Dev Flores

The Department of Health (DOH) did not recommend travel restrictions amid the reported cases of Nipah virus in India. 

Although this is transmissible from animal to human or human to human, the Bureau of Quarantine recommended strengthening awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of the virus and its detrimental effect on the community.

Hence, the health department is disseminating information at points of entry and enforces stricter airport screening at the borders of the country.

Furthermore, DOH Spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo said that the Philippines is equipped to protect the Filipinos against the virus. He also reminded us to be cautious in choosing the right meat and to cook meals well to prevent contamination. 

OWWA Deputy Administrator Jasmine Gapatan cautions OFWs in Bahrain about reported scam incidents.

“The Philippine Embassy [to] the Kingdom of Bahrain warns the public about a scam phone calls and messages from individuals falsely claiming to be from the embassy,” she said

Based on the Embassy’s report, one of the scammers’ schemes in Manama is to use the Embassy’s emblem on WhatsApp to appear legitimate. 

The scammers will offer Assistance-to-Nationals Services in exchange for money. 

However, the Embassy emphasized that they will never ask for money to provide this kind of assistance.

They also reiterate that they only use their official accounts to provide information and assistance.

With reports from Evan Alvarez

Some airports in Asian countries like Thailand and Nepal implemented stricter airport screening due to reported incidents of a deadly outbreak, the Nipah Virus in West Bengal, India. 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that the Nipah Virus is commonly found in bats, but it can be transmitted in other animals like pigs.

“In this first outbreak, bats initially spread the Nipah virus to pigs. People who worked closely with the infected pigs got sick, as well,” they said

Moreover, WHO mentioned that the virus is also transmissible from animals to humans through contaminated food. Human-to-human transmission is also possible. 

The fatality rate ranges from 40% to 70%.

The following symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Myalgia (Muscle Pain)
• Vomiting
• Sore Throat

In the Philippines, the last recorded case of Nipah Virus was in 2014 in Sultan Kudarat. 

Recently, there have been no recorded cases of the virus in our country.

However, DOH Spokesperson Asec.  Albert Domingo mentioned that the Philippines is ready for the Nipah virus and other diseases, and its epidemiology bureau is consistently monitoring the cases.

He also stated to be cautious in picking the right meat for your meal.

“Pinakamainam na kumain ng karne na aprubado ng ating National Meat Inspection Service o NMIS, at palaging lutuin nang maigi ang pagkain.” he said

[“The best choice is to eat meat that is approved by our National Meat Inspection Service or NMIS, and always cook your meals well.”]

There are no vaccines or medicines that may cure against the virus.

With reports from Gladys Toabi

President Bongbong Marcos Jr. conferred a 4-star rank on newly promoted PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

After the rank conferment ceremony and oath-taking in Malacañang, PNP Chief Nartatez Jr. proceeded to Camp Crame to receive arrival honors and was welcomed by high-ranking police officials.

Following his promotion, PNP Chief Nartatez Jr. identified crime reduction in the Philippines as one of his primary objectives.

“Well, ang bilin ng ating Pangulo is continue ‘yung trabaho ng Philippine National Police. Ensure that the community is safe. Ensure na mapababa natin ang krimen.” he said

[“Well, the instruction of the President is to continue the work of the Philippine National Police. Ensure that the community is safe. Ensure to lessen the crime.”]

He also noted that to make crime reduction feasible, it is important to ensure high police morale, salary increases, quality training, and sufficient funding.

With reports from Lea Ylagan

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The Bacolod City Local Government Unit (LGU) has implemented a ₱500.00 penalty for individuals caught giving money to beggars.

This enforcement is part of a safety measure aiming to lessen the number of beggars and the possibility of using their money for vices. 

Beyond that, there have been reported incidents of violent actions and behaviors exhibited by beggars toward individuals who decline to provide monetary alms. 

The LGU clarifies that non-monetary assistance, such as food, is allowed.

With reports from Lalaine Morenno. 

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