Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) — The town of San Miguel in Bulacan has been placed under “total lockdown” following confirmation of its first COVID-19 case.
The San Miguel resident who contracted the viral disease is a member of the barangay police and a COVID-19 frontliner, San Miguel Mayor Roderick Tiongson said on Monday.
“Kahit po ang mga nasa checkpoint natin ay hindi ligtas sa sakit na ito kayat pinapayuhan ang lahat na huwag ng lalabas ng kani-kaniyang tahanan,” he said.
[Translation: Even those stationed at our checkpoints aren’t safe from this viral disease, that’s why I’m advising everyone to stay home.]
Tiongson added that those who do not comply with these rules will be arrested by authorities.
“Kahit na labag sa aking kalooban, ay mapipilitan akong gumamit ng kamay na bakal lalo na sa mga kababayan natin na ayaw sumunod hanggang sa ngayun,” the mayor said.
[Translation: Even if it’s against my will, I am forced to rule with an iron fist, especially when it comes to our residents who, until now, do not follow the rules.]
All those apprehended in San Miguel town checkpoints will be brought to the police station in order to “prevent the spread of the virus,” Tiongson added.
Earlier, the provincial government of Bulacan has declared a state of calamity due to COVID-19 threats. As of 4 p.m. of March 29, Bulacan has recorded a total of 18 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 7 resulting in death.
Nationwide, the Department of Health has so far reported 1,546 cases of the viral disease, with 78 deaths and 42 recoveries.
