SHIPPING and logistics provider 2Go Group, Inc. announced on Friday the cancellation of its voyages to and from Manila from March 15 in view of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “community quarantine” directive in Metro Manila.
“For now, voyages to and from Manila from March 15 are cancelled. We are monitoring government advisories on a daily basis and once clearance is provided, we will resume normal operations,” 2Go said in an advisory.
It said the cancellation advisory does not cover its freight and cargo services.
The company also cancelled its Cagayan de Oro-Manila and Cebu-Manila trips on Friday.
“As the resumption of sailings is reviewed day to day, we encourage all passengers with trips booked on cancelled sailings March 13 onwards to monitor our announcements on resumption of service and rebook tickets accordingly at any corporate ticketing outlet or where tickets were bought,” it said.
It said surcharges like rebooking fees and fare difference will be waived.
Mr. Duterte’s order came after the code alert system for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines was raised to Code Red Sublevel 2, which means that community transmission is already evident.
At least two local airlines have cancelled their domestic flights to and from Manila from March 15 to April 14.
Land travel to and from Metro Manila will also be suspended during the said period.
The measure is subject to daily monitoring and reassessment by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
The Trade department said the President’s directive does not cover the operations of businesses.
Goods are also free to move, according to Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.
“To be clear, and to allay the fears and apprehension of the public, the government is essentially calling for a stricter implementation of preventive measures in order to slow down and put a halt to the further spread of COVID-19. While a total and absolute lockdown is considered by some as a valid preventive measure, current circumstances do not warrant such an extreme course of action,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement.
“While the Duterte Administration remains resolute in combating this disease, the Palace asks affected entities and individuals for their cooperation in properly observing the foregoing adopted measures,” he added. — Arjay L. Balinbin
