By Jennifer P. Rendon
The most accessible modes of transports in rural areas of Iloilo province would no longer be allowed to operate as public utility vehicles.
In a memorandum dated March 30, 2020, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. ordered the suspension of the operation of tricycles, pedicabs/trisikads and motorcycles as PUVs.
The memorandum was addressed to all municipal/city mayors and punong barangays in the province.
But in lieu of the suspension, Defensor said that LGUs should provide transportation to frontliners like health workers and those working in establishments that deliver or offer basic necessities in other towns and in Iloilo City.
It will be up to the LGUs to schedule the shuttle services.
Towns have also to offer shuttle services to residents of clustered barangays who intend to go to the public market.
Also, the Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed Ordinance No. 2020-225 which requires the use of face mask in all public places in Iloilo during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) announced on Friday, March 27, that backriders of motorcycle will not be allowed access to checkpoint areas with the ongoing implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Police Colonel Paul Kenneth Lucas, Iloilo police chief, said having a backrider contradicts with the observance of physical distancing, as advised by the World Health Organization to avoid getting COVID-19.
