La Union mayor, councilor positive for coronavirus

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines — Mayor Philip Crispino and his wife Councilor Donna Rillera-Crispino of Caba, La Union have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“It is with great sadness that we announce that we are positive for the coronavirus disease 2019. We are doing this to give you the right information... to stop fake news for the good of our municipality,” the couple said in a post on Facebook on Friday.

The couple apologized to all those who had socialized with them since Feb. 29. They attended the Philippine Councilor’s League at the SMX Convention Center from Feb. 26 to 28.

“Please inform your barangay captain or the barangay health emergency response team for your guidance. We are very sorry. We never wanted this to happen,” they said.

The Crispinos said they were on self-quarantine in the past 16 days and they are in stable condition. They are the first COVID-19 case in La Union.

On Tuesday, Mayor Ferdie Estrella of Baliuag, Bulacan said he tested positive for the flu virus.

Negros PUI dies

In Negros Occidental, a person under investigation for COVID-19 in San Carlos City died on Friday.

Mayor Renato Gustilo said the 74-year-old fatality was hospitalized on Thursday. It has yet to be determined if the patient, who had no recent travel outside the country, died of the flu virus.

Meanwhile, Rhueul Bobis of the Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos regional office said two COVID-19 cases were recorded in Caba, La Union and another in Bayambang, Pangasinan.

The DOH also confirmed the first case in Cagayan Valley, a 43-year-old fire officer, who arrived on a bus in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on March 11.

Authorities are coordinating with concerned local government units to trace those who had contact with the patients.

In Isabela, an online seller in Ilagan City was arrested on Friday for allegedly hoarding and selling overpriced ethyl alcohol and N95 masks. 

At least 54 persons were apprehended in Bulacan in the past three days and seven others in Baguio City on Friday for allegedly violating the guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine.

The violations include loitering, drinking liquor, driving under the influence and assaulting police officers manning checkpoints.