Ilocos Norte eases restriction vs buses from Metro Manila

The Ilocos Norte border in Badoc town will allow entry of buses coming from Metro Manila starting Jan. 31, 2020. PHOTO FROM ILOCOS NORTE PROVINCIAL GOV’T

LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte provincial government on Monday (Jan. 25) announced that provincial buses coming from Metro Manila will be allowed to enter Ilocos Norte starting on Jan. 31.

In opening its borders, Ilocos Norte heeded public clamor since it has been under a more relaxed community quarantine since May 2020, said Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc in a statement.

Manotoc issued an executive order approving the resumption of mass transportation in Ilocos Norte initially to 20 buses a day, following the guidelines set by Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Bus operators will be evaluated by MINC before they are allowed to resume operations and would be required to strictly adhere to COVID-19 health and sanitation protocols.

Except for necessary and authorized stopovers, incoming and outgoing buses will not be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers along the way, said the provincial government.

Manotoc also allowed buses going to neighboring provinces to pass through the roads of Ilocos Norte.

The provincial government said passengers must present health and travel documents to authorities, as well as secure their tickets 48 hours prior to their trip.

Upon arrival at the border, all passengers will have to be cleared for entry at a triage and will still be required to go on quarantine.

TSB