Killing ‘leftists’ / Fatal effects of flu

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – “Leftists” have often complained that they have been subjected to harassments and even “salvaging” by government forces.

In this city, some persons working for the welfare of indigenous groups like Victoria Tauli, Joan Carling and lawyer Jose Molintas, all of whom have worked for the UN in various capacities and around 10 others have been tagged by the Dept. of Justice as “terrorists.” Good that a Manila court ruled the tag baseless.

They are still apprehensive considering that some “leftists” like James Balao disappeared under mysterious circumstances some years ago and are still nowhere to be found.

State forces have been tagged as behind Balao’s disappearance and his kin are still waiting for justice.

In Ifugao, members of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance and other indigenous groups have complained of being tagged by the military as members of the left and subjected to numerous harassments.

Harassments, these “leftists” have to deal with on a daily basis and it becomes worse when they are killed.   

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Latest case was the killing of Randy Malayao which the National Democratic Front of the Philippines condemned Wednesday as "may very well be a portent of worse moves against NDFP consultants."

The statement issued by Fidel V. Agcaoili, chair of the NDF, on its website said Malayao was a "publicly known consultant" of their group.

The statement described Malayao, as having participated in the peace talks between the government and NDF two years ago. He was one of the NDF spokespersons during the formal negotiations in Oslo, Norway.

Malayao was asleep inside a bus on a stopover in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, when he was gunned down around 2 am, Wednesday.

The police have organized a special investigation team to look into the killing.

"Ka Randy was a torture victim and a political prisoner for years under the Macapagal-Arroyo regime. He had been acquitted of all charges and was protected by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) as an NDFP peace consultant," said the statement.

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Malayao was implicated in 2008 in the fatal ambush of former Cagayan Governor Rodolfo Aguinaldo. The charges however, were dismissed by a local court due to lack of evidence.

"His killing may very well be a  portent of worse moves against NDFP consultants for the peace talks many of whom, such as Vic Ladlad, Adel Silva and Rey Casambre, among others have already been arbitrarily arrested and slapped with trumped up charges," said the NDF statement.

It also added that this "indicates an escalation of attacks against peace consultants"

Earlier, the Commission on Human Rights, in a statement, said Malayao's murder happened "when voices of opposition and human rights groups are tagged as enemies, making them possible subjects of assaults." 

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Influenza or flu is common nowadays as the northeast monsoon or amihan prolongs drop in temperature in the country.

Flu differs from common cough and cold since it is accompanied with high fever and muscle pain that last for days.

According to the Dept. of Health, flu season starts from the month of October to February.

But the DOH warns of the severe effects or complications that flu can cause to the human body which can be fatal if not immediately attended to.

“Binabantayan natin kung ano iyong strain at talagang by middle of the year nagbabakuna na tayo. Sa Pilipinas ang peak lang talaga ng flu-like illnesses itong panahon ng malamig,” explained Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo.

“Ang nakakatakot lang kasi na gusto nating ma- prevent iyong mga flu na nagkakaroon ng complication. Kasi maaari siyang mauwi sa pneumonia at of course maaaring in the end makamatay,” the health official warned.

In view of the possible outbreak, the DOH reminded the public to keep protected by strengthening the immune system.

Take vitamin C shots and more fluids like orange juice and six to eight glasses of water every day.

Sleep at least six to eight hours a day and make sure to exercise and eat fruits and vegetables.

Make it a habit to wear face mask especially when in crowded places or when travelling to avoid contracting flu virus.

Based on DOH records, flu cases in the country has declined this year as compared to the same period last year considering that the flu strain detected last year was stronger than those being monitored this year.

“Worrisome ang flu last year. Medyo matapang iyong flu last year hindi lang sa Pilipians kundi sa ibang bansa sa Amerika, sa Hong Kong. It was a virulent strain last year,” noted Domingo.

The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that the flu has become one of the severe health threats in the world this year.

The DOH advised parents to make sure their children get a complete set of vaccination to be well-protected.

Meanwhile, senior citizens may also avail of free flu shots in barangay health centers and DOH accredited hospitals.