LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – At least 200 passengers who were stranded for almost five days at Pioduran port in Albay province were finally allowed to return home in Masbate on Thursday morning
In an interview, Governor Antonio Kho cited that he allowed these stranded individuals to enter Masbate for humanitarian reasons but reiterated this would be the last batch.
“For humanitarian sake na ilang araw din sila sa pier, for humanitarian sake, papuntahin ko ang team ng Provincial Health Office, as well as the Masbate IATF na i-antigen sila lahat for free. Walang babayaran, tapos dalhin na sila sa Masbate,” Kho said.
The stranded individuals have been staying at the Pioduran port since the weekend after the governor issued executive order banning unvaccinated individuals from entering the province.
Governor Kho reiterated that the “no vaccine, no travel” policy in Masbate is still in effect, thus he warned those who will violate the policy will face legal actions.
“This will be the last batch na pasaway, or else, we will file necessary charges against them,” Kho said.
Out of the 300 individuals stranded at Pioduran port, only 200 were given the green light to enter Masbate after they underwent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) antigen test. The remaining 100 passengers refused to undergo the test.
Meantime, 10 of those who were tested turned out to be positive for COVID-19. They were however allowed to return home and were isolated during the travel. The 10 were also advised to undergo home quarantine.
“We issue an executive order depending on the situation, because under the General Welfare Act, nakasaad dyan that the general welfare should be given the priority. So therefore, with that “No Vaccine, No Entry”, that will be my first action, considering that there is an increase of admissions of COVID patients in the province of Masbate,” stated Kho.
“Because this is a cause of ‘colorum’ vehicles who enter and fabricate such documents. Kahit hindi naka-vaccine, without all documents. So, this happened during the increase of this COVID-19. An average of 6 patients a day, anong gagawin natin? Kung pwede gamitan natin ng iron hand, anyway ang ginawa ko, protections of our Masbateños,” added Kho.