THE City Council reminded Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano on Monday, May 11, to be cautious in making pronouncements involving Cagayan de Oro, pointing out that the city is not under his jurisdiction.
All of the city councilors unanimously approved a resolution telling Emano not to extend his authority over Cagayan de Oro.
Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said Emano's letter of recommendation to impose an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the city prompted him to file the resolution.
"Just a gentle reminder to the governor of Misamis Oriental to consider in his pronouncement involving the city, that the city of Cagayan de Oro is an independent, highly-urbanized city and therefore any move that would affect the people and city should be consulted," Cabanlas said.
"This is just a gentle reminder, not a confrontational reminder to protect the independence of the city, I may be charged by his supporters but I think we should stand, we want to maintain the independence of our city," he added.
Cabanlas said the governor's recommendation undermines the sacrifices of the frontliners.
Emano in his letter to President Rodrigo Duterte said he was worried that because Cagayan de Oro is in the middle of the province, this may lead to the spread of the new coronavirus to the rest of the province.
"With the number of positive cases now recorded in Cagayan de Oro City, we fear and worry the disease might spread across Misamis Oriental, thousands still travel to and from the city," Emano said.
The Provincial Government subsequently tightened its quarantine measures, requiring Misamis Oriental residents traveling to Cagayan de Oro to be back in the province not later than 6 p.m. otherwise they will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Also, Cagayan de Oro residents traveling to Misamis Oriental for work must go back to the city not later than 6 p.m. otherwise they will be compelled to stay in the province until May 15. (PJO)