Baguio City locks down 2 barangays for ignoring COVID-19 protocols

Barangays San Vicente and Poliwes in Baguio City were locked down for six days due to locals' failure to take COVID-19 protocols seriously, Jonathan Andal reported Saturday on 24 Oras Weekend.

“Hindi ng nagsusuot ng mga mask, pakalat-kalat sila sa kalsada, wala silang pakialam, nagiinuman, nagtsitsismisan, walang control sa mga bata – nasa labas lang, naglalaro ng basketball,” explained Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

San Vicente residents were particularly incorrigible as this was the second occasion a total lockdown was imposed on the barangay.

Under the lockdown rules, barangay residents were prohibited from loitering outside their homes. Neither could they shop at malls and markets outside their respective barangays, though shops within the barangay were allowed to operate.

The only residents allowed to exit the barangay were those who were going to work, those “authorized persons outside residence,” and emergency cases.

“Sumusonod naman po sila, pero meron pa ring iba na parang inilalabas pa rin yung hinaing nila, ganoon,” said a local police officer, explaining how barangay locals were taking the lockdown.

While Barangay Poliwes had one confirmed COVID-19 case and 16 suspected cases, Barangay San Vicente had 31 suspected cases and one probable case.

“Initially, dapat five to seven days [lang ang lockdown]. Minsan ine-extend ko pa para magtanda sila,” said Magalong.

The mayor was also contemplating lockdowns on Barangay Victoria and Barangay Bakakeng Central's Purok 6 for similar reasons.

Baguio City was under a modified general community quarantine. — DVM, GMA News