LSIs, returning OFWs from Hatid Probinsya program among BARMM’s 72 COVID-19 cases

Individuals coming home via the government's Hatid Probinsya Program are among the latest COVID-19 cases in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,  the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) said Thursday.

According to spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun, six of the positive cases reported on Wednesday and one case on Thursday were locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipino workers (ROFs).

“These new cases are three LSI in Lanao del Sur, three returning OFWs in Maguindanao and just today, one LSI from Maguindanao was added to our list of confirmed cases,” Pendatun said in a statement.

At present, BARMM has reported a total of 72 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 56 active cases, 12 recoveries, and four fatalities.

Health Minister Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan said that the increase in the number of cases in the region is linked to the LSIs and ROFs.

Due to this, he said, proper coordination with local government units is necessary. Dipatuan also revealed that there have been violations of quarantine measures and travel restrictions.

“We appeal to everyone, especially those who travel by land to pass through the protocol, you can’t just go back to your communities without coordination with the LGUs,” Dipatuan said.

The health minister advised LGUs to closely monitor suspicious activity and to immediately report them to authorities.

“We have to ask for the law enforcers’ assistance to protect our health workers, because we have reports of harassments towards our frontliners,” Dipatuan said.

As of Thursday, 150 LSI were brought back to their communities through a sweeper flight early this June.

Meanwhile, the modified general community quarantine will remain until the end of June, according to the BIATF. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News