Those stranded in Metro Manila should coordinate with their respective local governments and avoid congregating in large groups, a Palace official said Friday, after a new group massed up outside the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City hoping to catch a ride home.
Authorities are avoiding a repeat of the incident in late July where word of mouth led thousands to throng the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Word of mouth also led hundreds to gather at the cemetery gates, according to reports.
"Hindi po natin sila maiuwi ng sabay-sabay kaya nananawagan kami na kung pupwede sana, sundin ang proseso ng Hatid Tulong initiative. Makipag-ugnayan muna sa kanilang local government unit," the program head, Joseph Encabo, told reporters.
(We can't bring them home all at the same time that's why we appeal to them, if possible, follow the Hatid Tulong initiative process. Coordinate first with their local government unit.)
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Encabo said Hatid Tulong was looking for temporary shelter for the stranded, called LSI (locally straded individuals) by authorities.
Officials in Bicol, Palawan, Romblon, Negros Oriental, Dumaguete, Caraga Region, Cotabato province, parts of Soccsksargen, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi said they were ready to accept stranded Filipinos from Luzon, according to Encabo.
