By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz/ Philippine News Agency
The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday has allowed accompanied minors to travel throughout the region which is currently under the more relaxed Alert Level 3.
In a press conference, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said these minors, those aged below 18 years old, are allowed to travel in private vehicles and public utility vehicles (PUV) such as jeepneys or trains as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
“Kung ito ay walang kasama na magulang o guardian, sisitahin ang mga bata, at of course, ang kaukulang proseso ay gagawin. Ito ay po ay ginagawa para proteksyunan ang mga bata (If they are not with their parent or guardian, they will be called out, and of course, the appropriate process will take place. This is to protect the children),” Abalos said.
He said allowing “intrazonal and interzonal” travel of minors was based on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) “Guidelines on the Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response in Pilot Areas.
“Ang pag-biyahe dito sa loob ng Kalakhang Maynila, within different zones, ay pinapayagan ngunit ito rin ay pwede rin na ayon sa reasonable restrictions base sa edad at kapansanan na pwedeng i-determine ng mga local government units (LGU) [Travel in Metro Manila, within different zones, is allowed but is limited by reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities that can be determined by LGUs],” Abalos said.
Thus, he said MMDA Resolution No. 21-24, series of 2021 was approved by the MMC — composed of Abalos and the 17 mayors in NCR — allowing minors to travel in NCR.
It said minors are being allowed to travel to obtain essential goods or for work in permitted industries and offices.
“Individual outdoor exercises shall also be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status,” the resolution read. -rir
