Coast Guard transports 150 LSIs to Davao, GenSan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday brought 150 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) to Davao and General Santos City aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang.

According to Ivan Mayrina’s Monday report “24 Oras,” the cost of food and transportation was covered by the PCG.

“Ang i-a-accommodate namin dito, a total of 150 LSIs, 99 ang taga-Davao Region at saka 51 and taga-SOCCSKSARGEN. Sagot na po ng gobyerno, sagot ng Coast Guard. Naka-ready na po ang mga higaan nila, pati pagkain nila, libre lahat,” PCG Commandant Vice-Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said.

Meanwhile, 10 LSIs in San Juan City were finally sent home by the local government to Masbate and Cavite for free after three months of being stranded in Metro Manila.

“‘Yung siyam na kasama natin, nagtatrabaho sa isang printing press dito sa San Juan at dahil sa COVID ay napilitang magsara so wala na silang trabaho. ‘Yung isa naman po ay isang kasambahay na taga-Cavite, ‘yung amo niya ay hindi na rin siya maswelduhan,” Mayor Francis Zamora said.

The LSIs received free food packs and a P1,000 food allowance.

“Malaking tulong po ‘yung binigay niyo sa amin dahil sobrang hirap po ng dinanas namin dito,” LSI Melvin Abejero said through tears.

Prior to Monday, the San Juan government already sent home 54 LSIs.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines also has a “Biyahenihan” program that sends LSIs home to Sorsogon for free. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News