A TOTAL of 662 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) from Manila safely arrived in Eastern Visayas Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

The LSIs, who were among those included in the second batch of stranded individuals sent home through the National Government's "Hatid Tulong" program, arrived onboard 34 buses, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the region.

Citing Presidential Management Staff Regional Director Evelyn Clarin, PIA said the LSIs underwent proper coordination with their respective local government units (LGUs).

All LSIs were also transported to their respective towns.

In Northern Samar alone, the Provincial Government provided some 60 modular tents as temporary quarantine facility for the arriving LSIs.

The temporary facility is located inside the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) gymnatorium.

"LGUs reported that their isolation and quarantine facilities are now full and requested the Provincial Government to assist them until they can provide space for the arriving Individuals," read the PIA report.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in the region, the total number of returning residents to Eastern Visayas from July 9 to 27 has already reached 4,475.

The report includes 1,289 returning overseas Filipinos, 2,954 LSIs, and 232 authorized persons outside residence. (SunStar Philippines)