I pushed the LMP President to go with OPLAN EXODUS;
Knowing what I know now, I would do it again!
As I write this on the 2nd of July 2020, Bohol has a total of 23 active cases of COVID-19.
Around the final days of April 2020, I was asked by the elected president of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines – Bohol Chapter, Miriam Sumaylo, for my opinion about the impending OPLAN Exodus. News already got out that majority of doctors in Bohol are in opposition. I told Mayor Sumaylo that I would totally support Oplan Exodus. Please bear with me as I explain why.
I am predominantly Christian, and I will always try to be pragmatic and altruistic. With that said, I am fully aware of my deficiency of qualifications to decide on such matters as Oplan Exodus. I will always support caring for the sick and dying. If a Boholano is sick, I know he/she would rather be sick in Bohol, near his/her loved ones, compared to being sick somewhere else. Hence, the Boholanos must be allowed to go home.
I asked two of my closest friends about this, namely Joboy Jocom – a councilor in Davao City, and Ralph Barajan – the hero who rescued every passenger in the MV Siargao Princess as it was sinking. I asked them for an opposing view. To my surprise, they both agreed with me.
All 23 active cases are Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI).
- This means a lot of things, but what I want to point out is that all active cases in Bohol are not locally transmitted.
- It also means to me that Bohol has been and still is successful at fighting COVID-19.
- This also means Bohol fought with its best foot forward.
- This means all frontliners are successfully fighting it.
- This means, you, the common Boholano, are not being “pasaway” and you are doing your absolute best.
- This means I am very proud of that fact. I am proud of you.
Currently, I support suspending the arrival of LSIs in Bohol. The period of April to June, to me, was enough period for homesick boholanos to get home. I am confident in the local government units (LGU) that they are exercising their full political will. Knowing all this, I have faith in Bohol.
Yes, I have faith in Bohol!