Boholanos stranded in Cebu ‘surprised’ how other LSIs returned to Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY — Some stranded Boholanos were curious as to how nine locally stranded individuals (LSIs) returned to Bohol from Cebu City early morning Friday.

Gerwin Yudelmo, a Boholano who is stranded in Cebu, said they were shocked to learn that nine LSIs managed to return home together with 19 repatriated Boholano overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“It is not that I am not happy that they were able to return home. I am just surprised how they did it when there are still no clear guidelines from the government yet,” said the 29-year-old call center agent.

Yudelmo, who founded #ProjectHope to help fellow stranded Boholanos, said they were not informed about the first batch of LSI to go home.

At least 8,000 Boholanos are stranded in Cebu due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The nine LSIs comprised the first batch who were granted entry into Bohol province.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Anthony Damalerio said the returning Boholanos arrived at the Tagbilaran City Port at 4 a.m. on May 22.

“As we welcome another batch back home, please take note all safety and medical protocols were strictly followed and implemented upon their arrival,” Damalerio said.

These LSIs, he said, had completed requirements and clearances.

All of the returning Boholanos will undergo another 14-day quarantine.

Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez, spokesman of the COVID-19 Technical Working Group (TWG), confirmed that nine LSIs had arrived in Bohol.

In a virtual presser at Capitol last Friday, Lopez said five of the nine LSIs are now in the city undergoing quarantine, two in Dauis town, and another two in Panglao after they were able to present complete documents like health certificates and affidavit of undertaking.

Despite earlier pronouncement that the return of the LSI is being scheduled, Lopez said they allowed the nine LSIs to return home since they were able to present documents at their own expense.

Before a Boholano can return, he or she is required to have a 14-day quarantine facility completion certificate signed by landlord/management and barangay officials and medical certification from the health office of the municipality or city of origin to prove that he or she does not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, a negative result from a rapid test, and affidavit of undertaking, promising that he or she will undergo another 14-day quarantine upon their arrival in Bohol.