Outsiders now banned in all Zone 4 barangays in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Outsiders are now temporarily barred from entering all eight barangays in Zone 4, Dagupan, Manila, after a number of individuals in the area were found to have violated the enhanced community quarantine being implemented by the national government.

“As per Manila Barangay Bureau information office, all barangays under Zone 4 are under ‘lockdown’ as a preventive measure against COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Hindi na pinapasok ‘yung taga-ibang barangay sa zone na ‘yun (Those from other barangays are not allowed entry in that zone),” Manila Public Information Office Chief Julius Leonen said in a Viber message to reporters.

These are Barangays 48 to 55, composed of over 24,000 residents.

Leonen said the order is an initiative of the barangays.

Under the lockdown, those who live in other areas will not be allowed entry but residents of Zone 4 can still leave their zone, according to Leonen.

“Ang guidelines lang po sa mga barangay na under ‘lockdown,’ restricted lang ang movement as per MBB (Manila Barangay Bureau). You’re not allowed to loiter in that zone if you’re not from there,” Leonen explained. “Their definition of ‘lockdown’ does not mean trapping or not allowing citizens to leave their zone.”

To prevent Manila residents from loitering around the city, the local government also ordered that all village chiefs in the capital submit a list of representatives per family in their jurisdictions who will be authorized to go out of their residences to buy food and other necessities.

Meanwhile, Leonen said the Public Information Office is still checking if a resident of Hernandez Street in Barangay 69 in Tondo had indeed tested positive for COVID-19, which had triggered the reported lockdown in the street.