th place-1077 points
Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer 15th place-1057 points
David "El Matador" Alcaide 16th place-1052 points
Ricky Yang 17th place-1031 points
Ronato "Volcano" Alcano 18th place-1014 points
Yukio Akakariyama 19th place-955 points
Hajato Hijikata 20th place-832 points
In the women's category, Rubilen "Bingkay"Amit is at 3rd place with 1109 points behind No.1 Allison Fisher (1242) and No. 2 Kelly Fisher (1034) of Great Britain.
Other Filipinas in the women's Top 100 are No. 42 Iris Ranola (268) and no.53 Gillian Go (185).
Mary Ann Basas, Meldred Almero, Mica Claveria and Zarah Del Rosario joined 15 others, including Fil-Am Shanell Lorraine, in the No. 63 spot with identical 134 points.
Charice: Sunshine Corazon will return on 'Glee'
ABS-CBN names new 'Pilipinas, Win na Win' hosts
The "Hitmakers," composed of Rico J. Puno, Rey Valera, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga, will join Pokwang and Valerie Concepcion on October 2, said Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, in an official statement.
Osorio confirmed that Aquino's last day on the show is on October 1.
"Management has decided to try a combination of new hosts for the program…. The program continues to bring fun, games and hope to Filipinos around the world," he said.
Aquino confirmed Tuesday that she is leaving "Pilipinas, Win na Win" just 2 months after its launch.
The Philippines' "Queen of All Media" said she did not resign or quit but was asked to leave the show.
Aquino, who is President Benigno Aquino's youngest sister, is the third Win na Win host to leave the show. Actor Robin Padilla and TV host Mariel Rodriguez also went on indefinite leave from the show to get married.
Belo, Kho seen attending bridal show together
PNoy's pasalubong : Chocolates for sisters, secret gift for Shalani
Nikki, Shalani top list of prettiest Pinay politicians
'Titanic' co-star Gloria Stuart dies at 100
Gloria Stuart, the 1930s Hollywood beauty who gave up acting for 30 years and later became the oldest Academy Award acting nominee as the spunky survivor in "Titanic," has died. She was 100.