TASK Force (TF) Davao intercepted 34 Davao-bound passengers from entering and proceeding to their destination for failing to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result.
TF Davao Commander Colonel Consolito Yecla said in a radio interview that 16 air passengers traveled via Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, and 18 individuals by land from Manila all throughout.
He said this in response to the anti-coronavirus disease (Covid-19) measures in all entry and exit points of Davao City.
Effective Wednesday, July 22, 2020, arriving passengers at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (FBIA) must present a negative RT-PCR test result before they can exit the airport.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday, July 22, said that some commercial flight passengers are trying to sneak into Davao City by going through other airports in Mindanao after failing to secure a negative RT-PCR test result in their travel.
Duterte-Carpio said TF Davao will bar them from entering the city.
He said Davao has tightened its anti-Covid measures in all entry and exit points in the city, thus, passengers traveling to the city via other airports and ports in Mindanao must have required negative RT-PCR test results before they will be allowed to proceed.
"This is a standing order of the mayor, wherein LSIs (locally stranded individuals), and ROFs (returning overseas Filipinos) that will travel by land using our entry points must undergo swab testing," Yecla said in an interview via 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.
All those held at the checkpoint have to wait inside their vehicles or in tents set up by TF Davao as holding area while waiting for their turn to be escorted by TF Davao to the laboratory where they can be swabbed, he said.
The City Government was prompted to require a negative RT-PCR after the data from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed that the highest confirmed Covid-19 cases in Davao City were travelers from Manila.
While waiting for the result, Yecla said they will be held in a holding facility for 24 hours or until their results are out.
"When they turn out negative, they will be let go, but they should undergo a 14-day quarantine. But those who will turn out positive, they will either be sent to the Southern Philippines Medical Center or in one of our isolation facilities," Yecla said.
Meanwhile, he advised Davao-bound passengers to abide by the imposed protocols to avoid experiencing inconvenience on their part.
"We suggest all travelers to better head to the Davao Airport rather than doing this. Because you will not succeed in your attempt. We will make sure you cannot get in without securing the necessary document. This will only double your hassle," Yecla said.
He added that having a negative RT-PCR test result is also a "moral obligation" for them not to bring the virus to their destination.