Palace: All measures ready to prevent bird flu entry in PHL

Malacañang reassured the public Saturday the government is pulling out all the stops to prevent the entry of the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus into the country. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said various government agencies know their roles and are enforcing strict screening procedures to prevent the entry of possible carriers. “Sa atin, ang assurance ng DOH (Department of Health) is that we have remained bird flu-free. Pero tingnan natin ang ilang mga produkto galing sa ibang bansa na pwede maging carrier nito at istrikto tayo sa pagpasok ng mga ito," she said on government-run dzRB radio. Earlier, the Manila International Airport Authority stepped up efforts to prevent the entry of the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado placed all medical staff on heightened alert for possible carriers of the deadly virus. The Bureau of Customs also alerted its ranks on incoming cargo, particularly on live poultry. — LBG, GMA News