Dev Flores

Amid continuous rains across parts of Luzon, residents face disruptions and hazards. Due to flooding and landslides, residents are forced to stay in evacuation centers to keep them safe from the hazards brought by the severe weather.

But did you know that there are health risks present in staying in evacuation centers?

To help protect your family from illness, Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Pau Vanadero outlines common health risks in evacuation centers and essential safety tips:

1. Respiratory Infection

(Flu, COVID-19, Cough, Cold, etc.)

Bacteria and viruses may spread quickly in crowded areas, making respiratory illnesses, like cough and cold, highly contagious.

Wear a face mask to minimize transmission, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

2. Skin Infection

(Athlete’s foot, rashes, scabies, etc.)

Dr. Vanadero mentioned that the “moist area is very favorable for fungal infections like tinea pedis (athlete’s foot).”

Skin rashes or scabies are also possible, especially in crowded areas.

Hence, avoid sharing footwear, clothes, towels, or bedding with others.

3. Parasitic Infection

(Head lice)

Parasitic infection can spread rapidly through direct contact or shared personal items, such as using combs owned by an infected individual.

Avoid sharing combs, brushes, or headwear as long as possible.

4. Foodborne Infection

This infection comes from contaminated water.

Make sure that all water used for drinking and cooking is clean and safe. Bring an adequate supply of clean water stored in sealed containers when transferring to evacuation centers.

Take note of these health risks, and apply the safety reminders the next time you stay in evacuation centers.

Stay safe, mga Kasangbahay!

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Two military officers, Col. Manaros Boransing and Col. Magtangol Panopio, are set to appear and take the witness stand on the 20th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Their testimonies were related to the military certifications used by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the liquidation of confidential funds when the Vice President was the Secretary of the agency at that time.

Also included in the prosecution’s witnesses are Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Assistant National Statistician Marizza Grande and former DepEd Undersecretary, Spokesperson, and Chief of Staff — now defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa.

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The prosecution team is unbothered if the defense panel plans to call former Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group Commander Col. Raymund Dante Lachica as a witness in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Kung ipapatawag nila, go ahead. Diba? And we’re ready to cross-examine him,” Prosecution’s Legal Spokesperson Atty. Benjamin Tolosa said

[“If they call him, go ahead. Right? And we’re ready to cross-examine him.”]

For Lead Public Prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro, she believes that it is no longer necessary for the prosecution team to call Lachica and Nolasco as witnesses.

“I am more inclined not to present Lachica and Nolasco. My position is simple. May misuse na ba noong sinabi ni Gina Acosta na tinurn over niya the entire amount to the security officer who is a non-accountable officer? May misappropriation na ba? May irregular liquidation na ba?” she said

Meanwhile, in response, Lachica stated that he is ready to show up before the court and tell the truth.

“I have never refused to appear or testify; if lawfully called, I am prepared to tell the truth, subject to applicable laws and security restrictions,” he said

With reports from Rosalie Coz

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Following the violence that happened in San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, the prosecutor's office already decided to file charges against the policewoman who owned the gun used in the shooting incident.

Police Staff Sergeant Arla Ray Pacencia may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and physical injuries.

The  Philippine National Police (PNP) supports the decision of the prosecutor's office as it serves as a lesson and reminder for gun owners to be responsible in handling their own firearms.

“Ito po ay makakapagpaalala sa ating mga registered gun owners lalo na sa ating mga kapulisan and other law enforcement agencies na humawak po ng baril na ingatan po ng ating baril and there are consequences sa hindi po nating pag-iingat sa ating mga armas,” PNP Public Information Office Acting Chief, PCol. Allen Rae Co said

PCol. Co also mentioned that even though PSSg Pecencia didn’t intend for the tragedy to happen, she must still be held accountable for the negligence.

“Siguro wala namang intensyon yung may-ari ng baril yung atin pong policewoman na of course na magamit ito sa ganitong karumal-dumal na insidente. Pero dahil nga sa kapabayaan, sa hindi tamang pag-iingat sa kanyang issued firearm ay ito nga ang naging resulta,” he said

Hence, PCol. Co reminded all firearm owners to properly secure their weapons.

With reports from Lea Ylagan

The City of Manila has recorded new cases of waterborne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue or W.I.L.D. diseases.

Based on the data from the Manila Health Department, 40 new cases of influenza-like illness were added to the tally.

The city also logged 38 cases of leptospirosis, 7 cases of dengue, and one case of severe acute respiratory infection. 

Authorities urge the public to consult the nearest health facility immediately if they experience symptoms related to any illness.

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