Cotabato

Mpox Cases Rise in South Cotabato and Zamboanga Sibugay

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2025

Number of Patients Infected with Mpox

Health authorities have confirmed 11 new cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), with 10 infections reported in South Cotabato and the first recorded case in Zamboanga Sibugay, raising concerns over the spread of the infectious disease in Mindanao.

Mpox is a viral illness that causes a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, muscle aches, and low energy. While most patients recover fully, health experts warn that the disease can be fatal, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems, children, and pregnant women.

Modes of Transmission

The Department of Health (DOH) reminds the public that Mpox spreads mainly through close personal contact, including:

Skin-to-skin or sexual contact
Mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (e.g. kissing)
Face-to-face exposure, such as talking or breathing in close proximity
Sharing contaminated items like clothes, bedding, or towels

The virus may also be transmitted through needle injuries in healthcare or tattoo settings. Pregnant individuals are at risk of transmitting the virus to their unborn children, which could result in serious complications, including miscarriage or stillbirth.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms typically begin within one week of exposure but can appear up to 21 days later, lasting about 2–4 weeks. Key symptoms include:

Rashes, often starting on the face or genitals and spreading across the body
Fever
Sore throat
Headache
Muscle and back pain
Low energy
Swollen lymph nodes

The rash develops from flat sores to fluid-filled blisters, which crust over and fall off as healing progresses. Some patients may experience painful rectal swelling (proctitis) or discomfort while urinating or swallowing.

It is possible for infected individuals to be asymptomatic but still transmit the virus. However, the risk of transmission from those without symptoms remains under investigation.

High-Risk Groups

Those with multiple sexual partners, individuals with uncontrolled HIV, children, and pregnant people are at higher risk of severe illness or complications from Mpox.

Health Officials Urge Caution

Local health units are conducting contact tracing and awareness campaigns. Residents are urged to:

Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms
Refrain from sharing personal items
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear

Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance, early detection, and responsible behavior to curb the spread.

Cotabato

4 Bomb-Makers and Mamasapano Residents Surrender Weapons in Maguindanao del Sur

Published

3 months ago

February 28, 2025

News Team

The 13 firearms surrendered by residents of Mamasapano Maguindanao del Sur. Photo by Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY – Four bomb-making experts from a local terror group and residents of Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur have surrendered to authorities in separate ceremonies, marking progress in disarmament and peace efforts in the region.

On February 27, four bomb-makers pledged allegiance to the government in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, surrendering an M16 rifle, two caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles, a 40mm grenade launcher, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) capable of remote detonation. They also renounced ties with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during a ceremony attended by local executives and officials from the 1st Mechanized Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Robert Betita, and Col. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

“We are thankful to all local officials and barangay leaders who helped secure their surrender through dialogues,” Army Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said.

Earlier, on February 24, residents of Mamasapano turned over 13 M1 Garand rifles to the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion as part of peace efforts. The surrender was conducted alongside the signing of a peace covenant by local election candidates to support peaceful May 2025 elections in the municipality.

The peace dialogue, held at the 33rd IB command post in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan, was organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Bangsamoro region, the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station, Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Jr., and Col. Edgar Catu. Candidates signed a manifesto supporting election security measures.

Through the efforts of Mayor Ampatuan and Col. Catu, residents surrendered their firearms to back the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program of the 6th ID and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.

The 6th Infantry Division, implementing the SALW program across six provinces and three cities in Central Mindanao, has collected over 700 firearms in the past six months, including combat rifles, machine guns, pistols, and grenade launchers, many from former members of Moro fronts that now have peace agreements with the national government.

These efforts highlight continued disarmament and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting long-term stability in Maguindanao del Sur and the wider Bangsamoro region.

Source: PHILIPPINE STAR