Manila Lockdown: One of the longest COVID lockdowns in the world | Witness

In March 2020, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte imposed a strict lockdown in the capital, Manila, and surrounding areas.
For Lito, his family, and millions of other urban slum dwellers across the city, a hard lockdown means no work. No work means no food. Hungry citizens take to the streets in protest.
The president orders the police and military to shoot anyone making trouble. Curfews are imposed and arrests are made. Aid arrives but it is not enough.
As the restrictions continue throughout 2020, Lito navigates a daily struggle to save his family - from hunger and the pandemic.

[@junmagdugo834]

Many people were really hungry during the pandemic, they couldn't go to work, there was no salary, there was no way to eat, I cried in this documentary😭😭😭

[@disrael2101]

Perfect docu , can't believe it's happening now, feels like it happened 20 yrs ago

[@paolosiddayao7605]

What's sad is that these are the same people who still vote for corrupt officials.

[@ainsleyfrastructurekpopmashups]

Yes, I Hope PBBM will be Worth the Vote by December 2027, One Suggestion: Eliminate CPP-NPA, and Open up FDI, and Open up the Malacanang Palace for Concerns, just like what Ramon Magsaysay Did, Ramon Magsaysay is a Laser of Hope for the Poor.

[@xereyksfernandez5947]

@@ainsleyfrastructurekpopmashups kamusta na update naman jan

[@YuriBaja]

Shining example of this administrations failure.

[@laughingmedication8193]

than aquino? pak u

[@josephericreyes]

@@laughingmedication8193musta ka na ngayon naghihirap ka na siguro

[@laughingmedication8193]

@@josephericreyes san banda? sa pag tatae?

[@PaulSanchez-c7e]

@@laughingmedication8193 Abnormal kaba?

[@ningnick1728]

Very good documentary.

[@peeudo]

Very sad and disturbing. My prayers are with all the people who are hungry and unemployed.

[@fanbutton]

I have been to the Philippines. I know just how poor that country is. I asked myself, can things possibly get any worse there, then low and behold. This is nothing less than a clear cut sign that the end is near. Please people, hold out until Jesus' return. My prayers are with you all.

[@ainsleyfrastructurekpopmashups]

@Healthy Living yes, The Lockdown has Forced a Need for Removal on 60-40 FDI Restrictions.

[@turnerwright]

"Those who are just starting to get hungry can wait...."

[@다크씨-x6r]

😂😂

[@blackthoughtachieves2210]

I can't fathom why the rich received any kind of aid. Corruption is sky high in the Philippines. May God right the wrong.

[@sjcobra84]

As a Melbournian in Australia, I will not complain again after this.

[@Nikeair453]

id rather die of covid than poverty

[@pod11th31]

For some reason countries that reacted on Plandemic with most strict restrictions are having highest infection rate.Go figure.

[@jjsvintagetoysreview1198]

Good for you because you're in a stable country

[@matildamaher1505]

That's heartbreaking

[@eljanrysombrio4018]

If you consider the population of the Philippines and its current health care capacity, without lockdown it's going to be disaster. Philippines has the most densely populated cities in the world. So, comparing it with other countries is unfair. For me, lockdown is better than not having it. Philippines is not a rich country to be able to overcome a catastrophic spread of that virus. Can't you understand that simple logic? 100 million, the is the current population of Philippines. If we don't have lockdown, how many people could die? At least we can find a way to survive hunger, but can we survive COVID?

[@spunkyzerofive]

Not the Philippines. You're referring to Metro Manila. Or Manila itself. Densely populated because it's the Capital.

[@CarlH08]

This is ridiculous! The country needs to open up to survive.

[@jemuellen]

Please understand that this report was in the 1st quarter of 2020. It is not current and a lot has changed. While business activities are not 100 percent back to normal, restrictions have been relaxed and adults are pretty much free to move around for more than a year now. The cops don't wrestle people to the ground and cuff them. They are just reminded to follow minimum health protocols when in public. We even visit friends and family without fear of getting apprehended by the authorities.

[@bagongumaga1330]

​@@jemuellen Indeed, it's been months since the government implemented a much more economically-friendly "granular lockdowns," which aims to only isolate small areas (streets, apartments, residential areas) instead of the entire region. As of now, cases within the country has been in decline averaging around 4k to 6k, which is 30% of the peak number of case recorded and its continually decreasing (Referring to Reuters COVID-19 Graphical Report). The obsession of covering the mistakes of the previous year, instead of the significant improvements has draw me skepticisms of such presentation of events within the ocuntry.

[@haiderkhan589]

Talk about Melbourne's lockdown. People feel miserable

[@ala1990]

most of them can afford their food and basic need but its a whole another story for most part of asia

[@liveasifthisisyourlastday2345]

Why don't Christian countries help them?

[@washedblue]

not saying that's unimportant or should go unaddressed, but that's it? no comment on the actual video, just "talk about my problem instead"?

[@tracesee681]

Omg… just let them get back to their lives…. The lock down will kill them. Just so sad.

[@jemuellen]

This report was done during the first few months of this covid thing. Much has changed since then. Adults have been pretty much free to move around the country regardless of vaccination status for over a year now.

[@teetcl9319]

@@jemuellen It's not about health, it's not about protecting the people from the virus, it's about control.

[@saraglory1283]

This is what's exactly going in my country Uganda 🇺🇬 l can't believe that upto now we are still in lock down 😭

[@disrael2101]

Really is it actually being enforced there? Because i saw vids not many use masks there..

[@disrael2101]

Also are the police there ask money from people for no reason just like in Kenya?

[@puddingbaeks]

the cat is so cute🥺

[@gladanne4181]

In this video, we can now see that we are really not boarding in the same ship during those trying times. 🥺

[@yoveromarkanthony2690]

Sana wag na maulit

[@paulnieva3154]

lol, this for people still voted for Marcos and Duterte. you deserve your life!

[@pod11th31]

Thank god i live in a defiant nation, when state ordered businesses to close down, people collectively showed them middle finger.

[@teetcl9319]

❤❤❤❤

[@gargarmikejaphett.3840]

Eh most of stuff like this was in the national capital region, and literally about 12% of my entire nation's population lives there. The population density of the capital is utterly ridiculous, considering that there's about 21,765 persons per square kilometer. In the other provinces with lesser population density however, it wasn't that bad since the numbers are more manageable for governors to make an appropriate response and provide aid. But yeah, initial response is kinda crappy in the first year, but unsurprising since we don't know how to handle a pandemic this severe (that, and our president refusing to halt Chinese immigrants entry to the country due to political reasons). It got better in the following years though, what with the government easing down on the lockdown restrictions. It's relatively back to normal in 2022, after vaccines started getting nationwide distribution for free in the previous year.

[@BroodjeBrood]

Plandamic.

[@liveasifthisisyourlastday2345]

Ban smoking

[@tylerwatkins341]

I love you ban obesity

[@level1selamat155]

By CIA operatives

[@silverianjannvs5315]

Year 2020 & 2021 is completely wasted...😂😂

[@Sctvita]

4 years later…

[@jemuellen]

Since January 2020 to this posting, the official number of covid deaths is around 40,762. This is approximately 0.036 per cent of the total population which makes the survival rate to be 99.964 per cent.

[@KKplaysit]

That's a flawed equation. try again with total number of infected, not the total population 😂😂😂

[@jemuellen]

@@KKplaysit pThe number of infected is irrelevant. What matters is how many deaths it causes relative to the total population.

[@thelastminmom5251]

The way they keep calling their citizens “hard headed” was really annoying

[@Timetravel755]

It's to bad there wasn't a go fund me page to help.

[@sergedeleon9592]

Its like a graveyard in topview

[@josephinedelacruz8363]

Only in MAnila not entire Philippines, this place is over populated and lots of poor people unlike in the provinces.

[@artkoh585]

WHAT A POOR MAN! DESPITE OF HIS ORDEAL WITH HIS FAMILY, HE STILL BELIEVES TO DUTERTE. THE LIVING DEMON OF ALL TIMES! HOW SHAMEFUL! IMAGINE YOU'RE ALREADY STRUGGLING IN LIFE BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF DUTERTE'S GOVERNMENT YET HE STILL PRAISED HIM.

[@jemuellen]

Don't you think he already was struggling to cope even before Duterte came along?

[@washedblue]

do you not have any empathy for him? or realize how deeply engrained this type of thinking can be even in the face of facts? it's complex. he also agreed to be a part of the project to give us a view into his life that is only a small snippet; he clearly has serious doubts but has to keep some hope to keep going. calm down

[@katriensofie]

ulol!!! i kuwento mo sa pagong tangnamoka!!!

[@kuyalumpiangsariwa8993]

thank God i didnt get infected even though i was the one scrounging outside for supplies... even up to this date im still covid free. non of my family members got hit its a miracle

[@jacktrade7267]

I just ate two packs of noodles and I am still hungry.

[@denmarkmores5679]

Push up, eh nakahawak sa sahig. Sana sinabihang maghugas ng kamay.

[@jimtakahashi4638]

(13:28) (20:45)

[@yoveromarkanthony2690]

Grabe ang pandemic nung 2019

[@Mabsknows]

22:14 😢

[@wuhaninstituteofvirology]

``i dont know if i will vote for duterte again in the next election`` (he`s not running again, he can`t, he already announced he will step down, & governing for longer than the 6 year\one term limit goes against the constitution

[@jsroom1829]

Almost 2 years of lockdown coming from a President who doesnt know how to handle this pandemic. Economy was at -11%, Unemployment rate is at more or less 25%. Poverty rate is at 20%. One of the worst economy is asia just to name a few. The number of covid patients hasn't change and doesnt have a clear plan on how to fight it. It's sad but true. I think Government should implement 2 child policy, its over populated.

[@Razor-hh6ru]

And his "talk to the people" is basically just him ranting

[@bagongumaga1330]

Incorrect information Economy was at -11%? The economy contracted 9.6% however the 2nd Quarter reported an 11% GDP Growth due to low-base effects and the World Bank still forecast a nearly a 4% growth for 2021. Second, Poverty rate as of 2018, was around 16.7%, compared to a 23% in 2015. It's estimated that 1-2% of the population have been added the the poverty incidence of the country but it nonetheless had a net poverty rate decrease of 5% from 2015, if we're considering to 1-2% increase in 2020. The daily COVID cases is now around 6k which is 30% of its peak reported case and it's continuing in a downward trajectory (Refering to Reuters' Graphic Report of Global COVID cases) Any forced population control such as a one-child policy or two-child policy had a significant impact to the demographics within a country, just look at China, they're experiencing an imbalanced gender ratio and increasing older population. You are greatly misinformed

[@bagongumaga1330]

In addition, "granular lockdowns" is now being used, which greatly helps isolating cases without circuit-breaking the country's economy To say improvements are not present is malarkey.

[@omadz2507]

SOME LGU OFFICIALS REDUCED THE SUPPLIES FROM DUTERTE CAUSING SHORTNESS OF SUPPLIES.

[@BuddyRevell455]

It's amazing they've been convinced this is a deadly pandemic..... I'm glad I live where I live.

[@axelpatrickb.pingol3228]

Yeah, nothing says "deadly" than overflowing hospitals in the most densely populated city in the PH...

[@jaylawson5443]

@@axelpatrickb.pingol3228 it's true the lies are redundant

[@marimar3161]

@@axelpatrickb.pingol3228 There are not overflowing hospitals in Manila. And mostly everything is back to normal life, just with masks and faceshields. This is not a "lockdown" anymore

[@clarizzajuave883]

Di ka nga lumabas ng bahay dahil iniiwasan mgkasakit pero mamatay nmn sa gutom bagsak Ang economy natin gawa gawa lng yan sakit na yan dati na Tayo inuubo at sinisipon😂😂

[@globetrotter5751]

How could they mange that with all those chanty towns? Noone wears their mask properly.

[@jirehalombro8057]

Duterte pa more! Jeske matuto na kayo!

[@KoKo-gu3dh]

Incompetency on all levels of government starting with the President!

[@aubreywood4883]

Despite all the economic crisis this is the right time to start up an investment

[@jackryan341]

He's obviously the best I invested 2000USD with him and in 9 days I made a profit of 9101USD

[@lenalorres4033]

His success stories are everywhere 😱

[@harrykings927]

Trading crypto with Expert muller has been a game changer for me

[@harrykings927]

$ 𝟙𝟟𝟛𝟟𝟞𝟞𝟟𝟞𝟠𝟙𝟟

[@harrykings927]

His availability is on Whats App

[@BlitzGamer12356]

and finally the covid-19 has ended

[@TheReggaeboi]

Why most international news loves to show the slums and shanty towns when documenting about Philippines? Have they've been to other provinces and islands? Or only Manila? And for your information, not all metro manila are like that. Disappointing!

[@axelpatrickb.pingol3228]

The fact that the capital of the Philippines, and the economic center of the country is stuck in a long lockdown while the other big cities are slowly getting around...

[@TheReggaeboi]

@@axelpatrickb.pingol3228 you cannot compare a 12 million population in manila to other cities in asia. But one thing disappointing about the population in Metro Manila are most people are uneducated and hardheaded. That’s why the progress in pandemic is slow. Also the government sucks!!! This country is doomed!!!

[@TheReggaeboi]

*metro manila

[@bagongumaga1330]

​@@TheReggaeboi No sources or facts whatsoever, and in addition, those who linger themselves of the thinking of self-deprecation would never contribute to the national development. Uneducated and Hard-headed? Quite a grossly wrong generalization.

[@nathanielsandoval8635]

@@TheReggaeboi Uneducated and Hardheaded? Are you sure? The whole Metro Manila?

[@r.m6508]

Dudutae pa more ayan nauto tuloy kayo hahaha 😂😂

[@ICEMAN-p8g]

Corrupt starts with that

[@ICEMAN-p8g]

Sige magreply against sakin?

[@azulceleste2646]

😢

[@roniearkanghel2066]

How about the lockdown in slums in india.. which is belong to the most hungry country in the world..

[@GLCL]

Spraying poison

[@rmondave]

Epitome of ignorance and gullibility. The army was sent to the streets patrolling with their M16 rifles pointed at eye level. I wanted to ask them if they were ordered to shoot the covid virus on site, or just to intimidate people to stay indoors to better spread covid...

[@xereyksfernandez5947]

4:54 Spoken like a true DDS hit 🤣

[@rusainade6563]

Duterte👎👎👎👎

[@jemuellen]

Metro Manila lockdowns is not as bad as those in Australia.

[@rodaxel7165]

Did anyone get shot from violating the rules in Australia? or at least went to jail for a couple of hours? Or got beaten up? If not. Then no.

[@crater721]

@@rodaxel7165 Shot, only with rubber bullets (so far) Jail, yes, some Beaten up, yes, lots

[@arflo768]

I live here in Sydney. And it's not as bad as what I've watched.

[@crater721]

@@arflo768 In Victoria it is

[@arflo768]

@@crater721 yeah. The strict lockdown in VIC was implemented by Daniel Andrews and the Labor party. That's just one state and not the whole Australia as portrayed in news media outlets.

[@markjayden4501]

Another propaganda...

[@rodolfojr.balsamo7459]

Tamat kasi tau poro kau asa..

[@ronelcampo7956]

Poor people manila is squatter area 🤪

[@jovitanorton9837]

Blah blah blah mag hanap ka paraan huwag ka mag atik atik ang tao na go go tom

[@yoveromarkanthony2690]

Mga negusyo nag sara noon dahil Sa pandemic

[@binjongun9447]

When your gonna report on what's happening in Bangladesh

[@liveasifthisisyourlastday2345]

Tell your people to quit fossil fuel, ban smoking and go green.

[@binjongun9447]

@@liveasifthisisyourlastday2345 you just hope that we won't do that Coz if we did your economy gonna collapse..

[@aKenheart]

There is nothing special about this documentary. There isn't even one single documentary published by al jazeera that shows having neutral side in the Philippines. Their reporters always portray the country from the eyes of the opposition. Other countries suffered worst than the Philippines, others were lucky enough to mitigate the effect of covid in their economies. The only thing that makes this documentary interesting to some is its appeal to emotion by showing the not-so pleasant parts of the country(slum, trash, chaotic conversation, etc.) which are present elsewhere around the world. By the way, the rally shown here was instigated by leftist group and people flock on that area due to a fake text message of cash and relief goods distribution.

[@nyldavidrockefeller1366]

Small country with a 100million+ population .think twice before you criticize their goverment

[@Ken-sr6eo]

Your 100% right salute👍

[@vladimirfamini6175]

I agree.

[@teetcl9319]

Rockefeller is your last name hahaha,government failed big time.

[@josephericreyes]

idiot population is not an excuse there was no plan at all the president just sat there like its nothing

[@pungolay6586]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jimtakahashi4638]

What's so funny, idiot?

[@jodybobble]

Absolutely horrendous. A bit low on facts at the end there...when did it end?

[@osopolar2022]

They are still on total lockdown!

[@27jerry27]

@@osopolar2022 is manila still on total lockdown?

[@bagongumaga1330]

The country enacted a "granular lockdown," which aims to isolate smaller areas (ex. streets, apartment complexes, residential areas) that have covid cases within a specified radius. So far, the pandemic situation had significantly improved, the COVID cases as of now is around 6k and it's 30% of the last reported peak of cases (Refering to Reuters Global Covid Cases Graphic Report) and it's still undergoing a downward trajectory. In addition, the government has enacted Level 3 out within the metros, where Level 5 is the tightest form of lockdown. In the economy, the government reported 11% GDP Growth on its 2nd Quarter, and has stabilized the unemployment rate within the country. The obsession of covering the mistakes of the previous year, instead of the significant improvements has draw me skepticisms of such presentation of events within the county, it has skewed reality of the improvements the country made and has adapted from its short-comings.

[@bagongumaga1330]

@@27jerry27 No, read the comment above

[@jodybobble]

@@bagongumaga1330 Thank you for your reply. My government has also made mistakes, but our people did not starve as these people in the documentary have. I do hope that as you say lessons are being learned and huge improvements are being made for these dreadfully affected people. Take care and thanks again.

[@prepperry3498]

actually if ur here and see its worse then that ....... they dont want free hand out they want to work or job ...

[@michaelbuenvenida5575]

Walang covid sa pilipinas niloko lng tau ng gobyerno

[@malahdesii5234]

This is the time when Duterte became rich 😂😂😂