By Leslie Ann Aquino Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco believes the decision of the government to extend the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas is for the safety of everyone. Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco (Diocese of Cubao / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) "It is for the good and safety of all," he said in an interview. "I am sure that it was a well thought decision after consulting some important government agencies," added Ongtioco. On Friday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced the decision of President Duterte to extend the ECQ in the National Capital Region and other high-risk areas until May 15 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Other areas were also placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 1. Father Jerome Secillano of the Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro Parish in Manila said the extension of the ECQ was a calculated move on the part of the government. "The government hasn't done yet massive contact tracing and isolation of those already infected, hence, the extended quarantine is merely a calculated move to stem the tide of the spread of Covid-19," he said. With the extension, the priest asked the government to be ready with a stimulus package to help the people in this difficult time. "The government should better be ready with stimulus packages that will keep the people from hunger and the adverse effects of isolation," said Secillano. "If one is assured of aid and wages even without working, then this extension should not worry them," he added.