DILG-Negros exec dies of COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — The director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Negros Occidental has died due to the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

Ferdinand Panes, 60, who was confined in a hospital in Iloilo, suffered a heart attack on Wednesday.

“True to his calling as a public servant and despite the danger posed by the coronavirus, especially to people his age, he braved the threat of the pandemic every single day if only to serve the people,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Año gave assurance that all the necessary assistance would be accorded to the family of Panes.

He paid tribute to Panes, saying he was true to the department’s “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” brand of leadership.

Lockdown

In Pangasinan, the police station in San Fabian was placed on indefinite lockdown on Wednesday after an inmate was infected.

Acting town police chief Capt. Hermilita Guitering said 11 police officers who assisted the inmates during swab testing were isolated and would be tested for COVID-19.

Guitering said six other detainees would be subjected to a repeat swab test.

She said they are looking for a secure place where the inmates can be isolated.

ECQ extended

Meanwhile, in Isabela, seven barangays in Ilagan City will remain under enhanced community quarantine or ECQ for five more days starting today due to the increase in the number of confirmed cases.

Mayor Jose Marie Diaz said these are Barangays Bliss, Alibagu, Guinatan, Osmeña, Calamgui 1st, Baligatan and Baculud.

Diaz said the barangays have 45 active cases.

Ilagan City was placed on ECQ for two weeks, which ended yesterday, to contain the spread of the virus.

In Abra, the provincial anti-COVID task force clarified that only residents could visit tourist spots that have reopened.

Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Bernos said health and safety protocols are strictly implemented in these sites.