Cortes: No border pass to cross through Mandaue

MAYOR Jonas Cortes denied allegations that he is requiring border passes for travelers crossing Mandaue City from northern Cebu.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia called the attention of Cortes on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, after she received reports from residents in northern Cebu that they were being stopped in Mandaue City’s borders and were not allowed entry unless they secured a border pass from their local government units (LGU).

But in a text message to SunStar Cebu on April 1, Cortes said they don’t require passes in the case of trucks transporting essential goods and quarantine-exempt workers living in northern Cebu, especially since they are included in the border entry restriction exemptions in Garcia’s Executive Order 5-O.

He added that as long as these individuals can present a valid proof of identify, they can pass through Mandaue City’s borders.

Cortes has also issued a memorandum addressed to Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) director Jonathan Abella concerning the “reciprocity agreement” between the cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu wherein “the three cities would respect the protocols and guidelines stipulated on their respective Executive Orders,” which means that within their boundaries and checkpoints, they will allow the entry of persons or cargos that are exempted from the border entry restriction of the three cities.

Mayors of all three cities will honor the guidelines of the other LGUs, including the quarantine and border passes or the non-requirement for them.