Agusan measles outbreak kills 9, downs 60

SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte – A measles outbreak in remote mountain villages in Agusan del Norte has killed nine people, mostly children of the Mamanwa tribe, and hospitalized nearly 60 others, officials said yesterday.

"We are still receiving more patients," said Dr. Cerna Nebrada, chief medical officer of the regional National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

A community officer here first reported the measles outbreak on Dec. 23. Hardest-hit by the outbreak were the hinterland tribal barangays of Matingue, Sinawsawan, Kasagayan, Pangaylan and Mambajo, some 30 to 36 kilometers away from this town’s poblacion.

The affected communities are suspected to be infested with communist guerrillas and havens of lawless elements.

Authorities fear that the number of victims might rise because bad roads and lack of transport hamper any assistance to the far-flung villages.

The Mamanwa tribe makes a living through rattan cutting, hunting and small-scale mining.

"It only worsened last night when their tribal chieftain brought along their patients here," said Elvira Catuburan, chief of the NCIP’s technical and management division.

Officials said they have sent a message to President Arroyo asking for immediate medical and food aid for the victims. – Ben Serrano