Officials of Eastern Samar province have appealed to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to stop a foreign vessel from loading chromite ore worth P61 million off Homonhon Island in Guiuan town amid fears of the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Ben Evardone said the province, under a general community quarantine, prohibited the entry of any local or foreign vessel to ensure the safety of residents. Juguan said his office had allowed the loading of chromite ore by the foreign vessel for transport to China. AssuranceAt first, Juguan said, he was instructed by Cimatu to delay loading activities due to the general community quarantine in the province. The DENR on Wednesday assured Eastern Samar residents that measures were being undertaken to ensure their safety.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 15, 2020 20:26 UTC