The death toll in the novel coronavirus epidemic jumped to 106. Japan, Germany and other countries reported their first cases of nCoV. Here are the stories making the headlines on ANC today:

Pulling out Pinoys from Wuhan
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. has ordered the repatriation of Filipinos from China’s Hubei province due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Public health expert Dr. Susan Mercado said pulling out Filipinos might not be a good idea. Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sto. Romana said Filipinos in China are running low on food and water. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring 24 cases. Immigration authorities also suspended the “visa upon arrival” for Chinese.

Under the weather
Speaking of public health, President Duterte postponed his one-on-one with Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo again. Panelo said the president was feeling “under the weather.” The President is scheduled to attend an event at the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) at 5 p.m. today.

POGOs and prostitution
A Senate hearing revealed that the boom in Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) coincided with the rise of sex trafficking in the country. Both Filipinas and Chinese girls were victimized. Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who led the Senate hearing, will be on ANC’s Headstart.

Foreign policy direction
The House of Representatives will hold a hearing on archipelagic sea lanes. Also, Congressmen will get a briefing on various related issues like the West Philippine Sea, the Duterte administration’s foreign policy direction and others.

Remembering #24
How the late Kobe Bryant’s legacy lingers in the world is still up to us. ANCX dissects Mamba Mentality, and how it extended far beyond the basketball court.