Punong Barangay Jane Villarin confirmed to Palawan Daily News that 14 families from Barangay Macarascas have been placed under 14-day home quarantine as per instruction of local health authorities upon reports that one crew of a fishing boat had a close contact to a person from Cebu.
Villarin said that a fishing boat with its crew originally from Cebu encountered engine trouble at West Philippine Sea and was rescued by a fishing vessel bound to Malaysia
“Naka-PUM po sila, 14 families po kasi may regular na bangka po dito na lumalaot sa amin na namumugita at lagi nang pabalik-balik kaya lang nung nakaraan may nasiraan silang lantsa sa laot at may nakasalamuha silang isang Pilipino din na nagbi-biyahe ng Mangsee at Malaysia, isang Pilipino lang na nakasalamuha nila sa laot nung nasiraan sila kasi doon nila nilipat ang kanilang produkto at kakilala din nila,” Villarin told Palawan Daily.
“Nung bumalik sila dito sa pier, nakababa na sila at pumunta sa ilang residente at hindi na naming na ano, kaya nung nag-trace tracking kami, diniclare nalang namin na PUM ‘yung 14 families,” she added.
The fishermen and the families placed under home quarantine were closely monitored by the barangay officials.
“Mino-monitor namin sila araw-araw and kaya lang naman sila na-PUM dahil diba kapag may history ng travel at sa pinanggalingan ay mataas ang kaso ng COVID-19 ay kailangan natin i-PUM para makasiguro and ‘yun din ang suggestion ng city health natin,” said Villarin.
The home quarantine for the said 14 families will end this April 27 as they were monitored since April 13, the day these fishermen docked at Macarascas port.
“Hanggang April 27 nalang din and since day 1, kami na ang nagbibigay ng pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan nila and kung minsan ay nagte-text sila at hinahatiran namin agad,” the barangay captain ended.
Meanwhile, the fishermen from Cebu were quarantined ashore on their fishing boat and issuance of quarantine pass were suspended.