National Task Force Against COVID19

National Incident Command – Emergency Operations Center

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City

MEMORANDUM

FOR : SECRETARY CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR.

Chief Implementer, NAP against COVID-19

SUBJECT : REFINED OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES ON THE

MANAGEMENT OF LOCALLY STRANDED INDIVIDUALS
(LSIs)

DATE : 24 July 2020

1. Reference: 16th Inter-Task Group Meeting on June 2020 at the OPAPP

Command Center, Dimalupig Hall, AFPCOC, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

2. Forwarded is the proposed Operational Guidelines which was deliberated upon

and approved for endorsement to the Chairman, NTF Against COVID-19 for his
consideration.

3. Recommend approval.

USEC GERARDO V. BAYUGO, MPH, CESO III

Head, Task Group Response Operations
 National Task Force Against COVID19
National Incident Command – Emergency Operations Center
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City

MEMORANDUM

FOR : SECRETARY DELFIN N. LORENZANA

Department of National Defense, and
Chair, National Task Force against COVID-19

SECRETARY EDUARDO M. AÑO

Department of the Interior and Local Government, and
Vice-Chair, National Task Force against COVID-19

FROM : SECRETARY CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR.

Chief Implementer, National Action Plan against COVID-19
National Incident Command - Emergency Operations Center

SUBJECT : REFINED OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES ON THE

MANAGEMENT OF LOCALLY STRANDED INDIVIDUALS
(LSIs)

DATE :
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACTION REQUESTED:
● For the consideration and approval of the Chairperson of the National Task
Force Against COVID-19

REFERENCES:
● 13th NIC Inter-Task Group Meeting dated 2 May 2020;
● Sub-Task Group Meeting on Repatriation dated 1 May 2020;
● 12th NIC Inter-Task Group Meeting dated 30 April 2020;
● Sub-Task Group Meeting on Repatriation dated 29 April 2020;
● Task Group on Response Operations Meeting dated 24 April 2020;
● Task Group on Response Operations Meeting dated 28 April 2020; and
● Action Items from the 16th IATF TWG Meeting.
 National Task Force Against COVID19
National Incident Command – Emergency Operations Center
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City

NTF AGAINST COVID-19 ORDER

NUMBER:

SUBJECT : REFINED OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES ON THE

MANAGEMENT OF LOCALLY STRANDED INDIVIDUALS
(LSIs)

DATE :
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Rationale:

In light of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic, the

movement of individuals between and within countries has been heavily
reduced to curb the spread of the infection. The reduction in mobility as a result
of the measures imposed by the national and local governments to contain the
spread of the virus has inadvertently created unintended consequences in
cross-border movements that need to be addressed.

Filipinos and foreign nationals, upon the implementation of enhanced

community quarantine in several parts of the country, are left stranded in active
border control points and are unable to return to their respective residences.

In view of the above, this National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 Order
shall provide the guidelines for the implementation of cross-border
management of locally stranded individuals covering all government programs
relative to the same.
 2. Purpose:

This Order intends to provide the refined guidelines following a systemic and
coordinated approach in facilitating the return of Locally Stranded Individuals
(LSIs) to their respective residences.

3. Scope and Coverage:

All Implementing Agencies, National, Regional, and Local COVID-19 Task

Forces including Barangays.
These guidelines shall cover all Locally Stranded Individuals and all programs
of the government being implemented to serve the same. These include the following:

1. DOTR’s Hatid Estyudante Program;

2. CHED’s Covid Adjustment Recovery and Emergency Program for
Students, Faculty and Staff (CARES);
3. DOT’s program for LSI;
4. PMS’ Hatid Tulong Initiative Program; and
5. NCIP’s program for LSIPs.

Excluded from these guidelines are the Management of Returning Overseas

Filipinos (MROF) and the Balik Probinsya Programs.

4. Definition of Terms:

4.1. Filipino Local Workers - shall refer to any member of the labor force,
regardless of employment status including working owners and officers.
It includes the following:
4.1.1. All workers of establishments or principals regardless of
employment status;
4.1.2. All workers of contractors or subcontractors regardless of
employment status;
4.1.3. Visiting workers, consultants or volunteers; and
 4.1.4. On-the-job trainees or other similar hands-on learning
arrangements, whether paid or unpaid.

4.2. Facility Manager - a person designated to take charge of a temporary

quarantine facility. He/She is part of the government agency, national or
local, assigned to manage a temporary quarantine facility.

4.3 Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs)–Filipino Citizens who, while

engaging in a temporary undertaking outside the locality of their place of
residence, were stranded and unable to return to their residence upon
the imposition of local travel restriction pursuant to community
quarantine guidelines starting March 15, 2020, and such categorization
shall terminate until such time that local travel restrictions have been
lifted.
4.4 Returning Overseas Filipinos – covers all persons that are or have
returned to the country whether for work or other purposes that are being
managed by Task Group for the Management of Returning Overseas
Filipinos (TGMROF)
4.5 Balik Probinsya Program Beneficiaries – refers to all persons that
have been identified as beneficiaries to the government’s Balik
Probinsiya Program established under Executive Order 114, s. 2020. To
be sure, such beneficiaries are separate and distinct from Locally
Stranded Individuals as defined above.

5. Categorization:

5.1. Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs):

5.1.1. Workers;
5.1.2. Students;
5.1.3. Tourists;
5.1.4. Individuals stranded in various localities while in transit; and
5.1.5. Other stranded individuals.
6. General Policy:

6.1. The Sub-Task Unit on Locally Stranded Individuals shall be elevated into
a Sub-Task Group under the NTF Task Group Response Operations.
6.1.1. The Sub-Task Group on Locally Stranded Individuals shall
oversee the implementation of this Order; advise the NTF on all
matters and policies relating to LSIs, and shall review and redraft
of existing policies/regulations or in the formulation of new ones
in line with the guidance of the NTF.
6.1.2. The Sub-Task Group on Locally Stranded Individuals shall be
chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG) and co-chaired by the Philippine National Police (PNP)
with members from the Department of Transportation (DOTr),
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department
of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).
The STG on LSI may invite other relevant agencies/
instrumentalities as deemed necessary.
6.2. Likewise, all Regional Task Forces, including the BARMM - Rapid
Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (BARMM-READI) and Local
Task Forces (LTFs), shall organize their respective Management of LSIs
Sub-Clusters under their Governance Clusters, and shall align their
organizational structure and implementation efforts with the STG on
LSIs;
6.3. The DSWD may provide transportation and food assistance to LSIs, or
other interventions that are within the scope and mandate of the agency;
6.4. The DOH-led Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) sub-
cluster under Health shall oversee the implementation of MHPSS
initiatives for LSIs at the national and regional levels;
6.5. The RTFs and BARMM - Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence
(BARMM-READI) from the point of origin shall facilitate inter-regional
coordination with the RTF of final destination and ensure that the Local
 Chief Executive (LCE) of the receiving Local Government Units (LGUs)
shall be provided with the relevant information to facilitate the
unhampered transfer of LSIs in the regions;
6.6. The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall undertake the necessary
measures to provide chartered and sweeper flights for tourists
considered as LSIs to transport them to their residences;
6.7. The DOTr shall ensure the availability of transportation services to
facilitate immediate and smooth transfers of LSIs from their point of
origin to their final destination. Receiving LGUs may provide
transportation services to their respective constituents to avoid further
delays;
6.8. All LGUs shall provide transfer services to LSIs at ports, airports, and
transport terminals within their areas of jurisdiction to transport them to
their places of residence. Inter-LGU coordination is required to manage
the transfer of the LSIs, including the movement of people needing
passage from one LGU to another as a result of being displaced or
dismissed from work1; following the declaration of community
quarantine;
6.9. All receiving LGUs shall not deny the entry of LSIs with complete
requirements, provided that prior coordination was made through the
NTF and/or the Regional Task Forces (RTFs), and other concerned
agencies as deemed necessary. The receiving LGUs, however, may
subject the LSIs to its adopted local health protocols and procedures,
provided that such are consistent with IATF policies.
6.10. All receiving LGUs shall ensure RT-PCR testing for these LSIs and
provide for isolation or quarantine facility. Provided, that the receiving
LGUs shall coordinate with any DOH accredited and authorized
laboratories which shall conduct the testing. All receiving LGUs are
expected to cover the costs of testing. However, upon RIATF’s
determination that the receiving LGUs cannot shoulder the cost for RT-
PCR testing, the RIATF shall recommend to the NTF the provision of
assistance to these LGUs.

1
Item 5.2.7.2. DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-062 “Suppletory LGU Guidelines on the
Implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon, and State of Public Health Emergency
in Other Parts of the Country due to the COVID-19 Threat”
6.11. In relation to 6.9, all RIATFs shall conduct an inventory of all adopted
Health Protocols of LGUs on the management of LSIs. They shall assess
the absorptive capacity of receiving LGUs in accepting LSIs and shall
report and provide recommendations to NTF about the needed
assistance in line with the concerned LGU local health protocols, such
as the need for additional COVID-19 test kits, isolation facilities, among
others.

6.11.1 RTFs are hereby ordered to establish their respective Incident

Management Teams (IMT) to address incidences that exacerbate
the plight of LSIs, such as sudden cancellation of flights. Further,
they shall establish One-Stop-Shop at airports, seaports, and
other transport terminals to assist transiting LSIs.
6.11.2 The RTFs shall ensure that the adopted local health protocols of
LGUs are consistent and complementary to IATF policies upon
review.
6.11.3 That the return of LSIs to any destinations within the region shall
be based on the absorptive capacity of the receiving LGUs as
determined by the concerned RTFs notifying the NTF, and that
such movement shall be coordinated and organized in batches.
6.11.4 The RTFs shall provide recommendations for any incidents
deviating from the processes listed herein.

6.12. All sending LGUs shall facilitate the prompt issuance of documentary
requirements as specified in sections 7.1.3.1 and 7.1.3.2.1 of this Order.
Further, these documents (Medical Clearance Certificate and Travel
Authority) shall be issued free of charge to all LSIs in consideration of
the COVID-19 health crisis.
6.13. To further facilitate the immediate and efficient assistance in securing
the documentary requirements of LSIs, all LGUs at the City/Municipal
level are enjoined to establish a One-Stop-Shop on the Management of
LSIs as per DILG Advisory dated 01 June 2020. The One-Stop-Shop
shall be headed by the Local Chief Executive or his / her duly authorized
 representative. The Members of the One-Stop-Shop shall be composed
of the City / Municipal Health Officer (C/MHO), the City / Municipal Social
Welfare and Development Officer (C/MSWDO), the PNP Chief of Police;
and the City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer. The
concerned LGU may expand the membership of its One-Stop-Shop as
deemed necessary.

The One-Stop-Shop shall ensure strict screening to determine and

assist LSIs per section 4.3 using the attached assessment flowchart
(Annex A).

6.14. The Sub-Task Group on Law and Order, through JTF CV Shield, shall
assist and facilitate the unhampered passage of ROFs and LSIs in
Quarantine Control Checkpoints (QCP);
6.15. The Task Group on Resource Management and Logistics (TG RML)
shall ensure to provide the necessary logistical requirements of, but not
limited to the provisions stated in this Order;
6.16. The Task Group on Response Operations (TG RO) shall ensure to
provide the necessary operational assistance of, but not limited to the
provisions stated in this Order; and
6.17. The Task Group on Strategic Communication (TG Strat Comm) shall
ensure that proper crisis messaging and adequate risk communication
shall be cascaded to all concerned.
6.18. Movement of LSIs to and from areas under Enhanced Community
Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine
(MECQ) is prohibited. However, emergency travels, e.g. medical
purposes, shall continue to be allowed regardless of community
quarantine classification of an area.
6.19. The Sub-Task Group on LSI shall coordinate with the Anti-Red Tape
Authority, Department of Science and Technology, and the Department
of Information and Communications Technology on the development of
automated information and endorsement system for the management of
LSIs.
 6.20. Other relevant agencies are enjoined to provide assistance in
transporting LSIs. The Sub-Task Group on LSI shall coordinate with
these agencies to harmonize national government efforts for LSIs, such
as the Hatid Tulong Initiative (formerly Hatid Probinsya), Hatid-
Estudyante Program, and other related interventions.
6.21. In the event that any IATF policy necessitates issuance of supplemental
guidelines or amendments, the STG LSI in reference to 6.1.1 shall
review and redraft existing policies/ regulations.

7. Specific Guidelines:

7.1. Pre-Departure
7.1.1. The barangay shall endeavor to locate LSIs within its jurisdiction
for registration using the attached Barangay Registration Form
(Annex B), and upon consolidation, shall submit to the
City/Municipal One-Stop-Shop. The cities/municipalities shall
forward the information to the RTFs for coordination, and secure
the required Travel Authority from the JTF CV Shield;
7.1.2. To facilitate the departure arrangement of the LSIs, the LGUs
shall:
7.1.2.1. Ensure that all LSIs have undergone a 14-day quarantine
prior to departure;
7.1.2.2. Ensure that the LSIs are neither a contact, suspect,
probable, nor a confirmed COVID-19 case. If the LSI is
determined to be so, appropriate measures and referral
actions shall be made by the LGU of origin, through the
Local Health Office;
7.1.3. The LGU of origin through its Local COVID-19 Task Force, shall
facilitate the following documents prior to the LSI’s departure:
7.1.3.1. Medical Clearance Certification (MCC)
7.1.3.1.1. The City/Municipal Health Office shall issue a
Medical Clearance Certificate based on the
following conditions:
 7.1.3.1.1.1. That the LSI is neither a contact, suspect or
probable or positive case based on its record
of COVID-19 cases; and
7.1.3.1.1.2. That the LSI completed a 14-day quarantine
based on the quarantine standards set by the
DOH; or
7.1.3.1.1.3. That LSI confirmed as a COVID-19 case is
declared recovered based on DOH
guidelines;
7.1.3.1.2. In case of stranded students, CHED-attached
medical schools may issue the MCC.
7.1.3.2. Travel Authority (TA);
7.1.3.2.1. The JTF CV Shield shall issue the Travel Authority
(TA) provided that the LGU of origin have the
following details such as but not limited to:
7.1.3.2.1.1. List of LSIs,
7.1.3.2.1.2. Point of origin and its destination,
7.1.3.2.1.3. Intended Date of Travel,
7.1.3.2.1.4. Name of driver/s, vehicle to be used with
plate number/s if available, and
7.1.3.2.1.5. Copy of Medical Clearance Certificate.

7.1.3.2.2. Further, the authority to issue TA is delegated to

Chief of Police, Station Commanders, District
Directors, Regional Director, Director of
AVSEGROUP, Director of Maritime Group, and
Focal Persons.

7.1.3.2.3. All issuances of TA shall be reported to the NTF

through the JTF CV Shield.

7.1.4. LSIs who are using their personal transport service to their final
destination shall secure necessary travel documents as
enumerated in 7.1.3.1 and 7.1.3.2 from the LGU of origin;
 7.1.5. The DSWD, in coordination with their Local Social Welfare
Development Offices (LSWDOs) counterparts in the LGUs, may
augment as necessary the following assistance to all LSIs:
7.1.5.1. Food Assistance;
7.1.5.2. Psychosocial intervention; and
7.1.5.3. Financial assistance;

7.2. Departure from the LGU of origin

7.2.1. The LGU of origin shall submit a disaggregated list of LSIs with
complete details per region and province of destination to their
respective DILG-OFW Desk Officer and RTFs, three (3) days
prior to departure;
7.2.2. The RTFs shall immediately endorse the list of LSIs submitted by
the LGU of origin to the NTF through the STG on the Management
and LSIs;
7.2.3. The STG on the Management of LSIs in collaboration with TG
RML and TGRO shall coordinate with the following agencies:
7.2.3.1. The DILG shall coordinate and provide relevant
information to the LCEs of receiving LGUs through its
DILG-OFW Operations Officers;
7.2.3.2. The DOTr and/or DOT shall coordinate with the PPA and
PCG (sea-based), CAAP (air-based), and receiving LGUs
(land-based) for provision of transport services of the LSIs;
7.2.3.3. The JTF CV Shield shall facilitate and ensure the smooth
passage of the LSIs at QCPs during transit;
7.2.4. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall
coordinate with manning agencies of stranded local workers for
the expenses incurred in the process of transfer that cannot be
covered by the government;
7.2.5. The LGU of origin shall provide the LSIs with the following
documents prior to his/her departure:
7.2.5.1. Medical Clearance Certification from the City/Municipal
Health Officer; and
 7.2.5.2. Travel Authority from the JTF CV Shield

7.2.6. Social distancing measures and the wearing of face masks shall
be maintained in the whole duration of travel.

7.3. Upon Arrival at Ports of Entry

7.3.1. The receiving LGU shall coordinate with the LGU concerned and
JTF CV Shield from the port of entry for passage/clearance;
7.3.2. The following agencies shall secure all arriving LSIs and usher
them to identified port isolation areas:
7.3.2.1. PPA for Sea-based;
7.3.2.2. LGU for Land-based;
7.3.2.3. CAAP/Airport Authorities for Air-based;
7.3.3. Social distancing measures and the wearing of face masks shall
be maintained in the whole duration of the entry process;
7.3.4. The DSWD or the LSWDOs in the LGUs may provide
psychosocial support or counseling to LSIs, as necessary;
7.3.5. The receiving LGU may provide transportation assistance to the
LSI from the port of entry to the LSI’s residence;

7.4. Arrival at Final Destination

7.4.1. Upon arrival, the receiving LGU shall require two documents from
the LSIs:
7.4.1.1. Medical Clearance Certification; and
7.4.1.2. Travel Authority;
7.4.2. LSIs shall be ushered to a temporary holding area designated for
LSIs only. The Local Health Office shall assess the LSIs for any
fever and other respiratory symptoms:
7.4.2.1. If an LSI presents any of COVID-19 symptoms, he/she
shall be immediately isolated based on the clinical
judgment of the Local Health Officer, and shall be
subjected to established health protocols and procedures
for suspected COVID-19 patients;
 7.4.2.2. If without any symptoms, the LSI may be transported to
her/his place of residence by the receiving LGU. She/He
may not be required to undergo another 14-day
quarantine. However, for those not quarantined, they are
encouraged to stay at home and conduct self-monitoring
for any symptoms in the next 14 days.
7.4.3. The Local COVID Task Force, through the Local Health Office in
coordination with the Barangay Health Emergency Response
Teams, shall monitor the status of all LSIs for the next 14 days;
7.4.4. If the LSI manifests any signs and symptoms within the 14-day
observation period, the Local COVID Task Force shall
immediately report the name of the symptomatic LSI to the
concerned RTFs for a coordinated response. The LSI shall be
immediately isolated or referred to an appropriate facility by the
Local Health Office. The Local Task Force, through the Local
Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and the local contact tracing
team, shall immediately conduct the contact tracing procedures.
7.4.5. The DOH-led sub-cluster under Health shall:
7.4.5.1. Activate and ensure proper coordination and consultation for
inter-sectoral mental health and psychosocial support among
existing agencies/organizations to avoid duplication and
overlapping of efforts;
7.4.5.2. Lead the MHPSS resource/capacity mapping and identify
needed initiatives based on the possible psychosocial impacts of
COVID-19.
7.4.5.3. Facilitate the provision of age, culturally, and contextually
appropriate MHPSS activities coordinated within and across
sectors or clusters;
7.4.5.4 Establish and contextualize inter-sectoral referral pathways
to the situation of limited physical distancing, such as resource
mapping, and establishment of a phone, internet, and emergency
referrals. Coordinate and link psychosocial services needed by
affected LSIs with the appropriate agency, cluster other than
 health, e.g. relief goods, peace and security, concerns, temporary
shelter.

8. Implementation:

8.1. All implementing Agencies shall issue the necessary

Advisory/Memorandum to adopt this Order and ensure its widest
dissemination within their respective jurisdiction.
8.2. All Local COVID-19 Task Forces shall ensure that the purpose of this
Order is faithfully complied by all concerned.

9. Repealing Clause:
9.1. All issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby superseded accordingly.

10. Effectivity:

10.1. This Order shall take effect immediately.

FOR GUIDANCE AND COMPLIANCE OF ALL CONCERNED.

SECRETARY DELFIN N. LORENZANA

Department of National Defense; and
Chief of the National Task Force Against COVID-19