APD | Muslim Mindanao residents advised to wear masks

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

Residents in areas within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been advised to wear masks after a haze has been reported from Indonesia where forest fires are going on.

In a “Transboundary Haze Alert” issued by Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua released today, he said the haze has reached Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao. He said BARMM areas, the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, portions of North Cotabato and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The southwest monsoon has brought the haze from Indonesia.

“Haze is a phenomenon where fine dust, smoke, vapor, dry particles obscure the athmosphere,” the Alert said.

“Everyone is advised to weak mask when going outside due to its health hazards” which may trigger cough, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses, Minister Macacua added. He also advised residents with these illnesses should limit outdoor exposure.

Residents who resort to burning of leaves and other farm trash to ward off dengue-bearing mosquitoes should refrain from the practice so as not to aggravate the situation. Local government units have been advised to monitor open-burning activities and mobilize their respective environment and health offices to monitor events.

According to the latest Population Census in 2015, BARMM was home to 3,781,387 Filipinos, then 3.7 percent of the Philippines’ total population. It is also one of the poorest regions in the country.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)