City locks down sitio Alaska in Mambaling

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has ordered the entire sitio Alaska in Barangay Mambaling locked down following a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the area.

As of May 5, there are 433 cases in Mambaling.

“I have communicated, nag istorya na mi ni Captain Gines Abellana and we agreed that we have to impose a lockdown of the entire sitio Alaska… kanang sitio Alaska, perting dakoa na… mu qualify pa na og isa ka barangay and it is a very depressed area, mao na it should be locked down,” said Labella.

(I have spoken with Captain Gines Abellana and we agreed that we have to impose a lockdown of the entire sitio Alaska.

That’s a huge sitio and would even qualify as a barangay. It’s a very depressed area and it should be locked down)

Sitio Alaska has 22,000 residents.

Because of the lockdown, the city will provide residents support such as rice and canned goods like what it did in sitio Zapatera in Barangay Luz. Labella said private firms and individuals have also donated goods for the residents.

He also said that at least 65 residents will finish their 14-day quarantine and they will be tested again.

“Murag dunay 65-100 nga mutapos na sa 14 days… ato ipa-test usab kay dakong posibilidad nga kung duna nay makita nga negative because of the constant monitoring and gitagaan nato na og vitamins, naka-develop na siguro og antibody, so after ma-confirm sa duha ka testing, then pwede na sila nga ma-release,” Labella said.

As required by the Department of Health (DOH), there should be two tests conducted on those who have undergone the 14-day quarantine and they should test negative in both for them to be released.

Meanwhile, Labella said he has instructed city attorney Rey Gealon to coordinate with the police in investigating reports of Mambaling residents who violated health protocols like wearing of masks, social distancing, and stay-at-home policy.

Last weekend, a video circulated on Facebook showing residents of Barangay Mambaling dancing outside their homes.

“It happened despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in barangay Mambaling. Because of this, I have directed Attorney Rey Gealon to conduct a no-nonsense investigation and to bring to the bar of justice those found to have violated our policies,” said Labella.

“This shall serve as a stern warning to everyone who will violate our policies and to those who appear to be above the law,” Labella said.  JMO (FREEMAN)