MANILA – Secretary Harry Roque, spokesperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force (AITF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease told travelers and returning individuals to call their respective local government units (LGUs) about local policies regarding entry and quarantine.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte, during his public address in the evening of May 28 had announced the reclassification of Metro Manila, Davao City and many parts of the country from Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) thereby easing movement of people and transportation, and allowing some economic activities.
Sec. Roque stressed in a May 29 live radio-TV interview monitored by Sandigan News and Banat Pilipinas News, that even if it is allowed by the IATF to travel within GCQ to GCQ classified areas government units can make and implement their own policies that are fit to their situation.
“May prerogative naman ang mga LGUs na gumawa ng kanilang palisiya at panuntunan upang hindi mahawa sa virus,” (LGUs have the prerogative to make their policies and guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus), Sec. Harry said.
He also said that he could not make specific answers to the quarries of traveling or returning residents and individuals. “Mas mabuti tawagan muna ninyo ang mga local officials ng destination ninyo upang malaman ang mga panuntunan nila sa checkpoint at sa quarantine,” (It is better for you to call your local officials in your destination so that you will know the guidelines at checkpoint and quarantine), suggested Roque.
He further suggested that travelers must be ready to show their ID with address and to explain their case to those manning the checkpoints, if necessary. “Hindi naman pwedeng pabayaan ang mga bata kung uuwi kayo. Maiintidihan naman yan sa mga kapulisan natin,” (You cannot just leave your children if you go home. Our police forces will understand your situation), he said replying to a question about traveling with children.
