Gov. Arthur Yap is sending a letter to the national and regional Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) to reconsider their policies and to require the locally stranded individuals (LSIs) to coordinate first with their accepting local government unit (LGU) before they intend to arrive in their home province.
This was revealed by Provincial Administrator Kathyrin Pioquinto in a radio interview over dyTR’s “Open Forum” on Thursday, June 25, 2020.
She said the governor will be sending the letter to the national and regional IATF for a change in policy so that LGUs will require a certificate of acceptance (COA) from the returning LSIs, prior to his/her arrival.
Pioquinto said that with the COA, the LGUs are able to prepare the right accommodations for the arriving LSIs.
A change of policy prevents the so-called “walk-in” LSIs, Pioquinto told The Bohol Tribune via the radio interview over “Open Forum” program.
Pioquinto added that LGUs are told by the national authorities that LSIs no longer need COA coming from the accepting LGU.
It was previously reported that LSIs only need a medical certificate from the LGU of origin and a travel authority from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Covid shield.
“Makurat na lang ta usahay na naay muabot na LSIs without coordination,” Pioquinto said.
“Gov. Art is going to write to the regional and national IATF nato nga ipasabut lang gyud ang difficulties facing sa mga LGUs nato ug sa probinsya, if this policy will continue; kadto gyud walay coordination ug dile na kinahanglan ang coordination and acceptance from the LGU or the province.” she added.
Pioquinto cited the incident in Guindulman where five (5) LSIs who were not able to coordinate with the LGU was pushed back and may face legal action.
She said it is critical that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the port authorities are able to help in allowing only the LSIs that have proper coordination with the LGUs to take the voyage back to Bohol.
Pioquinto said that with proper coordination the LSI will be fetched by the LGU focal persons and then straight to the quarantine facility.
The provincial administrator said it is frustrating on the part of the LGUs and the provincial government to hear criticisms that some LSIs are not being attended to upon their arrival in Bohol seaports or at the Bohol Panglao International Airport.
The critics, she said, may not realize that these LSIs have not coordinated with the LGUs in the first place or coordinated ahead of time.
“If there is no prior coordination with us, don’t expect us to fetch you (LSI).” Pioquinto quipped.