Cebu execs agree on ‘uniform’ rules

CEBU, Philippines —  Quarantine restrictions in the municipality of Samboan in southern Cebu will no longer be implemented.

This despite two cases of the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 have been recorded in the town.

The lifting of the restrictions was decided upon at yesterday’s meeting between Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu mayors.

All Cebu officials agreed on having a “uniform” protocol for local government units in the province.

Garcia said all mayors agreed to “no lockdown,” saying they “will manage this.”

“Akong gihangyo nga let’s speak with one voice, one direction, one action. Og ma-garble ang voices, it sends the wrong signal to IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases),” the governor said.

At least four towns in the province, including Samboan, have imposed quarantine restrictions due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Citing IATF-MEID Resolution No. 29 issued April 27, 2020, Garcia said local chief executives could not place their own towns/cities under lockdown without the regional IATF’s concurrence.

Garcia also issued a memorandum last June 15 in relation to this resolution.

Garcia said mayors may implement granular lockdowns in the barangays but not for the entire town.

“A lockdown is ECQ (enhanced community quarantine). You cannot declare a lockdown. You can implement a granular lockdown but not the entire LGU (local government unit). That authority is with the governor,” she told reporters.

Next week, Garcia will also meet with mayors of the tri-cities (Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City) to discuss and come up with a joint position as a One Cebu island.

This is to “unify” their efforts in managing the COVID-19 cases.

Garcia added that this will send a message to the IATF that “Cebu is working together” in fighting this pandemic.

Samboan previously placed six of its barangays under “hard lockdown” wherein residents were ordered to stay at home except for essential purposes.

Other towns like Santander, Daanbantayan, Balamban, Borbon, Moalboal, Liloan, Ginatilan and Dumangnjug also issued executive orders limiting the movement of their residents.

These towns also directed the temporary closure of internet cafes, and suspension of mass gatherings, such as weddings and birthdays, among others. — KQD (FREEMAN)