Travel Ban to South Korea Won't Affect BRP Jose Rizal Delivery

28 Februari 2020

BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) (photo : PN)

MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said the government's ban on travelers from certain parts of South Korea amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-2019) scare will not have an adverse effect on the delivery of the country's first-missile frigate.

"Wala naman akong nakikitang rason para ma-delay (I don't see any reason why its delivery will be delayed). The PN (Philippine Navy) crew are billeted in the ship (BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150)," he said in a message to reporters late Wednesday.

He added that only people will official business outside the ship, such as those tasked to liaise with shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), are allowed to go out.

"Only those with business outside like people who go on marketing or other official functions with HHI. I am sure they are taking the necessary precautions. The April delivery is still a GO," he added.

The HHI's shipyard where BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) are currently undergoing sea trials is in the city of Ulsan, located in the country's southeastern part.

Adjacent to Ulsan in the north is the coastal city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang province.

On Wednesday, the Philippine government imposed a ban on travelers coming from South Korea's North Gyeongsang province.

Filipino tourists are also banned from traveling to any part of South Korea, including Jeju Island.

To date, South Korea has the highest number of Covid-19 cases outside China.

(PNA)