Two of the so-called “PISTON 6,” the six jeepney drivers who were jailed after they protested against the ban of jeepneys during GCQ, tested positive for COVID-19, Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice said Wednesday.
“2 po sa anim na nakulong sa Caloocan Detention Facility ay nag-positive sa COVID-19. Mahalaga na ma-test din ang nakasama nila sa piitan, at ma-disinfect ang nasabing facility,” said Erice in a Facebook post.
(Two out of the six who were detained in the Caloocan Detention Facility were positive for COVID-19. It is crucial to test the inmates there and disinfect the facility.)
No further details of the infected PISTON 6 got infected were released.
The six jeepney drivers who were members of the PISTON group were arrested after they asked for help and demanded that jeepneys should be allowed after the lockdown.
As of this posting, the group is still being asked about the status of the jeepney drivers.
Also read: Jailed 72-year old driver must face charges- Palace
5 suspected NPA killed in Negros Oriental clash
Five suspected members of the New People’s Army were killed after an encounter with military and police, and the rebels broke out in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, Thursday morning.
According to a report by the Philippine Army, they received information from residents of Sitio Talingting, Barangay Luyang that a wanted person was accompanying an armed group in two houses there.
When authorities came with a warrant of arrest, the rebels opened fire for about half an hour.
Among those killed was alias Sayas Ribilista who has an arrest warrant.
Local government troops found 3 M16 rifles, an AK-47, a caliber 45 pistol, magazines, 4 rifle grenades, an improvised explosive, ammunition, and subversive documents of high-intelligence value.
In 2019, authorities also linked the NPA in the torture and murder of four police officers, as well as the killing of a lawyer, his wife, and other residents in Negros Oriental.
Last month, suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) abducted three peacebuilders, who were former rebels in Motiong, Samar.
The victims were reportedly former NPA members who surrendered to the government and are now serving as members of Motiong Peacebuilders. It is an organization of former rebels working for peace and community development.