DILG appeals to stranded workers trying to go home to provinces: Stay where you are

The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Saturday appealed to workers stranded in Metro Manila trying to go home to their provinces amid the Luzon-wide extended community quarantine to stay where they are.

"Huwag nang magmatigas na umuwi sa probinsiya. Any person is a potential carrier. Gugustuhin mo ba na magdala ng sakit sa inyong lugar?" DILG spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"Ang dami pa ring nagsisiuwian sa mga probinsiya. Minsan naglalakad, sumasakay sa mga truck na walang laman. Maraming stranded. Hirap na hirap ang mga LGUs (local government units). 'Yung iba tumatanggap ng stranded, 'yung iba hindi," he added.

Malaya said there have been reports of stranded workers in Tiaong, Quezon and other areas.

He reminded the public that the lockdown is in effect to prevent further transmission of COVID-19.

Malaya also reiterated that there is no truth to reports saying the lockdown will be extended. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles on Friday denied information circulating online that the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine will be extended beyond April 12 and that public markets will be closed. 

"Ang magdedesisyon kung mali-lift nang maaga o mae-extend ay depende sa DOH (Department of Health). Dapat evidence-based, pababa na ang positive cases at community transmission," Malaya said.

Usec. Malaya: Depende po sa DOH kung ili-lift o i-e-extend ang community quarantine. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 28, 2020

The DILG official also clarified that supermarkets, groceries, and drug stores should not require a quarantine pass before selling to individuals.

"Ang quarantine pass ay para makalabas ng bahay. 'Pag nakarating na sa palengke, pharmacy, 'wag nang pagkaitan. Walang dahilan para hindi sila pagbentahan," Malaya said.

He also clarified that only police may put up a checkpoint, and not barangays.

Usec. Malaya: Ang barangay ay walang karapatan maglagay ng checkpoint, pulis lamang po ang maaaring maglagay ng checkpoint. https://t.co/Jl7zdr1z8I

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 28, 2020

The DILG spokesperson also said more assistance will be given by the national government.

"Mayroon na po tayong parating na tulong mula sa national government. Kailangan lamang po itong makarating," he said.

Usec. Malaya: Mayroon na pong parating na tulong mula sa national governement. Kailangan lamang po itong makarating. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 28, 2020

Malaya appealed to local government officials not to resort to politics when giving out relief goods and food packs.

"Wala nang politika sana sa pamimigay ng pagkain, walang favoritism o epal pa na aangkinin na kanya ang programa. Wala munang politika. Serbisyo muna," he said.  —KG, GMA News