17 Abril 2024, Miyerkules

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

‘Chinese students’ influxed  Cagayan

By J.Lo

“AFP takes seriously any reports so we are looking into this, but in terms of peace and order issues, that is  mandate of  PNP,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters  at  press briefing (AFP) is looking into  reported swarm of Chinese college students in the province of Cagayan.

More than 4,600 Chinese nationals have reportedly enrolled in  private university and rented homes in various locations in Tuguegarao City.

Military  will coordinate with Philippine National Police (PNP) on the matter, Padilla said.

“We’ll be working with them closely on this matter, so investigations will be on their end, and if there will be AFP requirements from their end, then we will be extending our assistance accordingly,” she added.

Reacting to calls for  legislative inquiry, Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba  believes  having foreign students in Tuguegarao is not  security threat.

“Presence of Chinese students in Cagayan and nationwide is  result of  agreement made by Chinese  learning institutions and  Commission on Higher Education,” he explained in  statement, pointing to  2019 agreement between CHED and  Ministry of China.

It is not true that Chinese students are benefitting from local government educational support, Mamba said.

He said all foreign students entering the country and Cagayan are properly documented.

“Foreign students entering the country and the province have  student visa and documents approved by  Department of Foreign Affairs,” he stressed.

There is no reason to link  Chinese students to  country’s problems with China in West Philippine Sea, he noted.

“Although the governor opposed  establishment of EDCA ,Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in Cagayan, this doesn’t mean  province’s doors are closed to neighboring countries…the province is open to trade and assistance,”  statement read.

 Influx  of Chinese workers, businessmen, tourists and students in the Philippines is alarming, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said, declaring  “creeping invasion has begun.”

Barbers expressed concern over reports of “seemingly both unexplainable and inexplicable presence” of Chinese nationals in the country.

It is anomalous that these foreigners obtained Filipino birth certificates, driver’s licenses, UMID cards, passports and even accreditations and auxiliary membership in  armed services, particularly  Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), he noted.

Meanwhile, firearms and luxury cars concealed by  Chinese national were seized after police raided  townhouse in Taguig City.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)  raided  townhouse located in  exclusive subdivision in Barangay Bambang at around 8:30 in the morning.

Raid , covered by  search warrant, yielded four airsoft firearms, three pistols, disassembled parts of  M16 rifle and ammunition hidden between walls in one of the floors.

“There are high-powered firearms complete with protected gear, bulletproof vests, ballistics helmets; these are weapons of war,” said NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez. Other concealed items include  tactical helmet marked with “China,” tactical vests and  Chinese flag.

Intelligence units received  tip about  presence of firearms hidden by foreign nationals in the area, prompting authorities to apply for  search warrant to enter  premises, Nartatez recalled.

Police arrested Haiqiang Su, 29,  possessed  5.56 caliber rifle, two hand grenades and 42 bullets.

Two other Chinese nationals identified by police as Mr. Chang and Mr. Zhang  were brought to  Taguig police station for investigation.

Raid  also uncovered several expensive vehicles, including a McLaren sports car with improvised license plates that did not match.

17 Abril 2024, Miyerkules

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

HEADLINES

Ph military vessels shouldn’t escort fishers in WPS – Villar

By Nidz Godino

 “Ever since  I have long been chairman of  Senate committee on agriculture and food  it was Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that provided assistance to the fishermen… It should be  BFAR so that it will not be militarized,” Sen. Cynthia Villar said in her speech during  launch of Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from  West Philippines Sea (LAYAG-WPS).

 Country’s military vessels should not accompany fisherfolk in  West Philippine Sea (WPS) to prevent possible attack from Chinese ships,  Villar said.

She added that Congress regularly provides  budget for BFAR for  acquisition of vessels that can be used to assist  fishermen.

“BFAR is given ships to watch over fishermen and to make sure  they are safe..if it’s BFAR, it’s not too obvious,  ships of BFAR should be present while fishermen are fishing in WPS” Villar said.

Presence  of military vessels in areas where  fishers operate could agitate Chinese vessels, according to the senator.

She noted that based on government data, fish production in West Philippine Sea represents 15 percent of country’s total output.

“BFAR cannot afford to neglect  fishermen in WPS as 15 percent is essential in the country’s fisheries production,” she said.

She added  fisherfolk have no choice but to still operate in  WPS despite  threats, as it is their only source of livelihood.

“Fishermen are only trying to make a living despite the fact  it is really very dangerous in  West Philippine Sea…we cannot stop them because without it, they have no livelihood…it will also endanger food security, that’s why we should give our all-out support to  fisherfolk,” she said.

Villar expressed belief that there should be  compromise between  Philippines and China amid growing tension in  WPS.

“We are not in a position to fight with China, so I believe there should be compromise…they have to find  common ground. I don’t know what compromise they can negotiate,” she said.

The senator refused to comment on  ongoing word war between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte.

“The difference is that former president Duterte is pro-China while President Marcos is pro-America…for me, it is better if we don’t quarrel with China, we don’t quarrel with  US,” Villar said.

Meanwhile, BFAR national director Demosthenes Escoto said  government aims to sustainably harness full potential of  West Philippine Sea.

“WPS is one of the most important and richest sources of fish in the country,” Escoto said during  formal launch of LAYAG-WPS, which aims to boost  country’s fish production in areas covered by  WPS.

Escoto noted that last year,  total fish production in regions covered by  WPS, including Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Mimaropa, reached 201,895 metric tons.

“We believe  we can still improve  numbers…we can sustainably harness  whole potential of  WPS, and with help of our government agencies and Congress, we will be able to do it,” he said.

He added  there are more than 300,000 fishers in WPS.

For National Security Council deputy director general Nestor Herico, LAYAG-WPS will enhance  livelihood of those living in areas situated along  WPS.

“NSC would like to express its full support not only to this project, but also to all kinds of projects and initiatives aiming to protect, preserve and promote rights of Filipinos in  WPS… livelihood assistance to be given to more than 140 fishermen today will surely benefit hundreds and even thousands of Filipino families hailing from Central Luzon and Ilocos,” Herico said.

He added that LAYAG-WPS would boost  economic livelihood of Filipinos affected by territorial disputes and maritime claims.

“This issue in WPS does not only pose security threats, but also affects  livelihood of our fisherfolk and becomes detrimental to marine environment as foreign claimants build their outpost…it is now time for us Filipinos to claim what we own and what we deserve,” Herico said.

BFAR awarded livelihood inputs to 100 fishers while women fisherfolk underwent post-harvest training and received various implements.

Over 62-foot fiber-reinforced plastic vessels complete with modernized fishing equipment were turned over to select fisherfolk associations from Central Luzon and Ilocos Region.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel said  program could help unlock  potential of resource-rich fishing grounds and increase opportunities in parts of Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Mimaropa. 

16 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

Gov’t downplays PUJ strike; grps claimed otherwise

By J.Lo

“Many joined  program of  government. It’s about 77 percent… those who did not join  consolidation after  pandemic chose to shift to other sources of income…others decided to go to  provinces…that’s the reason why many did not join  strike,”  Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said striking transport groups claimed  they paralyzed 80 percent of Metro Manila’s public transportation routes, but  government said  strike “was hardly felt by  riding public.”

Guadiz reiterated in  Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing that starting May 1,  LTFRB and other concerned government agencies would go after colorum jeepneys.

“Since they have no franchises, they can be prevented from operating starting May 1…this will be done by LTFRB and other concerned government agencies who are monitoring  jeepney to ensure  everyone complies with  law on matters of consolidation,” Guadiz said.

Philippine National Police, noting that  first day of  two-day strike was generally peaceful, also reported  activity “was hardly felt by  riding public in Metro Manila.”

“We have not monitored any stranded passenger,” Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP public information officer, said in  phone interview, citing  report from National Capital Region Police Office that there were no stranded commuters on roads in Metro Manila.

Fajardo said more than 6,000 police officers were deployed in Metro Manila to ensure public safety and security during the strike.

She added  mobility assets from  PNP, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other concerned government agencies were ready to deploy their assets to transport people who might be affected by  strike.

According to MMDA,  total of 362 rescue vehicles were prepared to give free rides to passengers. These include 80 vehicles  composed of trucks, vans and electric tricycles or e-trikes from  Manila City government.

Other government agencies and all of Metro Manila’s 17 local governments also made sure  vehicles would be available to transport commuters.

Striking  transport groups PISTON and Manibela said in separate statements  paralyzed 80 percent of jeepney operations in Metro Manila and  nearby provinces of Cavite and Laguna.

“Government’s attempts to downplay  strike’s impact are futile,” PISTON claimed as it boasted  commuters were stranded along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and other major routes.

It also claimed  Bacolod City in Visayas experienced  90 percent paralysis due to  strike.

“Strike is not only justified but crucial in sending  message to the Marcos administration,” PISTON noted.

Mar Valbuena, who leads Manibela, gave  same observation, adding  number of schools suspended classes ahead of  two-day protest to oppose  government’s public utility vehicle modernization program and  impending phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

“If there are jeepney drivers who still operated, these were in limited numbers,” Valbuena said, adding that more than 500 jeepneys joined  caravan.

Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, Eastern Police District director, said no untoward incident was recorded in  cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina and San Juan.

“Situation in our areas of responsibility is normal…we are closely monitoring and we have standby teams to respond as  need arises,” Asueta said in  text message.

Caloocan Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan said  situation in his city was also normal as  majority of jeepney drivers did not join  strike.

He also said  city government had set aside 50 rescue units, including two buses, to transport stranded commuters to their destinations.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said  city government also deployed vehicles to give free roundtrip rides to commuters.

In Iloilo City, Rizal Alido claimed  national transport strike had no effect in the city as none of  Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperative members joined  event. Alido is the cooperative’s president.

In Zamboanga City,  PNP also came prepared with Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, Police Regional Office 9 director, saying his command would offer free rides under its “Libreng Sakay” program throughout  Zamboanga peninsula as preparation for  possible spillover effect of  call to strike.

He noted though that none of  region’s transport groups joined PISTON’s and Manibela’s strike call. 

16 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

HEADLINES

Ph to invoke MDT if Pinoy killed in WPS

By Nidz Godino

“I think US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin explained it very well…if any servicemen, Filipino service man, is killed by an attack from any foreign power, then that is time to invoke  MDT,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.  Philippines may invoke  1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with  US if  sailor or  member of its military is killed in  attack in  West Philippine Sea.

Marcos made  remark when asked at  forum hosted by  Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on when  MDT could be invoked amid China’s continued aggressive acts in  WPS.

“As long as they have actually caused casualties, and it has killed  serviceman… whatever their designation are, whether they’re merchant marine or Coast Guard or actual…navy vessels, it does not matter,” he added.

Marcos held trilateral summit with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington last week.

US has reaffirmed its commitment to  Philippines under MDT.

Under  MDT signed in August 1951, Manila and Washington committed to defend each other in the event of  armed attack by  foreign country.

16 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

‘sinkhole’ cause Skyway assessment

By J.Lo

“Yan naman po ay pinagtutulong-tulungan, hindi lamang po ng Maynilad at yung service provider pong tumitingin sa tubo ng tubig nila nangagagaling ang tubig…ganun rin po yung Department of Public Works and Highways ,DPWH at yung Skyway,”  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)  said  authorities are checking if  “sinkhole” appeared on Sales Road in Pasay City affected  integrity of  Skyway. 

This has been said by MMDA chairman Romando Artes in  press conference on. 

“Kung makikita natin sa pictures, maraming poste ng Skyway ang nandyan so kailangan din pong tignan kung naapektuhan ‘yung integrity nitong mga poste po ng Skyway,” he added.

Authorities found  deep hole on Sales Road near Villamor Air Base in Pasay City .

Initially, small cracks were noticed at 6 in the morning which rapidly expanded into  three-meter-wide crater that was 10 feet deep.

“Sa ngayon naman po, safe naman po ‘yung mga Skyways natin… ‘yun lamang po, kanila pong i-a-assess ito during the day kung ano o ‘yung epekto ng sinkhole na ito at ano ang extent ng damage,” Artes said. 

Maynilad informed residents of five barangays near Sales Road to anticipate delays or interruptions in water supply until 10 in the evening  on Sunday as repair work is carried out on affected water lines.

Following  appearance of  “sinkhole”,  affected lanes were closed to road users.

To resolve this,  MMDA  had implemented  counterflow or temporary reversal of  direction of traffic flow in one or more lanes.

Portion  of  eastbound lane of Sales Road, near Villamor Air Base’s Gate 3, was closed to vehicular traffic, according to Facebook post by  MMDA.

Pothole  gradually collapsed until  water underneath was exposed, according to photos shared by MMDA .

MMDA traffic enforcer said  pothole grew to  estimated three meters in width and three meters in depth.

Pothole  occupied  middle of  two-lane road, was blocked off with traffic cones and plastic road barriers, enforcer added.

MMDA advised motorists to avoid  area,  usually gets congested during rush hour, and use other roads.

According to radio reports, drivers on Sales Road’s westbound lane from Nichols going to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 have been allowed to counterflow on eastbound lane.

According to Loreta Malaluan, Metro Manila regional director of  Department of Public Works and Highways, water concessionaire Maynilad suspected  pothole could have been caused by  leak from its pipeline that drenched and softened  soil.

Skyway management sent  vacuum truck to siphon  water from  pothole, while Maynilad personnel checked for  source of  leak.

Maynilad personnel refused to call  pothole  “sinkhole,” saying  latter refers to  natural phenomenon and is not caused by any infrastructure project.

16 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

P100K for MMDA enforcers not bribe, Chavit Singson clarifies

By J.Lo

“Sa Monday ko ibibigay, kasi ipinagpaalam ko muna baka akala nila bribe ‘yun…ano ‘yun, to encourage enforcers to do their duties and to show that no one is above the law,” former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson explained  P100,000 he plans to give to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers is intended as  reward for doing their job and not as  bribe.

At  the grand opening of BB.Q Chicken’s latest store in Ayala Mall Feliz, Singson elaborated on details of the incident.

He said that he will give the reward money on Monday. 

“Whatever  reason, kako nga talagang kasalanan namin dahil nag-overtake kami du’n, e…umiwas lang kami pero maski na anong rason, mali pa rin kami kako at hindi dapat tularan,” he added.

Singson apologized for violating bus lane rules. 

“Humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa MMDA…pinapahanap ko na si Chairman Romando Artes, magpapadala ako ng P100,000 premyo sa mga nanghuli para ma-encourage sila na manghuli,” he said. 

BB.Q Chicken Philippines opened its Avala Malls Feliz branch, marking its debut in Pasig and its seventh store in the Philippines. 

Branch  boasts  inviting ambiance and spacious event area, making it  perfect venue for special occasions and gatherings.  Restaurant  offers versatile function rooms ideal for private parties, corporate events, and celebrations of all kinds, Guests can also unwind and socialize at the beautiful bar, enjoying  refreshing selection of beverages alongside BB.Q Chicken’s mouthwatering menu offerings.

To celebrate its grand opening, BB.Q Chicken Ayala Malls Feliz invites guests to experience its irresistible lineup of Korean fried chicken, tantalizing sides, and signature sauces. Whether indulging in  meal with family and friends or hosting  memorable event,  restaurant promises  unforgettable culinary journey.

15 Abril 2024, Lunes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

Belgium, France poultry products ban lifted

By J.Lo

“Based on  evaluation of  Department of Agriculture,  risk of contamination from importing live poultry, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen is negligible,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has lifted  ban on  importation of poultry products from Belgium and France, saying  outbreak of avian influenza in the two countries has already been contained.

Laurel has issued Memorandum Order No. 15, allowing  resumption in  importation of domestic and wild birds and their products from Belgium.

MO said  based on official self-declaration report of Belgium to  World Organization for Animal Health, no additional outbreaks were reported after cases were reported on Feb. 21 in Belgium and Feb. 24 in France.

Laurel previously issued MO 2 banning  importation of live poultry, poultry, products and by-products, including day-old chicks and hatching eggs originating from Belgium, following outbreak of bird flu in that country.

Also covered by  lifting of prohibition include poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs and semen.

He added that resumption in  importation of poultry products from Belgium should be in accordance with existing rules and regulations of  DA.

Meanwhile, the agriculture chief also lifted  ban on  importation of poultry products from France after he issued MO 1 prohibiting  entry of products and by-products from that country.

15 Abril 2024, Lunes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

Heat index in 13 areas to reach ‘dangerous’ classification

By J.Lo

Most  parts of the country are under  “extreme caution” classification, with temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C.

Thirteen areas in the Philippines are expected to experience scorching temperatures up to 45 °Celsius (°C), according to the latest data of state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Weather  agency’s latest heat index bulletin said 13 areas will be under  “danger” classification, with temperatures ranging from 42°C to 45°C.

Dagupan City, Pangasinan, according to state weather bureau, could record 45°C heat index.

Following  are  other areas forecast with heat index under “danger” classification: 

• NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
• Aparri, Cagayan – 43ºC
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42ºC
• ISU Echague, Isabela – 42ºC
• Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 42ºC
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44ºC
• Aborlan, Palawan – 42ºC
• Virac, Catanduanes – 42ºC
• Masbate City, Masbate – 42ºC
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 42ºC
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42ºC

Heat  index, also referred to as  apparent temperature, factors in both relative humidity and  actual air temperature, providing  measure of how hot it feels.

PAGASA has issued  warning under  “danger” classification as temperatures soar between 42°C to 51°C. 

It warned that individuals are at risk of heat-related ailments such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion under scorching heat. 

To avoid potential complications from  extreme heat, state weather bureau advised public to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and schedule daily activities during cooler times later in the day.

15 Abril 2024, Lunes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

‘PWDs, single parents get birth certificates for free’

By Nidz Godino

“Instead of paying for these requirements, this will be  big help to our PWDs and solo parents, since this will give them substantial savings that they can use for other equally important matters,” Rep. Erwin Tulfo, House of Representatives deputy majority leader for communications, added  ACT-CIS party-list  vowed to push for  law that will make  acquisition of birth certificates and other government clearances free of charge to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and single parents.

Tulfo,  party-list’s first nominee, said  this would “reduce  expenses” of PWDs and single parents in seeking jobs, since these public documents are used as employment requirements, among other things.

Under the bill, documents such as birth certificates; National Bureau of Investigation, police and barangay clearances, and even  health certificate will be given free to PWDs and single parents, according to the broadcast journalist-turned-lawmaker.

“This is because many of our PWDs have maintenance and therapy that costs substantial, too, while our solo parents are burdened by bringing up their children all by themselves, which also takes  financial toll on them, any savings that they could attain would be  very big help, especially if they’re looking for employment,” he said.

At present, there is existing law that these requirements will be free  but only for first time jobseekers.

“Bill that we will be filing in  House will make free of charge  not just for first timers government documents  PWDs and solo parents will be needing for their employment requirements,” Tulfo said.

15 Abril 2024, Lunes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

SC affirms conviction for child abuse due to ‘damaging’ remarks

By J.Lo

“ACCORDINGLY,  instant Petition is DENIED.  Amended Decision dated June 21, 2022 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. CR No. 01784-MIN is AFFIRMED with MODIFICATION. Petitioner Rowena B. Plasan is GUILTY of violation of Section 1 0(a), in relation to Section 3(b) (1)of Republic Act No. 7610,” decision read. 

 Supreme Court has upheld  conviction of  woman guilty of child abuse due to remarks that attacked the character, reputation and dignity of  minor.

In  12-page decision by Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez,  high court denied  petition of Rowena  Plasan assailing her conviction for violation of the Republic Act No. 7610, or  Anti-Child Abuse Law.

Following her conviction,  SC said  she would face imprisonment of  four years, nine months and 11 days, minimum, up to six years and nine months, maximum. 

Plasan was also ordered to pay  victim  amount of P20,000 as moral damages.

Case  stemmed when Plasan inflicted emotional and psychological maltreatment on  16-year-old with remarks concerning her body which she said to the minor’s friend.

The minor, whom SC named, AAA262122, overheard their conversation and rushed home to her mother saying that she felt ashamed and angry.  

Following  incident, AAA262122 refused to leave  house.

The minor then filed charges against Plasan.  Regional Trial Court (RTC) later found her guilty, as AAA262122 “positively identified” her as someone “who willfully, unlawfully and feloniously committed emotional abuse upon her.” This led minor to refuse to leave her house due to shame.

Countering  charges, Plasan then filed  petition assailing  decision of  RTC before  Court of Appeals. However,  appellate court affirmed RTC’s conviction. 

This prompted Plasan to file  petition for review before  SC.

SC also affirmed  decision of  lower courts saying  Plasan attacked minor’s “character, reputation and dignity” in her presence which are considered psychological abuse, citing  Anti-Child Abuse law. 

“This naturally gave rise to psychological abuse within  context of Section 3(b )( 1) of Republic Act No. 7610 and this abuse became apparent as she felt ashamed and did not want to go out of their house anymore,” SC said.