OFWs who escaped from quarantine facilities positive for coronavirus – PCG

May 17, 2020

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday said the repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who escaped from their quarantine facilities were tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a radio interview, PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo did not disclose how many have escaped but he said they are now trying to locate the said OFWs.

“Some (OFWs) escaped from their hotels and the bad thing is the results of their tests were positive and they are now back in their homes with their families… they also had contact with their community,” Balilo said.

“Our intelligence division is now tracing them,” he added.

Balilo said PCG commandant Admiral Joel Garcia has given directive to look for those who escaped and file charges against them for violating the health protocols.

He said they are also looking on the hotel personnel who helped these OFWs to go out despite not receiving certificate that they were cleared to go home.

“This should serve as a warning to other OFWs. We know that you are also suffering now but just wait a bit as this will be for the good of everyone,” he said.

“The Red Cross is doing everything to release the results and help OFWs who want to go home now,” he added.

Balilo said of the around 8,000 seafarers being handled by PCG, almost 90 percent were already tested and waiting for their results.

He said 6,500 already have their results and tested negative of the virus.

“They will now be allowed to go home and right now they already have scheduled (trips),” Balilo said.

The PCG official appealed to the local government unit to allow these OFWs to go home and also reminded OFWs who are still staying in the quarantine facilities, to patiently wait for their results. Ella Dionisio/DMS