Army facilities at full capacity due to surge in number of LSIs —official

Quarantine facilities of the Philippine Army that are being used to accommodate locally stranded individuals (LSIs) are already hitting full capacity, its spokesperson said on Sunday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Army spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala said the facilities are accommodating 344 LSIs.

“We are already reaching full capacity kasi mas madaming dumadating kaysa lumalabas. Ngayon nag-uutilize tayo ng dalawang area. Itong Philippine Army Gym, tsaka dito sa Libingan ng mga Bayani,” he said.

According to him, they released 34 LSIs this Sunday, but another 133 are being processed for accommodation.

Thus, he advised those who will travel to confirm the flight schedule first with their respective airlines before going to the airport or the Army facilities.

“Sa mga kababayan nating very eager to travel, i-assure muna natin sa sari-sarili nating airline kung malapit na ‘yung travel date nila para hindi tayo mapuno lalo na dito sa Philippine Army.” Zagala said.

“Kung sabay sabay lahat, tapos matagal pa ‘yung flight, mahihirapan na tayong i-accommodate ang lahat. We want to ensure ‘yung safety ng lahat by doing this,” he added.

As some restrictions in mobility were eased, many stranded people have decided to go back to their provinces via commercial flights. However, some flights were canceled due to the protocols of receiving local government units.

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said domestic flights are allowed between areas under general community quarantine provided proper coordination is done with the concerned LGUs.

Some LGUs, however, are not keen on allowing the resumption of domestic flights. The misunderstanding resulted in flight cancellations and passengers getting stranded in airports. —LBG, GMA News