Absolutely correct. I started the Bayer at the very first peep of 2019. Still ending winter.
Prior to that, my olives had great pick-me-off scales to keep me busy in the summer.
2019? NONE.
It is hard to tell from the picture but the appearance is consistent with several possibilities
1) the tree dried out
2) fungus
3) die back of the tips but the buds look ok
You have not put a more specific location in your profile. Just saying you are "near the equator" could mean you are either in the desert or in the jungle.
Jungle - humidity = possible fungus
Desert - very dry = possible drying out too much/desiccation or tip die back
I have to add that neither of those environments are conducive to black pine survival and I am not hopeful for the future of this tree
Perhaps research species a bit better to see what can and will survive in your climate so you have better success in the future.