Metro Briefs: P15-M renovation to make Manila hospital world-class

The Manila City government is spending P15 million to renovate the Ospital ng Tondo and turn it into a “world-class public hospital.” In a statement, the city’s public information office said that the renovation of the four-story hospital began over two weeks ago according to Isaias Cando Jr., Ospital ng Tondo director. The repairs are “for the comfort and convenience of patients and hospital personnel,” it added. “The operating room, delivery room and emergency room are presently being renovated. Plumbing, electrical, flooring and all fire escapes—everything is being taken care of,” Cando said. New equipment will also be purchased, including additional ECG and X-ray machines, blood chemistry and hematology machines, cardiac monitors and surgical sets. The hospital remains fully operational although the renovation is expected to be completed within eight months. —Aie Balagtas See

2 electrocuted while picking mangoes in Marikina City

A jeepney driver and his 15-year-old neighbor died after they were electrocuted while picking mangoes in Marikina City on Saturday afternoon. Senior Supt. Lorenzo Holanday Jr., Marikina police chief, said that Mark Rody Bumanlang, 27, and the boy identified only as Jim, died at around 3:30 p.m. after the bamboo pole they were using to pick the fruits touched a live wire near a terminal and the barangay outpost on FVR Road in Barangay Barangka. The victims were rushed to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center where they were declared dead on arrival. —JODEE A. AGONCILLO

Teen nabbed for throwing stones at police car in Pasig

A 16-year-old teenager who, according to the police, threw stones at their patrol car, was arrested in Pasig City on Sunday night. A report to Senior Supt. Orlando Yebra, Pasig police chief, said the teen yielded a sachet of “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) when members of the Police Community Precinct 5 arrested him initially for throwing stones at their vehicle on Dr. Pilapil Street. Case investigator PO2 Lodjie Coz said that the teen suspect initially tested positive for drugs but they were still waiting for the results of a confirmatory test. —Jodee A. Agoncillo