Informal settlers struggle at social distancing amid Luzon quarantine

Informal settlers in Metro Manila are unable to remove themselves from crowded living situations despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s implementation of an enhanced community quarantine, some Filipinos still struggle practicing social distancing because they do not have a place to stay.

According to a report by Raffy Tima on Tuesday, Marinel, a mother of five, would just usually sleep on carton boxes along the streets of Quezon City.

“Ito na talaga ‘yong bahay namin, dito na kami natutulog sa kalsada, naglalatag na lang,” she said.

“Siguro naman po naiintindihan naman po kami ng gobyerno kung bakit po kami nasa kalsada,” Marinel added.

She said they have no choice but to stay outdoors because they have nowhere else to go.

Meanwhile, aside from Marinel and her children, more informal settlers were found loitering along the main road in Quezon City.

Living in cramped spaces in congested neighborhoods, most informal settlers often go out and pour into the streets because of the hot weather.

“Mainit po sa bahay kaya nagtambay ako dito sa labas,” Mary Anne, one of the residents, said.

“Pero opo natatakot ako (sa COVID-19), kahit sino naman po matatakot doon,” she added.

Barangay police officer Josie Tumagna insisted their office has not been remiss in their duty to keep dwellers and informal settlers off the streets, especially during the current enhanced community quarantine over Luzon.

“Ito sila sinasabihan namin ‘to, patrol, police, lahat kami join force na araw gabi pero ang problema sa mga tao ‘di po sila sumusunod,” she said.

As of Wednesday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country reached 202 with 17 deaths.

Duterte has already placed the entire Philippines under state of calamity, allowing the government to tap more funds to contain the spread of the COVID-19. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News