Photo by: Andreo Calonzo, Bloomberg
The Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (RIATF-EID XII) has concurred to the requests made by certain LGUs to implement zoning containment strategies in certain areas with Covid 19 cases.
This was confirmed by DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III, based on RIATF Resolution 2020-29-B dated September 9, 2020. Around four (4) LGUs in Region XII had to be placed under lockdown due to recorded new cases of Covid 19 infection.
“The RIATF deemed it necessary that zoning containment strategies implemented in the municipality of Surallah and Koronadal City in South Cotabato, Midsayap in Cotabato Province and Maasim in Sarangani Province,” according to Dir. Leysa. During these times, the LGUs, through their local chief executives, have the “authority to determine and declare zoning classification and lockdown, depending on preset parameters, including the existence of suspected, probable or confirmed Covid 19 cases,” the approved resolution stated.
“We are following the guidelines set forth by the IATF wherein LGUs declaring localized lockdowns have to submit first to the RIATF their request for lockdown implementation, through the screening and validation committee,” Director Leysa explained further.
On September 7 and 8, 4 LGUs in Region XII, namely Surallah, Koronadal City, Midsayap and Maasim requested concurrence of the RIATF for a localized lockdown as new confirmed cases had been recorded among individuals who had travel history to high risk areas prior to the onset of their symptoms and release of their RT PCR Result.
In the municipality of Surallah, Purok 4 in Brgy. Centrala is in a localized lockdown and has been identified as the Critical Zone with the area fronting the Centrala Satellite Market as the Containment Zone. The rest of Purok 4 will serve as the Buffer Zone and will all remain in lockdown from September 3 until September 17.
The same inclusive dates for a localized lockdown also covered seven places in Koronadal City, namely Purok Maligaya in Zone 1, Agreda Phase 3, San Antonio Phase 4 and Purok Ramos and Purok Hillside, all in Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Purok Maunlad in Brgy. Saravia and Purok Pagkakaisa in Brgy. San Isidro.
Barangay Poblacion 1 and 6 in Midsayap is also on localized lockdown from September 3-17. Meanwhile, portions of Purok 5, Brgy. Poblacion, Maasim had been identified as the Critical Zone, Puroks 4 and 5 of Brgy. Poblacion as Containment Zone, Puroks 2 and 3 as Buffer Zone and the rest of the barangays and adjacent areas are categorized as Buffer Zones and will be on lockdown from September 2-16.
