‘No-RT PCR, No Entry’ in Zambo

THE ZAMBOANGA City government continues to implement its strict “No RT-PCR, No Entry” policy for all travellers going to Zamboanga whether they are fully vaccinated or not, especially now that there have been more than 100 cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the Covid-19 in the country.

The Department of Health reported the presence of Delta variant Davao region, Northern Mindanao, National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces. 

The Delta variant was first detected in India, but quickly spread to over 120 countries and territories. But Zamboanga City remains free from the virulent Delta variant due to the strict border control and health protocols being implemented by the local government. 

Zamboanga City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite the threat posed by the Delta variant is high. “Even if you are fully vaccinated, there is still the possibility of getting infected with the other variants,” she said. 

Mayor Beng Climaco, head of the local Covid-19 task force, ordered stricter control in all borders, even at airports and seaports. She repeatedly warned holders of fake RT-PCR test results after security forces intercepted at least 8 policemen and civilians from Basilan province entering Zamboanga with fake RT-PCR papers. 

Several groups in Basilan protested the strict health protocols and quarantine measures in Zamboanga. But many local governments are also imposing the same stringent measures as ordered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

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.

Simariki Island is populated by mostly indigenous people.

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.

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.

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. (Claudine Uniana, Jasmine Mohammadsali, Zamboanga Post, Mindanao Examiner)

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