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Sunday, July 11, 2021

Travellers using fake RT-PCR test results warned

MAYOR BENG Climaco warned persons against using falsified negative RT-PCR tests to enter Zamboanga City after local authorities intercepted 8 people from the neighboring province of Basilan bearing fake RT-PCR test results.

The violators, Climaco said, were issued citation tickets and fined P5,000 and ordered to return to the province.  “Necesitamos tomar medidas disciplinarias porque no queremos que nos traigan Covid-19 ni queremos que se infecten con el virus,” she said. 

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 using Simariki Island off Zamboanga to sneak into the city without negative RT-PCR tests.

She said all travellers and even individuals 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.

Simariki Island is populated by mostly indigenous people.

Citing reports, the mayor said motorized boats operated by unscrupulous individuals make at least 3 trips to the island where they transport passengers who do not have negative RT-PCR tests and other requirements. Most of the passengers would then enter coastal barangays.

“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 previously 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. The city is near the provinces of Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. (Jasmine Mohammadsali, Zamboanga Post)


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