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PHILIPPINE HONORARY CONSULATE OFFICE
‘Respect, protect individual privacy during this public health emergency’
The Office of Philippine Honorary Consul to the CNMI Glicerio “Eli” Arago is appealing to the Filipino community, their families, and friends on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to respect individual privacy in the midst of public health emergency brought by the spread of coronavirus.
At the same time, Arago is asking every Filipino citizen to strictly heed Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ executive order. Among others, the governor’s executive order calls for strict implementation of social distancing policy and curfew hours for all ages.
“It is our individual obligation to physically distance and, as members of this community, we have to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our small, close-knit community,” Arago said. “The governor has called on us stay indoors and impose social distancing among ourselves.”
At the same time, the Philippine Honorary Consulate calls on every Filipino “to exercise caution” in posting information about individuals with and suspected of having the coronavirus disease.
“The [Philippine Honorary Consulate] office had been receiving calls from individuals expressing concern about posting of information on social media about the identities and other information of those who have contracted the coronavirus, including those that are the suspected and or under quarantine,” Arago said. He reminded everyone to respect every individual’s right to privacy.
“I am asking every Filipino citizen in the CNMI to exercise prudence and caution in what we post in any social media platform especially during this time of public health emergency,” he urged.
Only official announcements from government-recognized and-authorized entities are recognized, the Philippine Honorary Consulate noted.
In the CNMI, the Office of the Governor, the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, and the Commonwealth Health Care Corp. are the only recognized entities that issue announcements/updates relating to COVID-19. (PR)
