The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has appealed to local governments to accept returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in their cities and provinces.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Aῆo has insisted that LGUs have nothing to worry about as the returning OFWs have already undergone COVID-19 testing and quarantine. The OFWs must be helped as they have been staying for a long time in Manila and other countries.
LGUs were also told to accept and bring OFWs to a quarantine facility in case they fail to present a quarantine certification.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has alerted police commanders nationwide regarding the repatriation of OFWs.
“Our task is to ensure the safe and unhampered passage of our OFWs. We should make sure that they’ll be accorded with courtesy and respect that they deserve,” JTF COVID Shield Commander PLt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said.
Meanwhile, Aῆo said he has already communicated with Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez on the alleged refusal of government agencies to speak with LGUs regarding the immediate repatriation to provinces.
He clarified the Mayor was not referring to the OFWs but to the locally stranded individuals the government has been assisting to return home. – Report from Bea Bernardo
