By Jann Reymund Tatad
VIRAC, Catanduanes – The Russian Embassy has fetched on Monday, March 30, four of its nationals Russian, who have been stranded in the province since the implementation of Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
Provincial Tourism Officer Carmel Garcia confirmed that the tourists were staying in Baras, Catanduanes, beginning March 4, before President Duterte ordered the enhanced community quarantine that led to a halt of all forms of public transportation.
Garcia coordinated with the concerned local government units and Philippine Coast Guard – Catanduanes to ensure the safety of the tourist during their trip from Agojo, San Andres to Guijalo port in Caramoan, Camarines Sur.
According to Garcia, the Russian embassy provided a vehicle that waited for its nationals at Guijalo port.
They were then supposed to be taken straight to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) where they were to take a special chartered flight back to russia.
She added that the tourists were subjected to a health checkup before they left Catanduanes.
Moreover, the provincial government here covered the expenses for the Russians’ travel from Baras to Guijo port in response to a request made by Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor A. Khoavev.