OCD clarifies it doesn’t have control on lifting lockdown in areas

June 11, 2020

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) clarified that it does not have control over the lifting of lockdown or community quarantine imposed in areas with recorded COVID-19 cases.

Officials of Cebu City claimed approval by the OCD is needed before the police will implement the order to ease the lockdown.

"We understand the concerns of the officials of the City Government of Cebu in their earnest desire to assist their constituents via the easing of quarantine restrictions. However, OCD is not the deciding office for this concern," Mark Timbal, OCD spokesman said.

"The adjustment of quarantine levels and restrictions are matters handled by the Inter-Agency Taskforce for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the national level and by the respective Regional Inter Agency Taskforces (RIATFs) which are jointly chaired by the regional DILG and DOH officials and with the regional DOJ, DFA, DOLE, DOT and DOTr as its members. OCD is not a member of the RIATFs and does not have any control of the involved processes," he said.

"The Cebu City LGU is therefore advised to voice their concerns to the RIATF so that it can be properly attended to," he added.

"Meanwhile, the LGU and people of Cebu City can rest assured that OCD will continue to support their undertakings and activities on COVID19 Response," Timbal said. Robina Asido/DMS