MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Navotas has placed its city hall under lockdown from February 24 at 8:01 p.m. until February 28 at 11:59 p.m.

The order was imposed after 24 city hall personnel tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

All transactions with the city government have been suspended.

The areas under lockdown include the City Hall Annex, the office of the Navoserve, and the Office of the Franchising and Permits Processing Unit.

Mayor Toby Tiangco has asked the City Council to extend the deadline for payments of taxes and other arrears from February 28 to March 5, 2021 in relation to the lockdown.

For inquiries regarding the affected services, the public call the hotline number 8281-8531.

NAVOTAS, Philippines—Two people have died while over 20 others are still recovering after being exposed to an ammonia leak at an ice plant in Navotas City on Wednesday evening (February 3).

Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco, in a tweet, confirmed the identity of the second casualty. The body of Joselito Jazareno, 54, was found on Thursday (February 4). Jazareno worked as an electrician at T.P. Marcelo Ice Plant.

Ngayong umaga, nakumpirma po nating may isa pang namatay sa ammonia leak sa TP Marcelo Ice Plant and Cold Storage. Siya po ay si Joselito Jazareno, 54, residente ng Malabon at electrician ng kompanya. Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon, nakita po siya malapit sa sumabog na surge tank.

— Toby Tiangco (@TobyTiangco) February 4, 2021

The first reported casualty, Gilbert Tiangco, passed away on Wednesday.

Out of 99 individuals that were rushed to the hospital, only 26 are still recovering at the Philippine General Hospital.  

Tiangco also said the company vowed to provide assistance to the victims of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is looking into the possible cause of the leak. One possible cause, according to BFP-NCR Director FCSupt. Gilbert Dolot, is high pressure from welding activities which triggered the explosion of an ammonia-filled nurse tank at the ice plant.

However, Dolot said the BFP cannot fully conduct an investigation yet since its personnel cannot enter the premises due to high toxicity.

“Our team cannot do the investigation right away now sa ating site dahil malakas pa iyong level ng toxicity ng ammonia,” he said.

He assured that the BFP will immediately begin investigation once the area is safe. AAC

MANILA, Philippines — The Kalibo International Airport is currently under a three-day lockdown after several of its personnel tested positive for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The airport is on lockdown from January 19 to 21 to give way to disinfection after 11 employees were confirmed to have contracted the viral respiratory disease last week.

The lockdown includes offices outside the passenger terminal building but within the airport complex, particularly the Administrative Office of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Aerodome Rescue Fire Fighting station, and the Philippine Airlines ticketing office.

Airport operations will resume on Friday, January 22.