'ZOMBIE BA KAMI?'

Residents of locked down communities in Quezon City decry discrimination

The residents of the areas placed under a special concern lockdown in Quezon City following an increase in COVID-19 cases after the holiday season have decried discrimination.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, residents in Agno Extension in Barangay Tatalon said they have experienced discrimination from their neighbors.

“Discrimination, opo. Pinandidirihan, kinakatakutan ng mismong mga kabarangay pa. Masakit po ‘yong ganoon,” one of the residents said.

“Sobrang pang-aalipusta. ‘Pag dumikit kami, lalayo sila kasi mahawa sila. Ano ba kami? Zombie ba kami? Napatunayan ba nilang may sakit kaming lahat?” another resident added.

The area was placed on lockdown from January 16 to 28.

Meanwhile, residents in La Felonila Street in Barangay Damayang Lagi said they were not able to go to work due to the lockdown.

The area was placed on lockdown from January 18 to February 1.

The Quezon City government has placed four areas under special concern lockdown due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Aside from Agno Extention and La Felonila Street, Salary Street in Barangay Sangandaan and Magsalin Street in Barangay Apolonio Samson was also placed under lockdown.

“‘Yong mga taong hindi sumunod doon sa minimum public health standard, talagang ganiyan ang mangyayari especoally doon sa mga areas na ‘to na ang population is dense and then ang neighborhood ay masyadong… everyone is a close contact of everyone,” city epidemiology and surveillance unit head Dr. Rolly Cruz said. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News