Here are some clarifications in connection to the return of OFWs in the next couple of days.
- The speedy return of the OFWs to their LGUs has been ordered by the President himself who empathized with their situation.
- SILG Eduardo Ano has assured that the 24,000 OFWs ordered home have already been tested, found negative and completed (some have even surpassed by a month or more) the 14-day quarantine requirement. As in all urgent matters, texting and other electronic means are used by government agencies to deliver advance information. There is a memorandum issued by Usec. Epimaco Densing on the matter which has been disseminated as well.
- The statement of Usec. Densing on returning OFWs possibly having “incomplete or no documents” is merely intended to cover the remote probability that some ROFWs may be denied entry due to incomplete papers, since as stated above, they have already been tested, quarantined and waiting for their transportation back home.
- LGUs are in fact mandated to prepare isolation facilities and have to accept their returning residents. LGUs may subject them to further quarantine and/or PCR testing and isolation upon arrival.
- National agencies, LGUs and all sectors are responsible in working together to protect our people from the spread of COVID 19.
