Duterte warns of stricter COVID-19 curbs as Delta variant cases rise

President Rodrigo Duterte warned of potentially stricter COVID-19 restrictions due to the Delta variant, which he described as more "aggressive, vicious, and more virulent and can cause death faster than COVID-19."

The Department of Health (DOH) reported an additional 16 new cases of the Delta variant, raising serious alarm and concern.

Duterte cited the situation in Indonesia, which has seen a spike in cases and deaths due to the Delta variant, as a cautionary tale.

He directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to enforce existing restrictions with increased urgency to prevent mass gatherings and super spreader events.

The President emphasized the critical importance of vaccination, noting that a Pulse Asia survey indicated a significant increase in Filipinos willing to get inoculated.

Duterte stated, "You must get the vaccines or you die," and advised those skeptical of vaccines to remain at home.

The National Capital Region (NCR) and its neighboring provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, and Rizal are under general community quarantine (GCQ), while Laguna remains under GCQ with heightened restrictions.

Several other areas, including Bataan and Iloilo City, are under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).