INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday admitted failure in communication led to the controversial transport of about 100 beneficiaries of the government’s “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa” to Leyte last week.
Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez had lashed out at government’s alleged carelessness in the implementation of the program, citing the general community quarantine protocols that have to be observed.
Gomez said they were told to receive people returning to the cities and towns in Leyte even if they were not properly documented and tested for COVID-19. Worse, he said local officials were not informed of their arrival.
Ormoc City, which takes pride in having zero COVID-19 case, requires people from Metro Manila entering the city to undergo quarantine and testing. The city is under general community quarantine while Metro Manila is under modified enhanced community quarantine.
Año, who spoke with Gomez on Monday night, said the concern of the Ormoc City mayor was valid. Citing protocols, he said the LGUs should have been informed three days before the arrival of the Balik Probinsiya beneficiaries.
“Sila ay nabigla sapagkat hindi sila naabisuhan agad. Valid naman ‘yung kanilang complaint. (They were surprised because they were not promptly informed. Their complaint is valid),” said Año.
Año, a member of the Inter-Agency Task on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, said he had earlier given directive to the IAFT-MEID’s Sub-Task Group on repatriation for returning Overseas Filipino Workers and Locally-Stranded Individuals to alert the receiving LGUs three days before such transport.
He said the three-day grace period would enable the LGUs to prepare transportation, quarantine facilities and even COVID-19 testing facilities for these people.
Año admitted the people who arrived in Leyte did not undergo COVID-19 testing because it was presumed they underwent quarantine during the past two months when Metro Manila was on lockdown.
“Ang nangyari doon, hindi maayos ‘yung coordination. Pero ito ay isolated case kaya sisiguraduhin natin na hindi mauulit ang mga ganyan. (What happened was improper coordination. But this is an isolated case and we will make sure it will not be repeated),” Año said.
Año said Gomez merely let out his sentiments. He said Gomez is already “okay” and understood what happened.
“Alam mo ang mga LGUs mga pagod din talaga ‘yan and they are very protective of their constituents. (You know, the LGU people are already tired also and they are very protective of their constituents),” he said.
