RESIDENTS IN VIRUS-FREE BATANES ON QUARANTINE AFTER AFP GENERALS’ VISIT

ITBAYAT,BATANES

—As a precautionary health measure, 10 fishermen here were placed on 14-day quarantine after they accompanied Armed Forces chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., and some generals during the launching of a water desalination plant here on Thursday.

The fishermen, who were trained as part of the Army’s Civilian Active Auxiliary, had been asked to assist the guests and prepare a “boodle fight” reception for the launching.

‘Simple’ lunch

But the visitors, who also included Northern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey, and nine other generals, heeded the request of Mayor Raul de Sagon to cancel the boodle fight and have a “simple” lunch instead.

The quarantine was part of health protocols imposed by local officials to keep the province free of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Santos’ group arrived at Basco airport around 10 a.m. in a C-295 plane and went to the country’s northernmost Mavulis Island here in two military helicopters for the event.

The desalination plant was put up beside a concrete shelter that was built by the military on the island to provide a refuge for fishermen and soldiers who monitor poaching in the area.

Safety measure

Dr. Roel Nicolas, provincial health officer, had advised Navy personnel who accompanied the military officials to observe the local government’s safety measures against COVID-19.

Nicolas said the fishermen and other residents who came in contact with the visitors would be required to undergo the 14-day quarantine.

“We are implementing this protocol for this particular scenario, especially if we cannot be assured of the health status of guests who residents will come in contact with,” he said.