Bicol IATF allows ‘one-time trip’ for stranded port passengers

LEGAZPI CITY – The Bicol Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has allowed a “one-time trip” for stranded passengers in the ports of Matnog in Sorsogon and Tabaco City in Albay.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended all trips at any point in the region since Tuesday, after Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

As of 6 p.m., there were 90 persons stranded in Matnog port while 17 in Tabaco City port, PCG Bicol said.

In an order, Ernie Vera, director of Department of Health (DOH) and IATF Bicol, said the DOH was given by the executive secretary of the office of the president the authority to grant exemptions based on humanitarian considerations.

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