The City Government clarified that “there will be no lockdown” in Puerto Princesa after rumors have circulated that it will be locked down following another reported COVID-19 case in the city last week.
Atty. Arnel Pedrosa, the City Administrator and Legal Counsel told Palawan Daily News (PDN) that only the National Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) has the authority to place an entire city under lockdown.
Atty. Pedrosa stated that the city government has the power to declare a lockdown but only on the barangay level.
“Walang ganoon. Walang katotohanan ‘yon. If a lockdown will be declared, that declaration would be coming from the National Inter Aency Task Force. The city can declare a lockdown only with regard to barangay,” Pedrosa said.
Dr. Dean Palanca, the Assistant City Health Officer and Incident Commander of Puerto Princesa Task Force for COVID-19, on June 3 evening, Wednesday, announced through Facebook live at the page of City Information Department another confirmed COVID-19 case in Puerto Princesa.
Dr. Palanca said this COVID-19 patient is a female overseas Filipino returnee who arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPIA) on May 31 aboard an aircraft with other returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs).
Palanca mentioned that this female ROF whose COVID-19 confirmatory test turned out positive first underwent rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and was reactive.
On the other hand, Pedrosa further stated that Mayor Lucilo Bayron has ordered the City PNP and other law enforcement agencies in Puerto Princesa to strictly implement health safety protocols and set guidelines under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
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