PCG brings back ‘escaped’ OFW to quarantine facility; hunts for 7 others

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has found and brought back an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who escaped from a government quarantine facility with seven others who are still being traced.

According to PCG Spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo, the 49-year-old OFW went home to his family in Quezon City.

His results were later confirmed positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

His family is now in isolation and has been tested for COVID-19.

The OFWs had mandatory quarantine on May 11 but escaped on May 15.

Meanwhile, authorities are tracing the whereabouts of the seven other OFWs who left the quarantine facility without clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine.

Balilo previously announced that the escapees will be arrested and will face charges for violating quarantine protocols under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and for compromising the health of his family and the community.

“They shall be arrested and shall face charges for violating quarantine protocols and for compromising the health and safety of their families and communities,” Balilo said.

The PGC insists all OFWs have been properly briefed before they go through mandatory quarantine and are asked to sign a document that signifies their understanding of the process and personal consent to undergo quarantine.

“We know how much you want to be with your family. We know how hard it is to not be with them during this crisis, but we need your cooperation to make this measure work,” Balilo concluded.

This article originally appeared on: UNTV