Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) — President Rodrigo Duterte has directed Cebu province to adhere to the protocols for returning overseas Filipinos set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Malacañang said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the announcement, quoting Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, during his regular virtual briefing.
Under IATF rules, arriving Filipinos must stay in a quarantine facility for ten days, and undergo RT-PCR testing on the seventh day of their return.
Cebu had been conducting tests on returning nationals immediately upon their arrival. Returning residents of the province are allowed to go home after a negative RT-PCR test result and will be tested again on the seventh day while undergoing home quarantine.
“The last extension was just a preparation for full implementation of that decision,” said Roque, referring to Medialdea’s order to extend the diversion of flights headed to Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport which was in effect from June 5 to 12.
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He added that Duterte “also considered” the Department of Health’s critique in making his decision.
Department of Health – Central Visayas spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche told reporters on Monday night that they “will obey as good citizens of this country” the chief executive’s directive.
Loreche added they will be making announcements on Tuesday regarding the “specifics” of the implementation after meeting with Cebu officials including Governor Gwen Garcia.
Garcia and Duterte earlier met to discuss the city’s differing protocols.
CNN Philippines’ Cebu-based correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report.
