Ports remain open for cargo ships despite Luzon-wide quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — Ports in the entire Luzon continue to be open to cargo ships even under an enhanced community quarantine.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said this is to ensure the unhampered movement of cargoes to and from Luzon.

“Ports shall continue to be open to cargo ships provided that there will be strictly no embarkation/disembarkation of crew, and subject to the requirements of the Bureau of Quarantine/Department of Health,” PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said Tuesday in a memorandum.

Santiago also said the issuance of cargo entry withdrawal permit (CEWP) is suspended.

“Trucks carrying cargoes to and from ports of Luzon shall no longer be required to secure CEWP from PPA or Port Terminal Operators,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine which will be in effect from March 17 to April 13 to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

Under the strict quarantine measure, only private establishments providing basic necessities related to food, medicine, banks, power, energy, water, telecommunications, among others will remain open.

Santiago, however, noted that all truck drivers and their helpers must be subjected to health screening before allowed entry beyond the ports.

Bill of lading, waybills, deliver orders or receipts, and the like will serve as port entry or exit documents for inspection and validation by authorities, he added.

The country has so far recorded 187 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 12 fatalities.

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic since it has already infected more than 160,000 people and killed over 6,000 all over the world.

EDV