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Hospitals ready for leptospirosis cases spike — DOH
By J.Lo
“To allow for prompt management, doctors and their suspect or probable leptospirosis patients are hereby advised to divert to nearby equally capable hospitals,” Dr. Alberto Domingo, Department of Health (DOH) spokesman said in reaction to reports that San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) is facing manpower and medicine shortages due to sudden rise in leptospirosis cases DOH assured public that, amid rising number of leptospirosis cases, other hospitals are ready and capable to admit patients.
Domingo said department continually assesses clinical, epidemiologic and logistics situation to effectively respond to anticipated rise in leptospirosis cases.
Although SLH is yet to reach full capacity, doctors reported that they are starting to run out of medical staff as leptospirosis admissions rose to 57 Saturday.
According to hospital staff, SLH only has four hemodialysis machines and that only three nurses can operate these. Thus, further rise in number of leptospirosis patients who would need dialysis will lead to bigger problem.
Domingo said hospitals, other than National Kidney and Transplant Institute and SLH, could also attend to leptospirosis patients.
DOH previously issued memorandum directing all hospitals in National Capital Region to activate their surge capacity in anticipation of possible rise in leptospirosis cases.
Meanwhile, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) is preparing for possible spike in cases as rainy season continues.
During leptospirosis crisis management conference, OMMC director Aileen Lacsamana called on division chiefs to prepare hospital’s resources and bed capacity to accommodate anticipated rise in number of patients.
“As public health care workers, we must be able to give highest quality health care service to public to best of our capacity… people need us, and we should be there to serve them regardless of their status in life,” Lacsamana said.
Data from OMMC Department of Internal Medicine shows hospital has treated approximately 37 patients since Typhoon Carina hit. Significant portion of these cases comes from fifth district of Manila, where OMMC is located. Most of cases reported have been classified as mild.
Despite current manageable situation, Lacsamana emphasized importance of remaining vigilant and focused. She urged medical staff to apply their training and experience to provide best possible care to public.
Marbil’s drug campaign targets sources, not pushers
By J.Lo
“Our previous strategies concentrated too much on cutting off heads, but we need to target the body , entire supply chain and sources driving drug trade,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil unveiled new approach to country’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, focused on dismantling drug supply chains rather than targeting street-level pushers and users.
Strategy aims to be more effective and less violent, emphasizing human rights and addressing root causes of drug problem, according to Marbil.
He likened drug crisis to mythical Hydra, creature that grows more heads when one is cut off, indicating that previous strategies were ineffective in addressing underlying issues.
The PNP chief said recalibrated strategy will involve intensified intelligence operations and increased community engagement to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks.
According to Marbil, focus will be on high-value drug personalities and flow of illegal drugs across the country, targeting those who orchestrate trade and profit from it.
“We are now focusing on high-value drug personalities and movements of illegal drugs across the country… real targets those who orchestrate trade and profit from it, not street-level pushers and users, who are often victims of circumstance,” he explained.
Marbil emphasized importance of minimizing violence in this new approach stating that they aim to address drug problem without resorting to bloodshed.
He stressed that by focusing on real culprits and protecting victims, they can make communities safer while respecting human rights.
Marbil said strategic shift aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for safer and more secure Philippines.
He pointed out that recalibrated strategy is “critical step toward achieving that goal.”
“With this approach, we are not only saving lives but also working toward better future for our nation…we are committed to addressing drug issue with compassion, strategy, and adherence to rule of law,” Marbil said.
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Karylle mourns passing of Papa M.Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari
By Nidz Godino
“It is with profound sadness that I announce passing of my dad, Papa M, Doc, Dr. ‘M,’ Moy, Tito M…he was beloved man who lived life fully…always presence in room, while also making sure everyone felt seen and heard…he, too, was always seen and heard with his handsome “cute” face, youthful porma, and booming voice,” wrote on Instagram singer-actress-host Karylle confirmed passing of her father, Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari, in an Instagram post today.
“It’s Showtime” host penned moving tribute for her father, whom she fondly called Papa M.
Karylle described her late dad as “everyone’s dream dad.” Dr. Tatlonghari was type who “brightens up people’s days.” He was “Baguio boy and Laguna lad!” who was topnotcher at dental board.
Karylle also shared that her dad was boy scout, and revealed interesting story about it.
“Boy scout who was supposed to be one of the streets in Jamboree circle in Quezon City, I am grateful to Lolo Benny and Lola Thelma for not allowing him to go to jamboree despite him already having funding from San Miguel where lolo worked…it was pretty great life extension,” Karylle wrote.
On July 28, 1963, there were 24 Filipino Boy Scouts who were on their way to Marathon, Greece to join 11th World Scout Jamboree. Their plane crashed off Arabian Sea. Several streets in Tomas Morato area in Quezon City are named after Filipino Boy Scouts.
Karylle ended her post by recalling how she and Dr. Tatlonghari enjoyed movie “Little Shop of Horrors,” which had Manila staging where she was part of the cast.
“It means so much to me that he saw my play 4 times … ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was our favorite movie and, like him, happy part of my childhood…it breaks my heart that I couldn’t have spent more time with him,” Karylle wrote.
Her post came with pictures from wake held in Santuario de San Jose Parish in Greenhills.
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Movies, series showing this August 2024
By Cynthia Montojo
Philippines is still riding high from country’s performance at 2024 Paris Olympics, but once Games are over, people will be back to looking for things to watch.
August certainly won’t leave everyone wanting, given selection of movies and shows to see, highlighted by films competing at 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Here is list of films and series premiering this month in local theaters and on streaming platforms:
Cinemas
“Borderlands” (August 7) Directed by Eli Roth Starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Edgar Ramirez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, and Jamie Lee Curtis
Synopsis: An adaptation of the video game of the same name following an outlaw who returns to where she grew up forming an alliance of misfits to find the missing daughter of the most powerful man in the universe.
“It Ends With Us” (August 7) Directed by Justin Baldoni Starring Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate, and Hasan Minhaj
Synopsis: An adaptation of the Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel of the same name about a woman in a new relationship being reminded about her own parents’ relationship.
“Unang Tikim” (August 7) Directed by Roman Perez Jr. Starring Angeli Khang, Robb Guinto, Matthew Francisco, Audrey Avila, and Susan Africa
Synopsis: An engaged woman begins to have second thoughts after meeting her first love again.
“When the World Met Miss Probinsyana” (August 7) Directed by JP Bautista-Ninalga Starring Rhian Ramos and Sid Lucero
Synopsis: The true-to-life story of a woman from the province breaking into the male-dominated BPO industry.
“Un/Happy for You” (August 14) Directed by Petersen Vargas Starring Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto, Kaila Estrada, Nonie Buencamino, Ketchup Eusebio, and John Lapus
Synopsis: Ex-lovers try to navigate feelings of anguish and deep affection for each other.
“Alien: Romulus” (August 14) Directed by Fede Alvarez Starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archi Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu
Synopsis: Set between the first two “Alien” movies, a group of young space colonists, while scavenging a derelict space station, comes face to face with the most terrifying life form in space.
“The Roundup: Punishment” (August 14) Directed by Heo Myung-haeng Starring Ma Dong-seok, Kim Mu-yeol, Park Ji-hwan, and Lee Dong-hwi
Synopsis: The fourth entry in “The Roundup” franchise, which sees detective Ma Seok-do take on an online gambling organization.
“And So It Begins” (August 21) Directed by Ramona S. Diaz Starring Leni Robredo, Maria Ressa, Bongbong Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte, and Imelda Marcos
Synopsis: A documentary about the 2022 presidential campaign of former vice president Leni Robredo involving a grassroots movement emerging to protect truth and democracy from growing threats.
“Seventeen Tour ‘Follow’ Again to Cinemas” (August 21) Directed by Oh Yun-dong Starring S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Boo Seung-kwan, Vernon, and Dino
Synopsis: The concert film of K-pop group Seventeen’s concert of the same name, shot from multiple angles with unforgettable moments.
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” (August 21) Directed by Carlos Saldanha Starring Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, Zooey Deschanel, Jemaine Clement, Tanya Reynolds, and Alfred Molina
Synopsis: A sequel to Crockett Johnson’s 1955 children’s book of the same name where the titular character grows up with his magical purple crayon, draws himself off the book’s pages, and into the physical world.
“Blink Twice” (August 21) Directed by Zoe Kravitz Starring Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, and Geena Davis
Synopsis: A cocktail waitress becomes infatuated with a billionaire tech mogul and travels with him to his private island for a luxurious party, where things unravel after her friend disappears.
“Pagtatag! The Documentary” (August 28) Directed by Jed Garcia Starring Pablo, Stell, Ken, Justin, and Josh
Synopsis: The documentary of P-pop kings SB19 on their “Pagtatag!” world tour.
“Real Life Fiction” (August 28) Directed by Paul Soriano Starring Piolo Pascual, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Epy Quizon
Synopsis: A celebrated actor with an illustrious career decides to write, direct, and star in a film that will inevitably bring him closer to his own demise before revealing that his truth may be far from what he has become.
“A Legend” (August 28) Directed by Stanley Tong Starring Jackie Chan, Gülnezer Bextiyar, Yixing Zhang, Aarif Lee, and Chen Lee
Synopsis: An archeologist and his team embark on an expedition to a glacier where a relic discovered there resembles a pendant he saw in his dreams.
Cinemalaya 2024
“Alipato at Muog” Directed by JL Burgos
Synopsis: The sole documentary in competition, revolving around the 2007 disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, the director’s brother.
“Balota” Directed by Kip Oebanda Starring Marian Rivera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr Ranollo, Royce Cabrera, and Donna Cariaga
Synopsis: A teacher volunteering at an election runs into the wilderness to protect a ballot box after violence erupts.
“An Errand” Directed by Dominic Bekaert Starring Sid Lucero, Art Acuña, and Nanding Josef
Synopsis: A driver performs an errand for his boss in the middle of the night, traveling from Baguio to Manila as secrets are unveiled.
“Gulay Lang, Manong” Directed by BC Amparado Starring Cedrick Juan, Perry Dizon, and Ricky Davao
Synopsis: A struggling vegetable farmer and a policeman team up to catch a member of the Benguet Marijuana Cartel.
“The Hearing” Directed by Lawrence Fajardo Starring Mylene Dizon, Ruby Ruiz, and Ina Feleo
Synopsis: A deaf boy sexually abused by an influential priest heads for legal proceedings.
“Kantil” Directed by Joshua Caesar Medroso Starring Edmund Telmo, Andre Miguel, Sue Prado, Raul Arellano, Ram Botero, and Perry Dizon
Synopsis: Star-crossed lovers part ways with looming demolition of a coastal village though the discovery of an alien shell halts their farewell.
“Kono Basho” Directed by Jaime Pecana II Starring Gabby Padilla and Arisa Nakano
Synopsis: Two half-sisters grieve their father’s death in Rikuzentakata, a city still recovering from a tsunami years ago.
“Love Child” Directed by Jonathan Jurilla Starring RK Bagatsing and Jane Oineza
Synopsis: A young, unmarried couple must come to terms on how to properly raise their autistic son.
“Tumandok” Directed by Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sumagaysay Starring Jenaica Sangher and Felipe Ganancial
Synopsis: An Ati community in Iloilo struggle to reclaim their ancestral land, which for years have been under threat of being taken.
“The Wedding Dance” Directed by Julius Lumiqued Starring Arvin Balageo and Christal Dagupen
Synopsis: Based on Amador T. Daguio’s short story of the same name, considered a literary gem looking into some parts of the culture of the Cordilleras, this adaptation focuses in particular on the women in the community.
LIST: Cinemalaya 2024 feature films, gala screening times10 feature films make up the main competition, their gala nights in Ayala Malls Manila Bay scattered throughout …
Netflix
“Lolo and the Kid” (August 7) Directed by Benedict Mique Starring Euwenn Mikael Aleta and Joel Torre
Synopsis: An emotional drama about the relationship between an elderly hustler and a child.
“The Umbrella Academy: Season 4” (August 8) Created by Steve Blackman Starring Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, and Aidan Gallagher
Synopsis: The fourth and final season of the show about a dysfunctional family of adopted sibling superheroes who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death and the threat of an imminent apocalypse.
“Emily in Paris: Season 4 Part 1” (August 15) Created by Darren Star Starring Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, Camille Razat, William Abadie, and Lucien Laviscount
Synopsis: The first half of the fourth season of the show following an American social media strategist in the French capital.
“The Union” (August 16) Directed by Julian Farino Starring Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, Mike Colter, Jackie Earle Haley, and J.K. Simmons
Synopsis: A construction worker is roped into the espionage world by his former high school girlfriend.
“The Elevator” (August 21) Directed by Philip King Starring Paulo Avelino, Kylie Versoza, Adrian Pang, Nik Makino, Rose Van Ginkel, and Chai Fonacier
Synopsis: An elevator boy falls in love with his investor’s mistress, making him choose between his love for her or his dreams for a better future.
“Pop Star Academy: Katseye” (August 21) Directed by Nadia Hallgren Starring Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae
Synopsis: A docu-series about the year-long journey to form the girl group Katseye through K-pop methodologies.
“Secret Lives of Orangutans” (August 22) Directed by Huw Cordey Starring David Attenborough
Synopsis: David Attenborough narrates a documentary following a multi-generational orangutan family through their treetop triumphs and travails.
“Adam Sandler: Love You” (August 27) Directed by Josh Safdie Starring Adam Sandler
Synopsis: Comedian Adam Sandler’s “Love You” comedy special filmed at the Nocturne Theater in Glendale, California.
“The Deliverance” (August 30) Directed by Lee Daniels Starring Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Mo’Nique, Caleb McLaughlin, Demi Singleton, Omar Epps, and Rob Morgan
Synopsis: After moving into a mysterious house, a struggling mother must face down her demons in order to save her children’s souls.
Disney+
“Are You Sure?!” (August 8) Directed by Park Jun-soo Starring Jimin and Jungkook
Synopsis: The two youngest members of BTS visit three destinations to eat, shop, cook, camp, canoe, swim, and go on a road trip together in this docu-series.
“The Tyrant” (August 14) Directed by Park Hoon-jung, Starring Kim Seon-ho, Jo Yoon-su, Cha Seoung-won, and Kim Kangwoo
Synopsis: A black ops team is hired to retrieve a dismantled government project.
Prime Video
“Jackpot!” (August 15) Directed by Paul Feig Starring John Cena, Awkwafina, Simu Liu, Seann William Scott, and Dolly de Leon
Synopsis: Dystopian California has a “Grand Lottery,” where people can kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot.
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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PDEA witness guilty of perjury
By J.Lo
“Superior officer allegedly employing duress, force, intimidation or threat was not even present when accused subscribed Affidavit before State Prosecutor,” San Fernando court said Jonathan Morales, former agent of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) who linked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to illegal drugs, has been found guilty of perjury for giving false testimony.
In 11-page decision promulgated on August 7, San Fernando Municipal Trial Court Branch IV found former PDEA agent guilty beyond reasonable doubt of crime of perjury for lying under oath before court law in 2011.
In June and September of 2011, Morales provided false testimonies before San Fernando City Regional Trial Court Branch 43 against two Chinese nationals suspected of drug trafficking.
He claimed that foreign nationals were selling, transporting and delivering illegal drugs.
Morales, recanted his statements, saying that he was “under duress”. He claimed that his superior, PDEA Director Lyndon Aspacio, forced him to testify against Chinese nationals.
PDEA agent claimed he gave his testimony for fear of getting fired or prosecuted if he would not comply with alleged orders.
However, court was not convinced that Morales was intimidated by Aspacio.
Citing rulings from Supreme Court, municipal trial court said for duress could be exempt from criminal liability if it is based on “real and imminent fear” which is not present.
“Additionally, fear of being transferred to ‘dangerous assignments’ such as in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi is rather speculative, if not discriminatory and unwarranted,” it stressed.
Morales also claimed to have signed alleged leaked PDEA pre-operation report in 2012, purportedly connected Marcos, actress Maricel Soriano and high-profile personalities to illegal drugs and drug use.
PDEA agent was cited in contempt for lying about his personal data sheet and was detained in Senate detention facility on May 20, 2024. He was released on May 25 for “humanitarian considerations.”
In statement, Department of Justice said PDEA agent “was not able to show even very least that his fear for his own welfare or level of duress was real or existing.”
“May this serve as reminder to everyone that court of law was founded by truth and justice where lies and falsehood have no place as it erodes credibility of our government in dealing with its affairs,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in statement.
Morales will face four months of imprisonment with fine of P1,000 and subsidiary imprisonment in case of “insolvency” following San Fernando court’s ruling.
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FMJ preparing hero’s welcome for Yulo, Olympians
By Nidz Godino
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will personally honor athletes and present them with their well-deserved incentives in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to Philippine sports and their stellar performance in 2024 Paris Olympics,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO), said in Facebook post President Marcos is preparing hero’s welcome for two-time Olympic champion Carlos Yulo and the other Filipino athletes who competed 2024 Paris Olympics.
According to PCO, Filipino Olympians will be welcomed by First Family at Malacañang on Tuesday, when they are expected to be feted and granted incentives by the President.
Yulo, who won two gold medals in artistic gymnastics in Paris, will arrive Tuesday afternoon, together with other Olympians. Their families will meet them at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
From Villamor, 2024 Paris Olympics athletes will proceed to Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City for welcome ceremony by government officials before going on heroes’ parade traversing key areas in Manila and culminating at Malacañang.
Apart from Yulo’s two gold medals, Philippines also bagged two bronze medals in Paris Olympics courtesy of Filipino boxers, Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.
Philippines sent 22 athletes to the 2024 Olympics which winds up today.
Marcos aims to add more medalists in future iterations of Olympics and he would ask Yulo how government could help in achieving such feat.
“For me, my interest is to produce more medalists like him ,Yulo,” Marcos said in interview… “I think he will be best person to ask what else it is that we can do.”
Meanwhile, President Marcos has called on public to support Philippines’ hosting of 22nd Asian Karate Youth Championship from Aug. 22 to 25.
Competition will be held at Philsports Multi-purpose Arena in Pasig City and will be participated in by 38 countries and about 900 athletes.
In Memorandum Circular 55 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 16, Marcos directed all government agencies, instrumentalities and local government units to support country’s hosting of the event.
“Asian Karate Federation Championships is highly-anticipated tournament of karate in Asia, aims to bring together best young karate athletes from across the region, hosting of said event in the Philippines will not only promote sport of karate in the country but will also serve as an opportunity for training of Filipino athletes,” Marcos said.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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PRC deploys team amid spike in leptospirosis cases
By J.Lo
“ER is good for 60 patients, but admissions made now reached 120…so, you can imagine our staff being overworked… might not be able to go home because we lack manpower to monitor patients and give them medication,” Dr. Romina Danguilan, NKTI deputy executive director for medical services said surge of leptospirosis cases has left emergency room of National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) at full capacity on Friday, with 67 cases added to 48 currently confined due to bacterial disease.
Responding to surge, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has sent 15-person medical team to provide support to hospital’s staff.
Richard Gordon, PRC chairman and chief executive officer, assured NKTI director Dr. Rose Marie Liquete of PRC’s all-out support. “PRC is ready to deploy medical tents with hospital beds once situation or number of patients further escalates,” Gordon said.
Apart from leptospirosis patients, other patients such as those who will undergo surgery and those suffering from other illnesses are also seeking treatment in the hospital.
Danguilan, said number of patients admitted to emergency room had doubled.
According to the hospital, influx of leptospirosis patients is normal after storm. In this case, recent floods from Typhoon Carina and southwest monsoon is likely factor.
Department of Health (DOH) advised leptospirosis patients to seek medical assistance from other health facilities. “National Kidney and Transplant Institute is currently treating several confirmed and probable leptospirosis cases,” DOH said in an advisory. “To allow for prompt management, doctors and their suspect or probable leptospirosis patients are hereby advised to divert to nearby equally capable hospitals.”
DOH continues to be on guard for leptospirosis cases in the country.
“Department of Health is continually assessing clinical, epidemiologic and logistics situation to effectively respond to anticipated rise in leptospirosis cases after floods of Typhoon Carina and enhanced monsoon,” DOH said.
Data from DOH showed there were 67 cases of leptospirosis recorded nationwide from July 14 to 27. Numbers may change with delayed incoming reports.
It also noted that since start of 2024 until July 27, total number of recorded leptospirosis cases stands at 1,444, 42 percent lower compared to 2,505 cases in the same period last year.
As for fatalities, 162 deaths due to leptospirosis have been recorded for the same time period this year.
Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, PRC secretary general, meanwhile advised public to wear “protective gear” if walking through floodwaters cannot be avoided. “Use proper protection, such as boots and gloves, if they need to wade in contaminated water or floodwaters,” Pang said.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Balancing safety, urgency in draining Terranova
By J.Lo
“We are balancing safety and desire of the people to return to their normal lives,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan in an interview said PCG reiterated need to be careful in draining over million liters of industrial fuel from submerged tanker Terranova.
Painstaking approach in siphoning estimated 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel from Terranova sank 34 meters deep and 3.6 nautical miles off Lamao Point in Limay town, Bataan should not affect nearby highly industrialized areas and “sensitive” marine and coastal areas, he said.
According to an update from PCG’s Bataan oil spill incident commander Michael John Encina, salvage company in charge of siphoning operations for Terranova said “out of 24 valves, 12 have been secured and are leak-free no metal cappings required.”
“For remaining 12 valves, six have been capped as of Aug. 9. .. installation of metal cappings on final six valves are ongoing,” he stressed.
“Very thin” oil sheen from Terranova has been confined to area where oil spill booms were deployed, has been diluted by water later on, he said.
Estimated 300,000 out of 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel would be siphoned while underwater to allow capsized vessel to refloat, and additional 50,000 to 60,000 liters a day would be drained as soon as it is towed to shore.
Meanwhile, Encina said draining of seawater from another sunken tanker Jason Bradley started.
Gavan pointed out siphoning 5,500 liters of diesel oil carried by Jason Bradley would start once capsized tanker has been refloated.
PCG is using absorbent pads, as well as “minimal and careful” use of oil dispersants, to collect leaking oil from Jason Bradley, he added.
With regard to MV Mirola 1 ran aground in Mariveles, Gavan said PCG has collected over hundred liters of water mixed with oil, believed to have come from two drums of heavy oil that spilled inside ship.
Encina added divers started assessing its hull.
With no one from MV Mirola 1 reaching out, PCG’s marine casualty investigation team has coordinated with National Bureau of Investigation for efforts to probe allegations of oil smuggling in grounded ship, he said.
Last year, PCG held 18 sailors from MV Mirola 1 for illegally transferring fuel to three boats off waters of Navotas, according to media report on Jan. 31, 2023.
“This bill proposes to increase compulsory retirement age of PNP ,Philippine National Police officers and personnel from 56 to 57 years old, similar to Armed Forces of the Philippines ,AFP, to ensure continuity and stability in the leadership and excellence in PNP,” Sen. Imee Marcos said in explanatory note Senators are pushing for measures to extend retirement age for police officers from 56 to 57 years while reducing retirement age for teachers from 65 to 60 years.
Marcos filed Senate Bill 2758, amending section 39 of Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as “Department of the Interior and Local Government act of 1990.”
At present, mandatory retirement age of police officers is set at 56 years.
Marcos said there are proposals to raise police age of compulsory retirement due to reasons: increased life expectancy rates based on various studies, extending police officers’ retirement age will ensure more experienced men at helm of PNP and members of police force aged 57 are still agile and physically fit to accomplish their duties, among others.
Undersecretary for Police Affairs Isagani Nerez, in his speech before Pangasinan Police Provincial Office earlier, also said “proposed increase by year of PNP retirement age will allow law enforcers to serve public further.”
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero filed Senate Bill 58, act lowering compulsory retirement age of employees of Department of Education (DepEd) from 65 years to 60 years.
If enacted into law, Escudero said proposed legislation will benefit hundreds and thousands of retirable DepEd personnel, both teaching and non-teaching, who would want to spend prime of their lives doing occupations other than their usual functions in government.
“Present system at DepEd needs skills updating and professional advancement of their personnel in order that services rendered at the department would be restructured and modernized yet perpetual,” he noted.
Escudero said measure shall also open doors of opportunities to young teachers and non-teaching aspirants for jobs at education department.
ISKUP! 