By Genalyn Kabiling  The government is readying the “parameters" on whether to lift, extend, or expand the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon due to the coronavirus outbreak, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Tuesday. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (Photo from Karlo Nograles / Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN) Nograles asserted that "science is in charge" as the technical working group led by the Department of Health (DOH) has been ordered to prepare guidelines on the duration of the Luzon-wide quarantine. The enhanced community quarantine over Luzon that requires residents to stay at home to curb the spread of the coronavirus was ordered by President Duterte last March 16. It is set to expire on April 12. "The IATF Technical Working Group (TWG) to be led by the DOH is directed to convene and finalize the parameters for deciding on the eventual total or partial lifting of the ECQ in Luzon, the possible extension of its duration, or its expansion to other areas outside the contained area, subject to the approval, amendment, or modification by the IATF," Nograles said during a virtual press conference Tuesday. Nograles, spokesman for the IATF, also denied rumors on the supposed 60-day extension of the ECQ in Luzon. "Uulitin po namin: Hindi po totoo ang kumakalat na fake news na ie-extend ang ECQ ng 60 days. Sa usapin na ito, science is in charge. Sana po malinaw ito sa ating lahat (We will repeat: Reports circulating on the extension of the ECQ for 60 days are fake news. In this matter, science is in charge. I hope this is clear to everyone)," he said. Malacañang recently defended the ECQ or partial lockdown over Luzon, saying there would have been more cases of coronavirus if it was not implemented. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo explained that the latest spike in the number of coronavirus cases was merely due to the rising number of people being tested. Under the quarantine period, the government has enforced home quarantine for residents, suspended public transport, promoted alternative work arrangements, imposed travel restrictions, banned large gatherings, and suspended classes, among others. Decision tool for OFW repatriation; handling of confiscated goods Nograles said the technical working group of the IATF has been directed to formulate and present a decision tool for the management of land-based or sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers who may be repatriated through the efforts of the national government. He said the task force has also adopted the recommendation of the Department of Justice to issue a Joint Memorandum Circular governing the handling of confiscated goods covered by the Price Act, and other relevant laws. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has been added as a member of the IATF, according to Nograles.