(Joint report from DCR, DSA, GAB)
About 267 locally stranded individuals (LSI) have arrived in Bohol on board three (3) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships. The LSIs arrived on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at the Tagbilaran Tourist Seaport.
According to reports, about 218 LSIs were on board BRP Gabriela Silang, 25 LSIs were on board BRP Cabra, and 24 LSIs were on board BRP Malapascua.
The number of LSIS that arrived in Bohol on Tuesday is slightly bigger than expected. According to reports that the Bohol Inter Agency Task Force (B-IATF) expected around 265 LSIs to arrive via PCG vessels.
Commander Alvin Degales, spokesperson of PCG Central Visayas said all of the LSIs who arrived were tested via rapid antibody tests and complied with health protocols prior to boarding the voyage to Bohol.
He added that the LSIs were examined by PCG medical personnel.
Members of PCG Western Bohol Command led by Commander Patrick John Cabasag welcomed the new arrivals at the seaport. There were personnel from the BIATF who were present in the seaport to ensure all safety protocols are followed upon the arrival and extraction of the LSIs to the different quarantine facilities located throughout Bohol.
Minutes upon arrival, teams from the BIATF conducted disinfection procedures on the LSIs. The disinfection also covered the LSIs’ luggage.
Moreover, extraction teams from different local government units (LGU) were on hand to fetch their respective
LSIs and transport them to the quarantine facilities.
The voyage of the LSIs is done under the “Hatid Tulong” program of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go.