The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is now preparing for the simultaneous repatriation of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) this Saturday and Sunday.
The PNR trains, buses, ports, and C-130 government planes will be used to send home LSIs at the Villamor Airbase and Philippine Army Gym. Latest data show 177 LSIs are now at the Villamor Airbase Elementary School while 754 are inside the PA Gym.
“This weekend magkakaroon tayo ng malakihang pagpapauwi. Mayroon tayong grand send-off this weekend at posible na mauubos lahat ‘yan dahil lahat ng mga regions sa buong bansa ay bubuksan natin for the LSIs (We will have a mass repatriation this weekend. We will have a grand send-off this weekend and it is possible that all LSIs will be sent home as we are opening all regions for the LSIs),” DILG USec. Jonathan Malaya disclosed.
The LSIs who plan to go back to provinces that are implementing a moratorium such as Regions 6 and 8, Cebu Island, Mactan, and CARAGA will not be included. Swab tests will not be required for LSIs prior to travel since the IATF has not yet approved the inclusion of LSIs in mandatory swabbing.
“Kapag naaprubahan ‘yan, ang testing niyan sa kanilang mga destinasyon na LGUs (If it gets approved, the testing will be done in their LGU-destinations),” DILG Sec. Eduardo Aῆo said.
Meanwhile, LSIs have been allowed to enter the NAIA. Two thousand seats have also been added at the Terminal 3. The DILG, DOTr, and MIA reminded LSIs anew not to go to airports without final booking schedules to prevent problems and keep them off the streets.
– Report from Louisa Erispe
