Duterte thinks some communities in Mindanao resist COVID-19 vaccination

President Rodrigo Duterte expressed concern that some communities in Mindanao are resisting the COVID-19 vaccine due to their beliefs.

"I think the Muslim community dito sa Pilipinas, mukha ang karamihan is of the belief that it is not allowed by their, I don't know, religion. I might be mistaken, it could be that or something else sa culture nila... But in Mindanao, just an information, in Mindanao, the Muslim community are resisting the bakuna even the Tausugs," he said in his weekly Talk to the People.

Duterte said this after watching a report that several passengers were stranded in a port because they were unvaccinated.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the stranded individuals were composed of Tausugs.

Tugade said the stranded individuals were able to return to their provinces after testing negative in antigen tests.

Under the government's new policy, only fully vaccinated individuals in the National Capital Region may board public transportation vehicles while the region is under Alert Level 3 or higher. Alert Level 3 is currently in effect in NCR until January 31.

Exemptions to the policy include persons with medical conditions that prevent their full COVID-19 vaccination as proven by a duly signed medical certificate with the name and contact details of their doctor.

Another exemption is those who will buy essential goods and services, such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, and medical and dental necessities, as shown by a duly issued barangay health pass or other proof to justify the travel.

Last week, some passengers camped out outside the Manila North Port passenger terminal overnight after they got stranded pending the fulfillment of requirements imposed by the local government units at their destination. -- BAP, GMA News