3 governors face raps for quarantine violations

MANILA, Philippines — Three governors may face charges for ignoring the guidelines set by the national government to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, spokesman for the Department of the Interior and Local Government, said these governors, whom he did not identify, are implementing their own protocols contrary to the rules set by President Duterte and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

In an interview over radio dzMM, Malaya cited complaints regarding delivery trucks transporting essential cargoes experiencing delays due to strict measures imposed by local officials at quarantine checkpoints.

Malaya said police officers should disobey orders of local officials that are inconsistent with directives of the IATF and the President.

2 mayors positive for COVID

Meanwhile, Bayambang Mayor Cezar Quiambao announced in a post on Facebook yesterday that he and his wife Niña were infected by the flu virus.

“We received proper treatment from doctors who believe that we have now recovered,” Quiambao said.

Aside from Rizal Gov. Rebecca Ynares, Mayor Kathrine Robles of Baras town also tested positive for COVID-19. –Neil Jayson Servallos, Eva Visperas, Artemio Dumlao, Miriam Desacada, Roel Pareño,  Raymund Catindig, Cesar Ramirez, Ric Sapnu, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Ding Cervantes