The provincial government of Negros Oriental has lifted its ban on transiting individuals en route to other destinations in the country provided they comply with the requirements.
Effective 5 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 13), the provincial government lifted the moratorium on accepting locally-stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) passing through Negros Oriental’s borders, said Capitol Information Officer and spokesperson Bimbo Miraflor.
Last Aug. 7, Gov. Roel Degamo issued Executive Order No. 2020-37 prohibiting transiting LSIs and ROFs after the province recorded a spike in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.
Only overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and those in transit to nearby Siquijor province were allowed then.
With the lifting of the ban, Miraflor said those passing through Negros Oriental shall be allowed only if they have a letter of coordination from their respective local government units (LGUs).
Also, those traveling in private vehicles must “secure prior assurance from their LGUs that upon arrival, they (shall) be transported from our ports to their destinations”.
Meanwhile, LSIs and authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) coming to Negros Oriental who arrived here Wednesday from the Bato wharf in Samboan, Cebu totaled 231, said Provincial Tourism Officer Myla Mae Bromo Abellana.
These individuals made the last trip early afternoon after the Samboan LGU ordered a two-week ban on travelers to and from Negros Oriental effective Wednesday noon as part of their anti-Covid-19 efforts.
The LGUs and their number of arrivals are as follows: Guihulngan (40); Vallehermoso (37); La Libertad (27); Tayasan (23); Mabinay (16); Bayawan City (12); Ayungon (11); Canlaon City (10); Dumaguete (8); Basay (6); Bindoy (6); Manjuyod (4); Amlan (4); Jimalalud (4); San Jose (1); and Tanjay City (2) or a total of 211 LSIs.
For APORs, Dumaguete/Philippine National Police (14); Bais City PNP (1); Pamplona PNP (1); Dauin (1); Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (3), Abellana said. (PNA)
