San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo assured local residents they are free from any risk of contracting the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) and affirmed the city government is always doing its best to protect the community, particularly with his executive order barring foreign vessels from dropping anchor in city waters.
He noted, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) failed to inform the city government about the M/V Sea Music, which originated from the Chinese port city of Ningde and was bound for San Carlos City.
“The nCoV problem is a global concern,” the mayor said. “They should have coordinated with the city government before allowing any vessel to come to the city, even if it will just ‘take anchor’ and not eventually dock.”
The vessel has since been redirected to Sipaway island and will eventually proceed to Cebu.
Meanwhile, PPA-San Carlos City Acting Division Manager Helen Hortillosa said that they would have taken full responsibility had the ship dropped anchor. She noted, they would not have allowed the crew to disembark.
She also assured, her office, together with Bantay Dagat and the Coast Guard, are always monitoring for said foreign ships.
The local PPA official added, ports allowing in foreign vessels must have thermal scanners, which are provided by the PPA, but, due to the nCoV threat, they are now planning to acquire the same for San Carlos City./DGB, WDJ