Bicol IATF directs LGUs to dismantle unauthorized checkpoints

PDERG SPDRRMO Photo. Border Checkpoint

The Bicol Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) has ordered the immediate dismantling of checkpoints set up by local government units (LGU) in the region.

Atty. Anthony Nuyda, regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government Bicol and chairperson of the BIATF, confirmed that they issued the circular of dismantling checkpoints, including those created not in coordination with the members of the Joint Task Force COVID (JTFCV) Shield and the JTFCV Shield was only authorized to establish checkpoints manned by their personnel.

The IATF circular was in response to complaints from those considered Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR), who were not allowed to pass through LGU checkpoints unless they secure local travel clearances.

The BIATF Resolution No. 7 was signed by Nuyda, Dr. Ernie V. Vera, Regional Director of DOH  CHD Bicol; Dir. Arnel B. Garcia, Regional Director of DSWD; Benjamin F. Santiago, Regional Director of DOT; and Dir.  Claudio Yucot, Regional Director of Office of Civil Defense.