Faced by a surge of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the arrest of unvaccinated people who violate stay-at-home orders.
"Because it's a national emergency, it is my position that we can restrain people who have not go their shots.
"I am now giving orders to the (village chiefs) to look for those persons who are not vaccinated and just request them or order them, if you may, to stay put," the president told a televised address to the nation yesterday.
"And if he refuses and goes out of the house and goes around in the community or maybe everywhere, he can be restrained. If he refuses then the [official] is empowered to arrest the recalcitrant persons," Duterte added, reported The Guardian.
Under the current restrictions in place until mid-January, unvaccinated residents are only allowed to leave home to buy essentials and exercise. Restaurants, parks, churches and beauty salons can operate at lower capacity, while face-to-face classes and contact sports are suspended.
This is not the first time, Duterte, a lawyer by profession, has been attributed to harsh measures when dealing with lawbreakers.
He has been previously linked to a bloody "war on drugs" that has seen thousands of drug addicts and pushers perish in sometimes extrajudicial killings.
Duterte's government tightened restrictions in the country's capital Manila and several provinces and cities this week, after coronavirus cases tripled in the last few days.
For the record, less than half of the Philippines' 109 million population have been vaccinated, a fact that has "appalled" Duterte.
More than 2.9 million Filipinos have caught COVID-19 to date, and almost 52,000 of them have died.
Cases in the country slowed down late last year, causing the country to loosen restrictions, but spiked up after families and friends got together for the Christmas holidays. The Omicron strain also contributed to this spike.
Source: The Guardian
Photo source: Reuters
Fri Jan 07 2022


Boy, 6, Sets Record by Identifying 190 Car Logos in Five Minutes!
Most adults would face issues in identifying car models, let alone recognizing vehicles from their logos. But little L. Raguram is just six, but he has created a national record by identifying a whopping 190 car logos in just five minutes.

N. Elanghovan Creates History & Record as the Oldest Malaysian to Summit Everest
N. Elanghovan, 64, has created history by becoming the oldest Malaysian to summit Mount Everest on May 12. He is also set to be recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for his impressive feat.

Squash Ace Sivasangari Injured in Car Crash; Out of Commonwealth Games
National No 1 squash player S. Sivasangari has been hospitalized following a car accident at the Maju Expressway yesterday. She reportedly suffered serious head injuries and has awakened after a surgery.

Once Malnourished India is Getting Fatter: Survey
Long known as a country of malnourished, underweight people, India is inching its way into becoming an obese country, a government survey has revealed.

Mechanic's Son Scores 8As in SPM, Needs Funds for Higher Education
Buntong teenager V. Naveenkumar recently scored an impressive 8As and 1B in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam, but his mechanic father is concerned of the chance of further studies, due to inconsistent income. Here's how you can help...

Standing on One Leg for 10 Seconds Could Tell your Health Condition: Study
The ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds could indicate your risk of dying in the next decade, a new study has shown.
.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Shocking: 18 People Declared Bankrupt Daily!
An average of 18 people were declared bankrupt daily, in the first five months of 2022, the Insolvency Department has revealed.

Astro Announces Tunku Ali Redhauddin as New Chairman
The Board of Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad (Astro) has announced Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz to succeed Tun Zaki Tun Azmi as the new Chairman effective 23 June 2022.

Johor May Revert to Sat-Sun Off Days; Here's What you Need to Know
Johor may soon have a two-and-a-half day weekend - Friday as half-day to facilitate prayers, and Saturday and Sunday as official days off. Here's what you need to know...

Beware: Signs and Symptoms of Dengue
Dengue cases are reportedly on the rise in the country. Here are some signs and symptoms of the mosquito-borne disease for your information.

Actor Suriya Was Not the First Choice for 'Rolex' in 'Vikram'
Guess who was the first choice to play 'Rolex' in Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Vikram'...
.png?ext=.png)
Top South Indian Actresses Who Made it Big in Bollywood
Let's take a look at eight South Indian female actors that have made it big in Bollywood!

Seven Selfies you Should Never Share Online!
Taking a selfie has become a norm nowadays. But steer clear of posting these types of selfies which may cost you your reputation, or even life...

Boy, 6, Sets Record by Identifying 190 Car Logos in Five Minutes!
Most adults would face issues in identifying car models, let alone recognizing vehicles from their logos. But little L. Raguram is just six, but he has created a national record by identifying a whopping 190 car logos in just five minutes.

Actress Meena's Husband Dies From Alleged Lung Infection
It has been reported that actress Meena's husband died from a lung infection on Monday. Our deepest condolences to the actress and her family.

Six Times Vijay Sethupathi Proved He's a Versatile Actor
Vijay Sethupathi is one of the most talented actors in today's Kollywood industry. Here are six movies that he especially made lasting impact with...

N. Elanghovan Creates History & Record as the Oldest Malaysian to Summit Everest
N. Elanghovan, 64, has created history by becoming the oldest Malaysian to summit Mount Everest on May 12. He is also set to be recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for his impressive feat.

Catch the Antics of the Chidambaram Family on 'Uppuroti Chidambaram', Premiering July 4
Astro customers can look forward to the premiere of Uppuroti Chidambaram, a heart-warming local Tamil family drama series available from 4 July on Astro Vaanavil (Ch 201), Astro GO and On Demand.

Squash Ace Sivasangari Injured in Car Crash; Out of Commonwealth Games
National No 1 squash player S. Sivasangari has been hospitalized following a car accident at the Maju Expressway yesterday. She reportedly suffered serious head injuries and has awakened after a surgery.

Heal Your Body Using Powerful Yoga Mudras
Mudras are hand gestures that guide the energy flow to specific areas of the brain. Here are five of the most common mudras, and their benefits.