MANILA – People who are stranded due to the enforcement of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine can seek refuge through the military camps, President Rodrigo Duterte said.
“Kung wala ka nang mauwian, kung wala na kayong matulugan, I am asking the military commanders of the different camps all over the country that you can go there and ask for accommodation at pagkain and they will only be too willing to help you,” according to Duterte in an address to the nation on Friday.
Following the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine that aimed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several people were denied entry to various cities across Luzon as uniformed personnel enforce a strict lockdown.
Duterte said the situation may be difficult now for the people from Luzon, but placing the entire island under enhanced community quarantine is the only way to step up the government’s battle against the virus.
He also noted that those living in Luzon could still enjoy their freedom because one member of each household is allowed to go outside of their homes when they need to buy basic necessities.
“We are not alone. But let our country lead the way in imposing a lockdown (that) is strict enough to effectively kill COVID-19, liberal enough so that our people will not die of hunger, and orderly enough so that our country will not be driven towards chaos during this difficult time,” he said.
“We are in a critical time,” he added. “By its nature, it severely restricts the freedom of movement of our countrymen, and thus deprives many people of the ability to earn a living for the coming weeks.”/PN
