Philippine Coast Guard-Negros Occidental chief, Lt. Commander Jansen Benjamin, confirmed the M/V Unicorn Bravo, a cargo ship originating from Xiamen, China that was barred from docking at Bacolod City’s Bredco Port following an executive order issued by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, has left port and is headed for Iloilo.
According to Benjamin, the Unicorn Bravo decided to dock at the Port of Iloilo after its consignee, La Filipina Uygongco Corporation, decided to unload their cargo of fertilizer in Iloilo City. The vessel will then leave Iloilo for Manila once they complete offloading operations.
While in Bacolod City, the coast guard official said personnel strictly monitored the vessel, particularly after the order was passed, which barred vessels originating from China, Hong Kong, and Macau from docking at city ports due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, meanwhile, left the decision on barring the entry of foreign ships up to local governments. However, he reiterated trade should not be hampered due to concerns over Covid-19.
The governor also pointed out, vessels docking at ports in the province must follow Department of Health protocol./DGB, WDJ