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The corona pandemic hits the Philippines particularly hard. This is shown by the current number of infections, but also by the fate of people. Many residents of the metropolis of Manila are struggling to survive.
The Philippines are one of the countries in Southeast Asia worst hit by the corona pandemic. The country endured one of the longest and toughest lockdowns in the world. Millions have lost their jobs, thousands of people do not have enough to eat.
Despite the massive measures, the numbers are increasing inexorably: If there were officially 27,000 infected people in mid-June, there were already 106,000 cases at the beginning of August. The Ministry of Health now reports over 4,500 new infections per day.
The 14 million inhabitants of the metropolitan area of Manila in particular suffer from the consequences. The government is desperately trying to get a grip on the chaos without putting even more strain on the economy. Repatriation programs bring thousands of Filipinos back to their home provinces by buses and ferries, where, it is hoped, the misery is more bearable than in the metropolis.
Salvador Jon Ortenero, Pastor:
"We only expected 1000, 2000, a maximum of 3000 people. But yesterday we were really surprised when we looked at the lists and saw that 9000 were coming. It is indescribable what Covid-19 is doing here in Manila, economically. Many Companies are closing, many people are losing their jobs, some can no longer pay their rent. They want to go to their home provinces, just out of Manila. "
Before people can go home, they have to register, apply for a travel permit, and get tested. A process that takes many hours.
Salvador Jon Ortenero, Pastor:
"We had a couple of cases today that tested positive. They were immediately isolated."
Those who test positive are loaded onto a Coast Guard truck and isolated. Thousands have made it into the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, with many waiting outside to enter.
Carlita Ganat:
"We only arrived today, at four in the morning. We have to endure it to get home. Even if it's difficult. It was bad because we barely had anything to eat. There are two of us, but we were able to pay the rent don't pay anymore, then the landlord threw us out. "
Mary Jane Godjungan:
"We had a food stall. But because of the pandemic we couldn't sell anything. We have to go to the provinces to survive there.
It was terrible because we weren't allowed to go out. We had no income and our savings were gone. We were constantly in the house and weren't allowed out. And we were afraid that we'd get infected. "
The virus has messed up life, and even death has changed. The deceased are burned on the day of death so that mourners do not get infected with the virus during funeral rituals.
Orly Fernandez, Undertaker:
"Yes, it is now cheaper for the deceased because funeral celebrations are no longer allowed. Dying people are brought to the hospital and from there directly to the crematorium. You only have to pay a small fee."
Victor Gatchalian is allowed to say goodbye to his wife because her body tested negative for the coronavirus.
Victor Gatchalian:
"So I came to this funeral home. I said it was okay to have a funeral service. We were allowed to do that as long as there was no other funeral service happening at the same time. The crematorium told us they couldn't cremate until Saturday. But if they had room the body would have been cremated immediately. "
In the past few weeks, the corona measures have been relaxed, but the police patrolled the narrow streets. Manila has been in lockdown again since the beginning of August.
Rolando Malatag Balatabas, National Police:
"This morning we changed our strategy because some people are very stubborn. When they know that there are only a few police officers on duty, they think they could break the rules. Here in Navotas there are many side streets and narrow alleys. where people can hang around. That's exactly where we're going now. "
The residents take the martial march in their neighborhood calmly. You have other worries.
Resident:
"We hide. We eat and sleep. The worst part is that we have run out of money."
Reporter:
"What do you need?"
Resident:
"Eat."
Reporter:
"How many times have you received aid packages?"
Resident:
"That was a long time ago. A long time. We're not getting anything right now."
But all the measures and controls are ineffective - the number of infections is increasing inexorably. On August 3, the Philippine government surrendered and again imposed curfews on Manila and four neighboring provinces. 80 medical associations had warned that health systems would collapse and the country could lose its fight against the pandemic.