“Rescued” child soldier: Army’s fabricated story

Press Release
By Katungod-Sinirangan Bisayas
July 8, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  “Army’s rescuing an ‘NPA child soldier’, Joel Silvestre, 12 years old, is a fabricated story. It was them [Army] who made him become a child soldier: they taught him to carry and use firearms, made him a guide in their operations and used him to recognize whether farmers they met during operations are members of the New People’s Army (NPA) or not. It was the 34th Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army (PA), who violated the child’s rights,” said Flor Chantal Eco, Katungod-SB’s Secretary-General.

Farmers from Matuguinao, Samar who were mauled and threatened by soldiers from the 34th IB, PA and made to guide their military operations last June 5, 2009 in Brgy. Rizal of the same town revealed last Sunday that there was a boy who served as a guide for the military.  Renato Suarino, 34 years old, who was one of the victims and was mauled by the soldiers, disclosed that the boy was about 10-years old; his face was covered with a ski mask and carried a firearm which he identified as a shotgun. He later recognized the boy by his surname Silvestre.

Eco added that, “Renato heard the news that the boy was taken in Gandara, Samar and knew the boy’s deceased mother and father who currently works in Manila. He also revealed that the boy lives with his grandparents in Brgy. Montalban, Matuguinao. These descriptions fit Joel Silvestre who was claimed by the military as an NPA child soldier whom they rescued. Their side of the story is a complete lie to cover up the human rights violations they committed to the child and the farmers from Matuguinao and to further malign our organization and personalities which they have been doing in their radio program in Catbalogan, Samar in the past weeks.”

“Once again, the military is staging their infamous tactics of making up stories of NPA child soldiers. Like past cases of “NPA child soldiers”, they abduct children, parade them to the media and claim to have rescued them. Joel’s case is no different from the others. They’re using this tactic to cover-up their continued human rights violations every time they conduct military operations in the hinterlands. We should not believe whatever they say because of their smeared credibility and bloody hands,” Eco concluded.

Congresswoman Tan guest of honor at 34th IB

By 2Lt. JELYNNE D. UNABIA, (CAV) PA
July 8, 2009

SAN JORGE, Samar  –  The Congresswoman of 2nd District of Samar, Hon. Sharee Ann Tan-Delos Santos serves as the guest of honor and speaker during the Closing Ceremony of the Unit Pre-deployment Training Class 02-09 and the Pinning of Ranks to Newly Promoted Enlisted Personnel (EP) of 34th Infantry (RELIABLE) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army on Saturday July 4, 2009 this municipality.

Congresswoman Tan-Delos Santos together with Col. Dionisio C. Miguel INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 34th IB pinned the ranks of the 43 newly promoted enlisted personnel and the giving of certificate of completion to the 7 Privates for completing the Unit Pre-deployment Training Class 02-09.

In her message, Congresswoman Tan-Delos Santos commended the 34th Infantry Battalion for the strong commitment and dedication in ensuring peace and the safety of Samarnons. And request to further strengthen the convergence of efforts in working hand-in-hand for the peace and order in the area and fast track the development in Samar.

She also added that the military units are of great help to all Samareños in terms of helping in the delivery of the basic services to the people especially in far-flung barangays. She then advised all the newly-trained and newly promoted EP to be more responsible, be friendlier and to be a role model to everyone. She also emphasized to not only put into mind all the lessons that they have learned but also put it in their hearts for the service of the people.

Meanwhile, Col. Miguel expressed his gratitude for the presence and inspiration of Congresswoman Tan-Delos Santos to the officers, men and dependents of 34th IB.

“Rest-assured that we will continue to reach out to hopefully develop a strong linkage and partnership with the local officials and the various sectors of society and to always uphold to our sworn mandate to protect the people and the state,” Col. Miguel said in his remarks.

Region 8 symposium on Climate Change set in Calbayog City

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
July 8, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  A symposium entitled “Enhancing Communities’ Capacity to Confront Extreme Geo-Meteorological Events at the Core of Climate Change,” is set to be conducted on July 10, 2009 at the Don Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology in Calbayog City.

The symposium is part of the series being conducted by the National Institute of Geological Sciences of the University of the Philippines, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration of the Department of Science and Technology, and the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development of DOST, Dr. Rodolfo A. Tamayo, the project leader, informed.

Dr. Tamayo said that the symposium will serve as a venue for earth scientists, local government units and non-government and business organizations to present recent findings and discuss key issues on climate change.

The principal aim of the activity is to bring the climate change issue to key places of the Philippines in such a way that the people would be updated on recent scientific information, and provide a means to identify policy issues that the government can address as it confronts climate change.

In the symposium at Calbayog City, Climate Change-Related Extreme Weather Conditions will be discussed by Mr. Nathaniel Cruz, OIC of the Operations and Services of PAGASA.

Climate Change-Related Extreme Geological Events will be discussed by Dr. Rodolfo A. Tamayo of the National Institute of Geological Sciences of the University of the Philippines.

The Philippine Climate Change Initiatives will be presented by Ms. Gerarda Asuncion Merilo, Senior Environmental Management Specialist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Moreover, the Science and Techonoly Intervention on Climate Change will be presented by Engr. Albert Marino, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research Development.

Finally, the topic Local Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change will be discussed by Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento who is the chairman of the Regional Development Council of Eastern Visayas.

DTI Samar ushers SMEs week

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
July 7, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Samar ushers Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development week that started with a thanksgiving mass at the DTI Samar office on Monday.

The group of SMEs, some line agencies and the DTI staff then proceeded to Cocina  de Cabral for the SME Development Advocacy Seminar.

Ms. Meilou Macabare, OIC Provincial Director of DTI Samar in her opening message said that Samar’s SMEs have been growing with DTI through the years.

A week-long activity has been set by DTI to celebrate July 6-10 as SMED week. More than 50 food producers and processors filled Cocina de Cabral, venue of the SME Development Advocacy Seminar last Monday. Ms. Ruthelma Samonte of DTI outlined the activities in store for the week.

On July 7, 2009, Samar’s South Maqueda Bay Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) municipalities will be signing the MOA for close cooperation.

LRED cluster is a participatory planning and implementation process wherein public and private stakeholders in a locality work together to improve conditions for economic growth and employment generation.

On July 8, DTI will sponsor a consumer information seminar for interested consumers at the DTI provincial office.

Meanwhile, three entities will be awarded on July 9 at the Provincial 2009 (One Town One Product) OTOP and SMED congress at the Flaming Hat Restaurant.

Video showing of EntrePinoys will be showed for free on July 10 as the week folds up.

Samonte added that they will recognize SMEs and the LGUs supportive of OTOP and SMED.

SMED is organized to help small business men in through the establishment of needed environment and opportunities conducive to the growth and development of the small and medium enterprises.

Governor Evardone forms Provincial Task Force on Climate Change

By MARIA KONICA CATAPANG
July 6, 2009

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  The first ever in the whole region, Governor Ben P. Evardone of Eastern Samar inked an executive order forming a Provincial Task Force on Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation during the Climate Change Forum held last June 30, 2009 at the PGO Conference Hall, Capitol Building. The said activity is jointly spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), in connection with the celebration of the Environment Month.

The said provincial task force chaired by the governor himself is a localized version of the National Task Force on Climate Change as stated on EO 774 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and will be composed of 18 task groups on such areas as fishery, agriculture, clean water, solid waste management, and information dissemination.

Around 100 participants coming from various sectors including representatives from local government units, national agencies, religious sectors and the academe around the province witnessed the historic signing of the said executive order. They also discussed and deliberated on the issue on climate change and global warming, the forum being pegged on the theme, “Your Planet Needs You - Unite to Combat Climate Change”. Prominent figures who graced the said affair includes Governor Ben P. Evardone, DENR Regional Director Leticia Maceda, DILG Dir. Manuel Lagrimas, Father Euly Belizar of the Diocese of Borongan, SP Member Editha Sepulveda, PENR Officer Forester Danilo A. Javier and Provincial Agriculturist Jesus Agda.

In his giving of rationale of the activity, forester Elpidio E. Simon of CENRO-Borongan emphasized on the need for the conservation, protection and restoration of our environment. “Global warming may be a big problem, but each one of us has its own little way to help solve the problem,” he told the participants. On the other hand, Atty. Byron Suyot, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Governor, warmly welcomed the attendees, citing the urgent need for the province to take a united stand against this pressing atmospheric problem.

Dir. Maceda, in her message, also showed her passion for this cause, congratulating the governor for spearheading the forum and forming the task force, the first in the region. She cited Eastern Samar as a highly vulnerable province as majority of the municipalities is along the coast. “The worst is yet to come if we will not do anything,” she cautioned, citing the 70 centimeters sea level rise and 4.8 degrees centigrade rise on temperature. She also warned against stronger typhoons, rainy summer and extended droughts that is and will be affecting the province. She also emphasized on effective and planned adaptation, and on adjustment and responding to actual effects. “Let us not make the problem work. We must involve all the sectors and set local priorities” she added.

To this, Governor Evardone enthusiastically responded, announcing his plans of replicating the Climate Change Forum this August in the municipalities of Borongan, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Guiuan, Canavid and Dolores, and the same activity in the southern municipalities on November. He also related his plans on giving out college scholarship programs in the field of environment and community service for deserving graduating high school students this coming school year. “The consciousness of the need to protect the environment is more than enough to solve the problem,” he told the participants.”We are also planning to conduct an information and education campaign (IEC) among the youth, visiting Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities around the province. This is so, because I fully acknowledge the vital role of the youth in the preservation and conservation of the environment for future generation.”

During the forum proper, Forester Dorinda L. Labro, Focal person on Climate Change – Mitigation and Adaptation from PENRO, gave an orientation on Climate Change and E.O 774, discussing the different impacts of climate changes such as accelerated water cycle, thawing of ice caps, and rise of ocean temperature, and their effects on vital sectors such as health, energy, and agriculture. “Climate change is a global problem with local solutions,” she emphasized. “We have started to converge, we have to continue to converge, and stop our inaction.” She was also all praises to Governor Evardone for the chance given by the provincial government so that she could advance and promote this cause.

Meanwhile, Father Euly Belizar from the Diocese of Borongan and Mr. Tito Dadulla of DEPED both shared their concern on sand and gravel extraction in Sabang Suribao and Calingatngan respectively, during the open forum. PENRO seriously promised to look unto this issue and make the necessary investigations. Another concern aired out by Danilo Alura professor of from Eastern Samar State University is the implementation of the different environmental laws in the local level, to which the Director Maceda positively answered that almost 80% of the municipalities in the problems have already complied with some of the basic components of the various environmental mandates.

Also highlight of the forum was the signing of Environmental Creed, as a final gesture of commitment to the cause against the fight on climate change and global warming.

'Change not possible under GMA' – Trillanes

Pushes for transparency among 285 bills filed, says report

 By Office of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV
July 6, 2009

PASAY CITY  –  Senator Antonio Trillanes IV supported the public clamor for an election in 2010 by saying change under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is ‘not possible.’

“Any illusions of change are simply not possible under the administration of GMA,” he said in a published annual report.

According to the same report, Trillanes was ranked sixth in the Senate for his 285 total bills on several advocacies as poverty alleviation, national defense and security, affordable and accessible health care and education, and environmental protection in only his second year in office.

He stressed good governance and civil service reforms as priorities by proposing heavier penalties against violations by contractors and subcontractors in public works projects and the public officials involved.

“We should fight against the alarming propensity of this administration to punish whistleblowers of anomalous transactions instead of the perpetrators, most of whom are part of government themselves,” Trillanes said.

He also addressed issues among the youth and women sectors with bills that would subject private schools to stricter government regulation against tuition hikes, and include PhilHealth coverage for diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer.

This year Trillanes authored and coauthored seven bills and resolutions that were passed into law, including the Archipelagic Baselines Law (original bill included Scarborough Shoal within the baselines) and Salary Standardization Law 3.

Six of his bills have already been passed in the Senate, counting one that would fix the terms of the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief and major service commanders.

Admitting limitations as a legislator due to his imprisonment, Trillanes vowed to serve the country in other ways.

“I continue to be a voice of defiance against a regime that is reputed as the most corrupt in our nation’s history. This, I can honestly say, is my small contribution to our people’s incessant struggle for change,” he said.

Army unit signed a MOA on Adopt a Barangay

Press Release
By DPAO, 8th Infantry Division
July 6, 2009

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  The signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on adopt a barangay was conducted between the Army and the local barangay officials on 26 June 2009 at Barangay Hall, barangay 13, Catbalogan City.

In support of DND plan and program on nation building, the armed forces of the Philippines implemented the Adopt a barangay program as a tool in assisting the delivery of basic services in the barangay. In line with this, the 8th Infantry Division, as part of its Civil-Military Operations plan and programs include the adopt-a-barangay program. The project envisioned to promote trust and confidence with the objective of reinforcing and reliving the spirit of bayanihan, showing cares and concerns with fellow Filipino, and to encourage various stakeholders to help in providing remedies and interventions for the barangay needs.

Last May of 2009, the command had initially listed three barangays within Western Samar to be evaluated as to its qualifications. The three (3) barangay pre-selected are Barangay Maulong, Kabugawan and Brgy 13 of Catbalogan, Samar.

Based on the actual visitation, coordination and records checked conducted by the command on the three pre-qualified barangay, it was finally declared by Headquarters 8ID thru the approval of no less than the Commanding General Arthur I. Tabaquero that Barangay 13 was adjudged as the adopted barangay of the Division. It was on June 2, 2009 that Barangay 13 was adopted as approved by the Commanding General of the 8ID.

Finally, the signing of the MOA between the 8ID and the barangay officials was successfully conducted on 26 June 2009. It was Major Leo Lorenzo Madroñal signed in behalf of the 8th Infantry Division and Hon. Dante Ramos Truelda for the Office of the Barangay Chairman of barangay 13. The signing was witnessed by the local DILG of Catbalogan, Samar and other barangay officials of Barangay 13.

Barangay 13 is now an adopted barangay of the Division and as per MOA both organization will now collaborate and complement its efforts in the maintenance of peace and pushing development and other significant endeavor that will benefit the barangay constituents.

IBP Eastern Samar lauds SC decision to defer MLAS

By BRYAN M. AZURA
July 5, 2009

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  Officers and members of Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Eastern Samar Chapter voiced as one their relief and acclamation on the Supreme Court’s deferment to January 1, 2010 the implementation of the Rule on Mandatory Legal Aide Service (MLAS) compelling all lawyers to render yearly a minimum of 60 hours of free legal service to all indigent litigants.

Atty. Lionel Titong, IBP provincial president said that the decision of the SC’s decision to put back the implementation of MLAS is a very much welcome development to us here. “This matter is not just a concern to the law practitioners in the province but in the whole country,” he stressed.

The SC, in a resolution, said that the implementation of MLAS is deferred to January 1, 2010 from July 1, 2009.

According to Chief Justice Reynato Puno, the rule is aimed at enhancing “the duty of lawyers to society as agents of social change and to the courts as officers thereof by helping improve access to justice by the less privileged members of the society and expedite the resolution of cases involving them.”

Earlier, IBP-ES passed a resolution requesting the SC to defer the implementation of Bar Matter 2012, also called as MLAS. The association contended that there is a need to first consult its members in foras for the purpose of determining and collating their proposals and suggestions relative to MLAS. “I am glad the Honorable Justices heard and acted on our petition,” Titong said.

IBP National President Feliciano Bautista, in a letter to SC, said that while some IBP chapters already drafted implementing regulations of the rule but others have requested of its postponement to afford more time for consultations and wider discussion on a number of important issues among its members.

Meanwhile, Eastern Samar Governor Ben P. Evardone extended his congratulations to the newly installed officers of IBP-ES chapter during their induction rites held in this town. Sworn in as officers by RTC Judge Elvie Lim are Atty. Titong, President; Atty. Christopher Moscare, Vice President; Atty. May Mercado, Secretary; Atty. Eduardo Ang, Treasurer; Atty. Ma. Esmenne Azul, Auditor; and Atty. Aquilino Mejica, PRO.

Those who took their oath also as Board of Directors are Attys. Celestino Sabate, Rufilo Tan, Vicente Catudio, Juan Dulfo and Celestino Cabato.

“The provincial government will continue to be a strong partner of IBP in Eastern Samar,” the provincial governor said. Atty. Byron Suyot, chief-of-staff of Evardone, said that the province will provide support in any programs IBP will undertake that will benefit Eastern Samareños.

Doc bares no additional A(H1N1) case in Samar has been reported

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
July 4, 2009

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Provincial Health Officer Dr. Dulce Cernal bared that Samar has not picked up any new A(H1N1) case.

She added that the confirmed cases of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and his son have been, so far the only recorded confirmed cases. The two have fully recovered and that the son has now returned to school, the health officer stressed.

Reports that also reached her, but has proven negative was a foreigner and his Filipina wife who checked in a hotel in Catbalogan.

As the husband foreigner had fever, the wife decided for them to seek medical attention in Tacloban City. The case though proved negative.

Cernal said that the public should boost their immune system to repulse the virus. She added that the like other viral infection, it destroys our immune system but because it is mild, it can go away after sometime, she just advised the public to give heed to the health advisories periodically aired and printed in the newspapers.

“Hygiene like hand washing and cough etiquette should be observed,” the lady physician stressed.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III on Friday reported that the Department of Health (DOH) is further bolstering its mitigation efforts against Influenza A(H1N1) in light of the anticipated rise of cases in the country.

On June 30, Duque convened another DOH Command Conference attended by members of the A (H1N1) Task Force, the DOH regional health directors, the chiefs of hospitals of all the 72 DOH-retained hospitals in the country, and some representatives from the private sector.

“As we anticipate more cases in the coming months, we must institute effective mitigation measures to save lives and prevent deaths and to reduce the impact of the pandemic to our nation and the economy,” Duque said.

With the shift toward the mitigation strategy, the DOH is ensuring that all government hospitals, both at the national and local government levels have the capacity to administer care to high-risk patients where the severe manifestations of the A (H1N1) virus are frequently seen.  This is in accordance with the directives of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week to prepare well-equipped isolation wards in all state-run hospitals throughout the country.

High risk patients include patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, HIV/AIDs, TB, pregnant women and the very young and the elderly.

Duque also called for a meeting with the member agencies of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to engage them, particularly the DILG, in strengthening the involvement of local government units in the A(H1N1) response.   This is to make sure that local governments have surveillance, monitoring and response systems in place and that hospitals and primary health care facilities under their jurisdiction are able to identify, treat and manage A(H1N1) cases.

“We have also requested the NDCC member agencies, especially DepEd, CHED and TESDA and PIA to help us in our nationwide campaign against A(H1N1).  This is to make sure that our information and education activities reach all schools, barangays and provinces in the country,” Duque added.

Come next week, DOH is also set to meet with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and hospital groups like the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) and the Philippine Hospital Infection Control Society (PHICS) to engage all hospitals and healthcare providers in the appropriate treatment and management of A (H1N1) patients according to the set interim guidelines of the DOH.

Meanwhile, Duque announced that 1,709 confirmed A(H1N1) cases have been reported to the DOH from the 1st week of May up to June 27, 2009.  Eighty-six percent (86%) or 1,485 of these cases have already recovered, while the remaining 224 (14%) are still under treatment at present, most of them under home management.

“All cases exhibited mild symptoms with the most common as fever (86%), cough (81%), and nasal congestion (49%),” Duque said, noting however, that there was one reported death.

“The ages of cases range from 5 months to 79 years old, with 18 years old as median age. Most of them belonged to the 10-19 years age group (831 or 49%).  Majority of the cases were male (894 or 52%),” Duque described.

P90 Million for development of Maasin City Airport due for implementation, says Rep. Mercado

By BONG PEDALINO (PIA Southern Leyte)
July 4, 2009

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte  –  The sum of P40 Million has been included in the 2009 budget of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the extension of the runway of this city’s airport at barangay Panan-awan, according to Rep. Roger Mercado.

In addition, Cong. Mercado reported that he had requested the amount of P50 Million for the construction of the airport terminal building, in which P10 Million was already released.

This was revealed by the Southern Leyteño solon in an informal chat with local mediamen at his District Office at barangay Abgao here Thursday morning.

He said he had worked to source funds to extend the runway and have it listed in the DOTC’s 2008 budget, but DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza told him there was no more appropriation for that year.

The DOTC Secretary, however, assured him to program the airport runway extension project for the 2009 allocation, including an initial release for the terminal building.

During the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting last month, Gov. Damian Mercado informed that Sea-Air, a private airliner, had inspected the airport and requested for an additional 300-400 meters of runway.

Gov. Mercado said funding for such an expansion had been secured, the project already bided, coupled with an initial release for work on the terminal building.

He said he was confident within the year or next year, Sea-Air will open its route for a commercial flight at Maasin airport.

Cong. Mercado echoed the confidence expressed by his younger brother.

Defense Secretary graces inauguration of newly completed South Leyte legislative building

By ERNA SY GORNE (PIA Southern Leyte)
July 4, 2009

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte  –  Among the highlights of the six-days 49th Founding Anniversary of the province of Southern Leyte, where no less than Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro, Jr graced the inauguration of the newly completed legislative building located right beside the provincial capitol building.

The newly completed legislative building amounted to P19.234 Million.

Secretary Teodoro said he remembered that foremost rationale of his trips to the province three years ago was to address to the needs of Guinsaugon landslide victims but now he is a witness to the visible signs of improvement in the province.

He also noted that the construction of the legislative building is in a way a public investment in infrastructure for the future.

Early this year, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) thru the able leadership of National Secretary Teodoro turned-over to the province the re-channeling of Subangdaku River project of Sogod in the amount of P100 Million.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan awarded to Secretary Teodoro a resolution proclaiming him as Adopted Son of the province of Southern Leyte.

Meanwhile, Provincial Vice-Governor Miguel Maamo said that the legislative building is a long awaited dream come true.  He also acknowledged the speedy support of Provincial Governor Damian G. Mercado that led to the realization of acquiring their own building.

Another Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution was also awarded to Hon. Congressman Roger G. Mercado for their heartfelt appreciation of his financial assistance in the amount of P4 Million in the construction of the legislative building.

39 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in Region 8, now fully recovered, DOH says

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
July 2, 2009

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Department of Health underscored that the confirmed 39 cases of A(H1N1) are now fully recovered.

The Department of Health said that 35 of the confirmed cases are from the quarantined school where the first positive case came from, two are from Samar and another two are from Eastern Samar.

Of the 42 students from the quarantined school who underwent throat swab test, thirty-five were confirmed positive and have been declared to be fully treated.

It would be recalled that 68 students from the Philippine Science High School in Eastern Visayas were quarantined after one student was tested positive. All of these students have been sent home already with special advisory for their parents to know precautionary measures of the disease.

The Department of Health said that it is still on the case containment level and that the most important thing is for the people to know how to prevent the disease.

As of this writing, the Department of Health said that there are about six cases under observation at the EVRMC.

The Tacloban City Health Office informed that it is still monitoring the 163 students who were sent home after their school temporarily closed because of the first positive case.

Of the 163, about 24 have already undergone throat swab test and the results of the same are still being awaited.

The Department of Health maintains its pronouncement that there is no need for the people of Region 8 to panic because those affected with A(H1N1) here are described as mild cases.