Holders of fake RT-PCR test results face charges

DOZENS OF people who were caught using fake RT-PCR test results to enter Zamboanga City are facing criminal charges as local authorities tightened its security in all points of entry.

Among those caught with fake RT-PCR test results were civilians and 8 policemen from Isabela and Lamitan cities in nearby Basilan province. One man was also arrested recently in Barangay Santa Barbara for selling fake negative RT-PCR test results.

National Police Chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar has ordered the filing of administrative and criminal charges against the policemen. “We have zero tolerance for this kind of shameful and unscrupulous act. Hindi natin palalagpasin ito. I am directing the PRO-BAR to look into this and lodge criminal as well as administrative charges against these PNP personnel.”

“Tayo ang tagapagpatupad ng batas kaya’t nararapat lang na tayo ang nangunguna sa pagsunod sa mga quarantine protocols na inilalabas ng gobyerno ngayong panahon ng pandemya,” Eleazar said.

Eleazar said this incident should serve as a reminder and stern warning to other police personnel to follow the law and set a good example for the general public. “Papaano tayo seseryosohin at rerespetuhin ng publiko kung tayo mismo ang hindi sumusunod sa batas. Being a policeman doesn’t mean we are above the law. Hindi tayo exempted sa pagsunod sa batas,” he said.

Mayor Beng Climaco has repeatedly warned persons against using falsified negative RT-PCR tests to enter Zamboanga City.  

Climaco previously ordered security forces to intensify patrols and prevent the entry of people without the necessary health requirements after receiving intelligence reports that travellers are also using Simariki Island off Zamboanga to sneak into the city without negative RT-PCR tests.

She said all travellers and even individuals - even those fully vaccinated - are required to present their negative RT-PCR test results upon entering Zamboanga City as part of stricter health protocols in combating the spread of the deadly virus.

“Zamboanga City is strictly implementing the No RT-PCR Test, No Entry Policy for all travellers, including those from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur,” she said.

Climaco said travellers must have negative Covid-19 test results – whether by Saliva RT-PCR test or nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test.

She also issued Executive Order 651-2021 that mandates all inbound passengers, whether APOR (Authorized Persons Outside Residence) or private individuals, regardless of reason or purpose of entry, including transit travellers to present negative RT-PCR test result within 5 days from date of specimen collection and their valid identification cards before they can enter Zamboanga City.

“These are temporary measures designed to curb the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in order to promote the health and safety of the general welfare of the citizens,” the mayor said.

Soldiers and policemen had intercepted dozens of people trying to enter Zamboanga the past months without the health requirements. 

Zamboanga, which has a long coastline, is dotted by over two dozen islands and islets which makes it extremely difficult for security forces to guard. (Jasmine Mohammadsali, Zamboanga Post)

Like Us on Facebook: The Mindanao Examiner
Like Us on Facebook: The Zamboanga Post
Follow Us on Twitter: Mindanao Examine
Mirror Site: Mindanao Examiner Blog
Digital Archives: Mindanao Examiner Digital
Media Rates: Advertising Rates