Abalos back to work after quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos has been cleared to go back to work after completing her 15-day home quarantine.

According to the city health office, Abalos did not manifest any symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019, 22 days after being exposed to persons who tested positive for COVID-19.

“With Mayor Abalos’ clean bill of health, we gave her the go-signal to resume her duties,” the city health office said.

Mandaluyong recorded 121 cases of COVID-19 with 15 deaths. There were 324 persons under monitoring (PUMs) and 317 others under investigation (PUIs).

Twelve persons have recovered from the disease.

In San Juan City, COVID-19 count rose to 136 with 24 deaths.

 “Nine have recovered from the illness. The city’s Kalinga Center is open for PUIs with mild symptoms to curb the spread of the disease in households and communities,” Mayor Francis Zamora said in a statement.

In Pasig, 140 people have contracted the virus, including 22 fatalities. The local government said 28 have recovered from the disease.

Overpriced PPEs, alcohol

In Quezon City, four persons have been arrested by police for allegedly selling overpriced personal protective equipment (PPEs).

Jeanette Ng Sy, 54, and her son Jan Lawrence, 23, were nabbed by authorities in Barangay Kaunlaran.

Police said they received information that the Sys were allegedly selling a gallon of alcohol for P720, which is higher the the suggested retail price of P520.

Jake Olay, 43, and Mark Wilfred Tiongson II, 23, were collared for allegedly selling overpriced thermal scanners and protective goggles in Kamuning.

 Police said they seized 30 thermal scanners being sold at P7,300 each and protective goggles worth P4,650 from the suspects.

In Manila, Merlita Toong, 47, was apprehended for allegedly selling overpriced alcohol and medical supplies amounting to P1.2 million.

The suspects are being held by police on charges of violating the price control law.

Soldiers join relief ops

Members of the military’s Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) are donating a portion of their meal allowances to support relief operations for families affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The money will be used to buy food items for the poor as the government extended the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to April 30, NOLCOM spokesman Maj. Ericson Bulosan said.

The soldiers, led by their commander Lt. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey, took the initiative to give food packs to the poor.

“It’s hard when you see people not having money to feed their families,” Rey said.