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In Slum at Epicenter of Duterte’s Drug Crackdown, Fear and Love Coexist In Slum at Epicenter of Duterte’s Drug Crackdown, Fear and Love Coexist
(8 days later)
MANILA — The fishing is best on nights like this when the moon is a sliver in the sky, and at midnight in the Philippines’ largest fishing port, the atmosphere was frenetic.MANILA — The fishing is best on nights like this when the moon is a sliver in the sky, and at midnight in the Philippines’ largest fishing port, the atmosphere was frenetic.
Dockworkers in thick rubber boots emptied the catch from the rusting vessels crowded against the pier. Into hundreds of plastic pails lined up in rows, they tossed grouper, barracuda, tuna, flying fish, moonfish and sardines: 300 tons of fish on an average day.Dockworkers in thick rubber boots emptied the catch from the rusting vessels crowded against the pier. Into hundreds of plastic pails lined up in rows, they tossed grouper, barracuda, tuna, flying fish, moonfish and sardines: 300 tons of fish on an average day.
Women in slime-streaked aprons, pockets stuffed with cash, shouted orders and negotiated prices, and the returning fishermen soon had money to spend in the nearby bars and brothels.Women in slime-streaked aprons, pockets stuffed with cash, shouted orders and negotiated prices, and the returning fishermen soon had money to spend in the nearby bars and brothels.
The Navotas Fish Port Complex, a quarter-square mile of crumbling piers, is a vital part of the economy of Manila, the Philippine capital. Last year, the government announced a $270 million plan to rehabilitate the port.The Navotas Fish Port Complex, a quarter-square mile of crumbling piers, is a vital part of the economy of Manila, the Philippine capital. Last year, the government announced a $270 million plan to rehabilitate the port.
But the government’s renewal plans have worried the port’s impoverished residents, who have already suffered tremendous trauma at the hands of the Philippine authorities and now fear being evicted.But the government’s renewal plans have worried the port’s impoverished residents, who have already suffered tremendous trauma at the hands of the Philippine authorities and now fear being evicted.
Inside the port is one of Manila’s most notorious slums, Market Three, which has a reputation in the capital as a lair for drug dealers and hit men willing to kill someone for $100.Inside the port is one of Manila’s most notorious slums, Market Three, which has a reputation in the capital as a lair for drug dealers and hit men willing to kill someone for $100.
When President Rodrigo Duterte questions the humanity of the people being shot by the police in his antidrug campaign, in which at least 6,600 people have died, he’s aiming his slurs at people like those in Market Three.When President Rodrigo Duterte questions the humanity of the people being shot by the police in his antidrug campaign, in which at least 6,600 people have died, he’s aiming his slurs at people like those in Market Three.
“What crime against humanity?” Mr. Duterte said in defense of his antidrug campaign. “I’d like to be frank with you, are they humans?”“What crime against humanity?” Mr. Duterte said in defense of his antidrug campaign. “I’d like to be frank with you, are they humans?”
At the height of the government’s crackdown in 2016 and 2017, Market Three, named after the nearest pier, was an epicenter of the killings, even though the majority of the 1,000 or so families living here had nothing to do with the drug trade.At the height of the government’s crackdown in 2016 and 2017, Market Three, named after the nearest pier, was an epicenter of the killings, even though the majority of the 1,000 or so families living here had nothing to do with the drug trade.
There were bodies found floating in the water, while other people were killed in their homes, as many as five in a night.There were bodies found floating in the water, while other people were killed in their homes, as many as five in a night.
While residents blamed the police for many of these summary executions, in most cases, the killers were never identified.While residents blamed the police for many of these summary executions, in most cases, the killers were never identified.
But the police left no doubt it was they who smashed open doors during frequent raids in the middle of the night, wearing masks, carrying guns and shining flashlights into the faces of Market Three’s residents.But the police left no doubt it was they who smashed open doors during frequent raids in the middle of the night, wearing masks, carrying guns and shining flashlights into the faces of Market Three’s residents.
Because people couldn’t quite discern why the police or their proxies were killing some and not others — mistaken identity or disproportionate punishment were frequent guesses — the raids filled the whole slum with a fear that death could happen at any time, for any reason.Because people couldn’t quite discern why the police or their proxies were killing some and not others — mistaken identity or disproportionate punishment were frequent guesses — the raids filled the whole slum with a fear that death could happen at any time, for any reason.
There’s less of that now. While the government’s deadly antidrug campaign goes on, the police focus has shifted to other areas of the country and to other targets. Just on Wednesday, Mr. Duterte ordered the police and the military to shoot people protesting the nation’s lockdown over the coronavirus.There’s less of that now. While the government’s deadly antidrug campaign goes on, the police focus has shifted to other areas of the country and to other targets. Just on Wednesday, Mr. Duterte ordered the police and the military to shoot people protesting the nation’s lockdown over the coronavirus.
“We’re still scared,” said John Felix Eduarte, 18, who grew up in Market Three.“We’re still scared,” said John Felix Eduarte, 18, who grew up in Market Three.
When he was a child, he scoured the nearby piers for dropped coins and fish that slipped out from a pail. He sold them and used the money to gamble for penny stakes.When he was a child, he scoured the nearby piers for dropped coins and fish that slipped out from a pail. He sold them and used the money to gamble for penny stakes.
At the port’s ice plant, he packed shaved ice into balls, and threw them at his friends. Or he hitched rides on sea-bound fishing boats, leapt off into the bay and swam back to the docks.At the port’s ice plant, he packed shaved ice into balls, and threw them at his friends. Or he hitched rides on sea-bound fishing boats, leapt off into the bay and swam back to the docks.
It’s too dirty now to swim. “If you swallow the water, you’ll definitely throw up,” Mr. Eduarte said.It’s too dirty now to swim. “If you swallow the water, you’ll definitely throw up,” Mr. Eduarte said.
And like many of Market Three’s residents, he now works on the docks, hoisting crates, pulling 80-pound pails of fish and shoveling ice.And like many of Market Three’s residents, he now works on the docks, hoisting crates, pulling 80-pound pails of fish and shoveling ice.
The port proper is connected to Market Three by a narrow cement path that wends between an overgrown empty lot known as the Mountain, a permanent black puddle the size of a swimming pool, and the port’s 20-foot-high outside wall.The port proper is connected to Market Three by a narrow cement path that wends between an overgrown empty lot known as the Mountain, a permanent black puddle the size of a swimming pool, and the port’s 20-foot-high outside wall.
When Mr. Eduarte was 15, he met Merry Punio, then also 15, at a karaoke stall. They had the same favorite song. They were both dating other people, but soon they were singing duets, and a week later, started dating each other.When Mr. Eduarte was 15, he met Merry Punio, then also 15, at a karaoke stall. They had the same favorite song. They were both dating other people, but soon they were singing duets, and a week later, started dating each other.
Ms. Punio isn’t from the fish port and had sworn she would never go inside one of Manila’s most dangerous neighborhoods.Ms. Punio isn’t from the fish port and had sworn she would never go inside one of Manila’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
But when her sister moved there, she visited, and found something unexpected. “It’s a happier place than outside,” she said.But when her sister moved there, she visited, and found something unexpected. “It’s a happier place than outside,” she said.
The alleys of Market Three function as a communal living room. On a visit, a group of women played poker around a plastic table, their banter breaking out into peals of laughter.The alleys of Market Three function as a communal living room. On a visit, a group of women played poker around a plastic table, their banter breaking out into peals of laughter.
A few boys practiced break dancing, and a man shaved in the reflection of a broken-off car mirror. One boy wiped the bleary eyes of his baby sibling, just woken up from a nap.A few boys practiced break dancing, and a man shaved in the reflection of a broken-off car mirror. One boy wiped the bleary eyes of his baby sibling, just woken up from a nap.
During Market Three’s feast day in November for its patron saint, Our Lady of Remedies, children play agaw buko, a game involving a battle to grasp a greased coconut. Others line up for pukpok palo, using a stick while blindfolded to break a clay pot filled with flour.During Market Three’s feast day in November for its patron saint, Our Lady of Remedies, children play agaw buko, a game involving a battle to grasp a greased coconut. Others line up for pukpok palo, using a stick while blindfolded to break a clay pot filled with flour.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Drawn by this street life, and willing to overlook the dangers for love, Ms. Punio moved in with her boyfriend, and they now have their own place, a tiny space shorter than they are tall, underneath the home of Mr. Eduarte’s father.Drawn by this street life, and willing to overlook the dangers for love, Ms. Punio moved in with her boyfriend, and they now have their own place, a tiny space shorter than they are tall, underneath the home of Mr. Eduarte’s father.
Many poor Filipinos don’t have weddings or official marriage certificates, but within a year, she and Mr. Eduarte were calling each other husband and wife. She stopped going to school, angering her parents.Many poor Filipinos don’t have weddings or official marriage certificates, but within a year, she and Mr. Eduarte were calling each other husband and wife. She stopped going to school, angering her parents.
They had a baby named Chloe. They didn’t know how to bathe her or how to feed her.They had a baby named Chloe. They didn’t know how to bathe her or how to feed her.
“Everyone here helped us,” she said. “You’re never left alone.”“Everyone here helped us,” she said. “You’re never left alone.”
Mr. Eduarte’s uncle got him a job unloading crates of fish. He makes between nothing and $4 a day, $20 on really busy days. It’s enough for him, Merry, Chloe and Yhuan, their infant son.Mr. Eduarte’s uncle got him a job unloading crates of fish. He makes between nothing and $4 a day, $20 on really busy days. It’s enough for him, Merry, Chloe and Yhuan, their infant son.
The port is a 24-hour operation, and the people who use shabu, the local variant of meth openly sold in the area, say it helps them stay alert for the midnight rush and gives them strength to haul heavy pails of fish until dawn.The port is a 24-hour operation, and the people who use shabu, the local variant of meth openly sold in the area, say it helps them stay alert for the midnight rush and gives them strength to haul heavy pails of fish until dawn.
On his way to work at 5 a.m. earlier this year, Mr. Eduarte stepped over a puddle of blood. A man had been shot in a dispute between drug dealers on the Mountain. Given the amount of blood, Mr. Eduarte doubted the victim survived.On his way to work at 5 a.m. earlier this year, Mr. Eduarte stepped over a puddle of blood. A man had been shot in a dispute between drug dealers on the Mountain. Given the amount of blood, Mr. Eduarte doubted the victim survived.
Daisy Maraguinot, 45, a longtime resident of Market Three, dismisses the need for shabu to get by on the docks. “There are plenty of people who do the work without drugs,” she said. She mostly leaves the drug dealers of Market Three alone, but she’d like them gone.Daisy Maraguinot, 45, a longtime resident of Market Three, dismisses the need for shabu to get by on the docks. “There are plenty of people who do the work without drugs,” she said. She mostly leaves the drug dealers of Market Three alone, but she’d like them gone.
Since the government announced its rehabilitation plans for the fishing complex, Ms. Maraguinot, the president of an organization that supports rights for the area’s informal settlers, has been negotiating with the port authorities not to demolish their homes.Since the government announced its rehabilitation plans for the fishing complex, Ms. Maraguinot, the president of an organization that supports rights for the area’s informal settlers, has been negotiating with the port authorities not to demolish their homes.
It’s a battle to convince the authorities that, as workers, they’re valuable to the fish port, and that they deserve a place to live nearby.It’s a battle to convince the authorities that, as workers, they’re valuable to the fish port, and that they deserve a place to live nearby.
“Of course we don’t want to live like this,” Ms. Maraguinot said. “We want a decent place to live. But we need to make a living more.”“Of course we don’t want to live like this,” Ms. Maraguinot said. “We want a decent place to live. But we need to make a living more.”
Last year, the police installed a CCTV camera inside Market Three. Ms. Maraguinot doesn’t trust the police. They’ve killed her friends and neighbors, and when they did their raids, cellphones and televisions disappeared with them.Last year, the police installed a CCTV camera inside Market Three. Ms. Maraguinot doesn’t trust the police. They’ve killed her friends and neighbors, and when they did their raids, cellphones and televisions disappeared with them.
But if they were here to arrest the drug dealers, Ms. Maraguinot was willing to give them a chance. Since then, they’ve arrested dozens of people, including children.But if they were here to arrest the drug dealers, Ms. Maraguinot was willing to give them a chance. Since then, they’ve arrested dozens of people, including children.
With the coronavirus having shut down much of the Philippines, the residents of Market Three feel abandoned by the government, Ms. Maraguinot said, with many in the community surviving only on privately donated rice.With the coronavirus having shut down much of the Philippines, the residents of Market Three feel abandoned by the government, Ms. Maraguinot said, with many in the community surviving only on privately donated rice.
While the fishing port remains open, many day laborer jobs have dried up.While the fishing port remains open, many day laborer jobs have dried up.
“We can die of Covid-19,” Ms. Maraguinot said, “but we’re more likely to die of hunger.”“We can die of Covid-19,” Ms. Maraguinot said, “but we’re more likely to die of hunger.”