Foreigners ignoring quarantine rules are free to leave Philippines –Palace

Malacañang on Thursday chided foreigners who refused to comply with quarantine guidelines as the Philippines tries to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.

In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon applies to everyone.

“Ang mensahe po ng Presidente: ang ECQ po ipatutupad sa lahat—sa mayaman, sa mahirap, sa Pilipino, o sa dayuhan,” Roque said.

“Kung ayaw n’yo pong tumupad diyan lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga dayuhan, umalis na po kayo ng Pilipinas. You are free to go.”

On Sunday, armed cops entered the compound of the Pacific Plaza Towers in Taguig City and threatened to arrest residents for allegedly violating the rules of the community quarantine.

The condominium management is already looking into taking legal action against the cops.

It also denied allegations that the residents were not practicing social distancing, not wearing face masks, ignoring restrictions on social gatherings and it had not shut down its open areas and facilities. The high-end condominium’s residents included foreigners.

Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, commander of Joint Task Force COVID Shield, said on Tuesday there was coordination before authorities entered the compound.

He said it was the local government of Taguig City that asked the police to verify reports about quarantine violations. —Virgil Lopez/LBG GMA News