Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Metro Manila on lockdown to contain the spread of the new coronavirus in the country.
The region has more than 12 million population. Duterte’s decision is considered as the massive lockdown in the country in recent history.
The lockdown includes 16 cities and one municipality.
“The recommendation of the Department of Health Technical Advisory Group on imposing Stringent Social Distancing Measures in the National Capital Region are adopted for a period of 30 days,” the IATF’s Resolution No. 11 reads.
“Land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila shall be suspended after the expiration of 48 hours from issuance of this Resolution,” it adds.
The lockdown will begin on March 15 and last until April 14.
“For Manila, may ‘Ayaw naming gamitin ‘yan,’ pero kasi takot kayong sabihing lockdown, but it’s a lockdown. There is no struggle of power here, walang away dito, walang giyera. It’s just a matter of protecting and defending you from COVID-19,” Duterte said.
