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Workers in essential businesses allowed to travel under MECQ

Philippines | National

Workers in essential businesses allowed to travel under MECQ

By Chito Chavez

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday clarified that workers in essential businesses are allowed to travel to areas placed under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that those workers, categorized as “authorized persons outside residence” (APOR) may pass through other localities provided they can show proof they are employed by essential businesses or industries under MECQ.

He made the clarifications after workers asked if they will need to secure travel passes to go to work if their workplaces are outside the cities, municipalities or provinces they live in.

On August 2, President Duterte placed Metro Manila under the more restricted quarantine rules after the appeal of the medical health workers in the midst of the soaring cases of the virus.

Aside from Metro Manila, the President also placed Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal under MECQ.

Meanwhile, some workers complained that uniformed personnel manning the checkpoints ask too many questions even if they are classified as APOR.

Leonardo Manding who lives in Quezon City complained it took him more than 30 minutes from Welcome Rotonda, which is the boundary of Quezon City, and Manila to get through the checkpoint along Espana Blvd./Blumentritt St. area.

He said it was obvious that he is a motorcycle food delivery service crew but the men manning the checkpoint still meticulously checked his documents.

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar Task Force COVID-19 Shield Commander appealed to the public for patience and understanding, explaining even those listed as “APOR” are subject to tight scrutiny to determine if they are indeed allowed to travel under the MECQ.

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