A resolution penalizing the owner of the vehicle and its driver for smuggling outsiders and Local Stranded Individuals (LSIs) to the province of South Cotabato was recently approved by the Provincial Peace and Order Council.
During its recent council meeting via zoom app attended by members from different agencies, a resolution was passed as a means to put some remedy on the problems on the ground.
Reports show that several people from outside the province have sneaked in through private vehicles and delivery truck vans.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rogelio Aturdido said this is a big problem in the province since those who have entered SouthCotabato are not following necessary protocols.
“They are taking it lightly,” he said,
Aturdido added, a COVID-19 positive case in a nearby province even used an ambulance just to enter their province.
“This should be given the utmost attention,” he said,
Under the executive order issued by Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., it states that only the driver and one helper shall be the passenger of any delivery truck vans.
The EO also states that there is still border lockdown from May 16 to 31,2020 and nobody from outside is allowed to enter the province.
DILG Provincial Director Atty. Rochelle Sero said people are taking it lightly if there is no penalty.
Police authorities are duty-bound to enforce the order and secure all borders for the safety of the province.
With the implementation of the Balik Probinsiya Program, the province fears that more are eager to come home but should adhere to proper protocol for the safety of all South Cotabateños.
