News Roundup 30 October 2020
Oct 30, 2020 • 3 min Read
Philippines logs 2,006 new cases; total now at 378,933 | PHILSTAR.COM – The Philippines reported 2,006 new coronavirus infections Friday, pushing the nationwide caseload to 378,933. Total recoveries climbed to 330,457, up by 636. But there were 38 more coronavirus-related fatalities, taking the death toll to 7,185.
Signal No. 1 up over Catanduanes as Typhoon Rolly intensifies further | PHILSTAR.COM – Weather forecasters raised wind signal over Catanduanes Friday afternoon as Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) steadily intensifies over the Philippine Sea. In a bulletin, PAGASA said “Rolly” was last seen 980 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora. Moving west at 20 km per hour, it is forecast to make landfall over the Aurora-Quezon area on Sunday evening or Monday early morning. At the moment, the typhoon packs peak winds of 185 kph from the previous 165 kph and gusts of up to 230 kph from the previous 205 kph. The state weather bureau said it may continuously gain strength while approaching the Philippine landmass and may crash into land with intensity between 175 and 195 kph. Catanduanes has been placed under TCWS No. 1. Strong breeze to near gale conditions will be experienced in the province within 36 hours. TCWS No. 1 may be also raised over the northern portion of Northern Samar and the rest Bicol region in the next hours.
Putting persons on surveillance should have authorization under anti-terror law, says Biazon | INQUIRER.NET – Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon said Friday proper process should be followed if the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 would be used to justify putting persons—such as the House of Representatives’ Makabayan bloc members—under surveillance. In an online forum, Biazon said surveillance of individuals should have an authorization, as stated in the Anti-Terrorism Law. To recall, in a radio interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. admitted that the Makabayan bloc lawmakers were under surveillance for their alleged ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA). In that interview, Parlade mentioned the anti-terrorism law. “Because we have this anti-terror law now, it’s actually in effect, and we have to do our job to make sure that we are focusing on the right persons and we are properly implementing the law, and part of that is to make sure that we have a strong case against people…We have to make sure that we do our assignment well,” he added. Should this be the case, Biazon, who serves as the vice-chairperson of the House committee on national defense and security, said that proper authorization should have been secured.
Ship operators told to strictly comply with no sail advisory for Typhoon Rolly | Manila Bulletin – Ship operators were told Friday to strictly follow precautionary measures implemented during weather disturbances as Typhoon Rolly is expected to hit the country. Through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Advisory 2020-79, shipowners are advised to monitor and comply with the weather announcements from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) together with the Notices to Mariners issued daily by the NAMRIA and the Philippine Coast Guard relating to sea state and gale warnings. Communication equipment should always be observed closely to maintain safety and avoid disaster on board and at sea, MARINA said, adding that ship operators must strictly comply with safe practice for cargo stowage and securing in the domestic shipping. “Ships should not sail if the port of destination or areas of operations are affected by even the lowest signal of weather disturbance, and shipowners must ensure that their ships have been put to shelter without delay,” the agency said.
Customs intercepts trafficked tarantulas | The Manila Times – Officials of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) rescued 119 tarantulas, classified as endangered wildlife species, intended for illegal pet trade. The parcel that was concealed inside rubber shoes was intercepted at the DHL warehouse after it arrived from Poland to a consignee in General Trias, Cavite. The BoC said it discovered the tarantulas when Customs operatives noticed the suspicious images after the package was scanned by an X-ray.
