Stranded residents struggle with requirements to go home

CEBU, Philippines —  While many Cebu province residents stranded in Cebu City and other areas due to movement restrictions want to avail of the offer to go home, they are struggling to comply with the requirements, particularly medical certification that they are coronavirus-free.

A resident from Medellin town wanting to return home after being stranded in Cordova town for more than two months has been disappointed to know of the “long list” of requirements.

“Kalisod ba i-comply sa requirements,” said Ann, a 39-year-old mother of three.

Among the requirements she has to comply with are certificate showing negative result for COVID-19 or certification from a government doctor; certification from barangay where she is stranded showing that she is not a person under investigation for COVID-19 or a certificate of completion of a 14-day quarantine; and certificate of consent or approval from the barangay to which she will return, duly signed by the mayor of her town, among others.

Just like Ann, Police Colonel Roderick Mariano, Cebu Police Provincial Office director, said other similarly situated residents are also facing the same dilemma.

He said there were some returning residents who failed to show some of the requirements.

“Meron na kasi tayong nga local stranded individuals na umuuwi na sa kani-kanilang lugar…but lacking requirements,” he said.

Aside from the said requirements, he said, the stranded residents also need to get a travel certificate from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“They should have a travel authority from PNP,” he said.

The document is available at the police station in the place where he/she is currently staying or the one in the place she/he intends to go.

Meanwhile, those planning for a beach getaway may have to think it over.

Mariano said they will require pass or clearance issued by the local government unit (LGU) from the beachgoers.

“Kailangan lang nila ng pass or acceptance doon sa pupuntahan nilang LGU,” he said.

Cebu province was placed under general community quarantine effective May 20. The GCQ rules allow province residents to go to the beach from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  KQD (FREEMAN)