Govt helps 34,571 LSIs return home

The Philippine government has facilitated the return of 34,571 of the 45,565 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) in Metro Manila back to their hometowns.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that no LSIs remain at Villamor Airbase and the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA), with the remaining individuals transferred to Villamor Golf Club for COVID-19 testing before their departure.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided P2,000 cash assistance to 539 LSIs, totaling P1,078,000, and distributed P1.6 million worth of sleeping and sanitation kits to 963 LSIs.

The death of Michelle Silvertino, an LSI who waited five days for transport, prompted the government to establish new policies for assisting stranded persons.

Roque assured the public that President Duterte is committed to addressing the difficulties faced by stranded Filipinos, leading to prompt action.

As of June 17, a total of 50,105 repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have also been sent back to their home regions.

These transportation efforts are a response to COVID-19 quarantine measures that have temporarily banned provincial buses in Metro Manila to curb the virus's spread.

The 'Balik Probinsiya' program has been suspended to prioritize the return of those stranded in Metro Manila.