In Bicol villages, pieces of paper called ‘quarantine passes’ required for residents leaving homes

LEGAZPI CITY—Village officials in some Bicol provinces have devised a “quarantine pass” to monitor constituents leaving their houses amid the Luzon-wide quarantine in place to stop the movement of people and, hopefully, COVID-19.

Residents have to secure a piece of paper signed by village chiefs that would allow only one member of a family to go out and buy basic necessities.

In Barangay Ponso in Polangui, Albay, passes were given at entry and exit points.

Ma. Socorro Sambitan, head of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the residents would be allowed to go out only before curfew hours.

In Barangay Pampang, Sorsogon City, the passes were used so police can easily check the purpose of residents in public places, said Salvador Mendoza, Sorsogon province’s information officer.

In Barangay Sta. Cruz in Canaman, Camarines Sur, residents were warned of penalties if they do not secure home quarantine passes.

In San Vicente town in Camarines Norte, all villages were required to use the passes to monitor residents’ movements.

Executive MSgt. Rey Aguilar, officer-in-charge of San Vicente police, said persons roaming the town proper without passes would be asked to go home.

Edited by TSB