Moreno warns criminal raps vs vacation returnees who will skirt required swab test

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of Manila returning from their holiday vacations in the provinces who will try to skirt the mandatory swab testing, and will later test positive for COVID-19 may face criminal charges, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso warned on Monday.

“Kapag ikaw ay positibo at iyong pinabayaan, you might be violating a republic act. Merong batas para dyan, more than the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) rule,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel when asked if there will be a penalty for residents of Manila returning from the provinces and will not undergo a swab test.

(If you test positive and you did not address it, you might be violating a republic act. There is a law about that, more than the IATF rule.)

“They might be facing cases, criminal cases,” he further said.

Moreno did not say what specific law he was referring to that may be violated by returning residents who will not take swab tests, however.

The mayor encouraged concerned residents to just undergo the swab test instead of facing possible complaints.

“One, may peace of mind ka na makukuha, libre mong nakuha. Two, at least kahit paano, alam mo kaagad paano i-a-address and if you will turn out to be positive, we will try to take care of you,” he said.

(First, you will have peace of mind and you will get it for free. Second, you will know immediately how to address it if you test positive and if you do test positive, we will try to take care of you.)

The Manila Barangay Bureau, in a December 29 memorandum to barangay officials, said all Manila residents returning to the city from holiday vacations in the provinces after January 2 must go directly to COVID-19 testing facilities in their respective districts before going home.

The bureau also said concerned residents must also stay at the assigned quarantine facility while awaiting their test results, which are expected to be released within a day or two.

EDV