Palace says increased security set after OFWs escape quarantine; search ongoing

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities will set up stricter security measures in isolation sites after some repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including those who tested positive for the new coronavirus, escaped quarantine facilities, Malacañang said Monday.

In a televised press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also said that the search for the OFWs is still ongoing.

“Patuloy pa pong hinahanap iyong ibang mga lumabas bagama’t mayroon na pong isa na nasa kustodiya na ng mga awtoridad at binibigyan po ng PCR test iyong buong pamilya noong isang OFW na nahanap na,” Roque said.

(The search for those who escaped is still ongoing although one of them is already in the custody of authorities. His family will be given the PCR test.)

“Patuloy po ang paghahanap sa iba, ito naman po ay para sa kanilang kalusugan din at kalusugan ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. (The search is still on for the others, this is for their own safety and that of their families.) I think there will be increased security na po in the different hotels that we are utilizing as quarantine areas,” he added.

Earlier, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said the OFWs may face charges for violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.