1,370 LSIs, ROFs arrive in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
A total of 1,370 Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and Returning
Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) have arrived in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. This number, according to City Local Government Operations Officer Aldrich Alaan, was as of July 29 morning. Alaan disclosed this during a recent press conference in line with the city government’s observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month.
The breakdown of the 1,370 total arrivals is as follows: 1,272 are LSIs, 98 are ROFs and 327 are walk-ins. Alaan said that 20 have canceled their applications to avail of the repatriation program. Many of the LSIs reportedly arrived through the “back door” or without proper coordination with concerned government officials.
“They usually went directly to the barangays. Usually, the barangay officials will assist them to report to our Enhanced Screening Area (ESA) at Freedom Park in Brgy. 4, Malaybalay City for health safety protocols,” Alaan said.
He said that according to their database, around 500 LSIs are still on their way to Malaybalay.
A total of 1,145 LSIs and ROFs in the city were already sent to their respective homes in the city after completing their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. These individuals arrived in Malaybalay upon availing of the repatriation programs of either the provincial or city government.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dennis P. Sangalang, city health officer of Malaybalay, said arriving LSIs and ROFs basically undergo swab testings at Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Center (NMWRC), otherwise known as the triage facility in Brgy. Casisang, Malaybalay City.
He said that COVID-19 patients will be brought to the treatment and monitoring facility or Ligtas COVID-19 Center of the city that has an 80-bed capacity in Brgy. Patpat. Patients will again have to undergo 14-day
quarantine period.
He clarified that based on their latest meeting, Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. wanted all COVID-19 positive patients be admitted at NMWRC.
Sangalang said those tested negative in the swab test are sent to the temporary isolation facilities in the city and in the barangays for 14-day quarantine period.
Currently, 42 out of the 46 barangays in Malaybalay have their designated isolation units that could accommodate LSIs and ROFs who tested negative with the virus. (with a report from BukidnonOnline.com special correspondent Mel Madera)
