Iloilo City mayor decries Capiz border restriction policy


ILOILO CITY—Mayor Jerry Treñas of this city has decried the new border restriction policy being implemented by the provincial government of Capiz against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City.  (Tara Yap/Manila Bulletin)
Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City. (Tara Yap/Manila Bulletin)

“We are totally disappointed with Capiz ,” said Treñas in a press conference Monday, August 17.

This was after Capiz released a guideline that considered travelers coming from Iloilo City as locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and, thus, required to go on a 14-day quarantine. It also said travelers from the city would have to comply with requirements, including the presentation of a valid identification (ID), a medical certificate and letter of acceptance to point of destination.

In an announcement, Capiz Governor Esteban Evan Contreras II explained it was a precautionary measure as Iloilo City has been reverted back to general community quarantine (GCQ) status since Sunday due to a surge in locally transmitted cases of COVID-19.

Treñas also expressed disappointment that Capiz was allegedly prohibiting the entry of cargo and essential supplies from Iloilo City, the regional capital of Western Visayas.

Treñas will bring up the concern before the Western Visayas Regional Task Force on COVID-19.

“That is not provided for under the rules. I have already signified my intention to file a case,” said Treñas.