Lockdown looming in Malabon barangay

MANILA, Philippines The chair of a barangay in Malabon with the third highest number of confirmed new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the city has asked residents to cooperate, saying a targeted lockdown could mean losses for small businesses in the area.

In a statement on Monday, Barangay San Agustin chair Ricky Bernardo explained that implementing the extreme measure could also deplete the local government’s resources such as relief goods and police manpower.

“We should not be breaking the law in this time of crisis. Instead, we must work with each other through discipline… A total lockdown would mean the closure of sari-sari stores and eateries, and those [going] to work will not be allowed to leave their homes,” he said.

Barangay San Agustin currently has 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases with one fatality and six recoveries, third only to Longos with 65 cases, and Tinajeros which has 27.

—Meg Adonis

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