Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod “Murad’ Ebrahim on Saturday directed the region’s humanitarian team to ensure the observance of physical distancing during the distribution of aid to families affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) granular lockdowns in Lanao del Sur.

“Ensure minimum health protocols are strictly observed in the distribution of relief goods,” Ebrahim told members of BARMM’s Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) here before they were to proceed to Lanao del Sur for the aid distribution.

He said several villages in Marawi City. Wao, Marantao, and Ditsaan-Ramain are under lockdown due to the prevalence of Covid-19 cases.

BARMM READi, the region’s humanitarian arm, is under the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) headed by Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

“Five truckloads of relief goods, food packs, and hygiene kits are on its way to Marawi City and Wao in Lanao del Sur,” Sinarimbo said.

He noted that the aid is in response to the request of the Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong to assist their constituents.

For Wao town alone, Sinarimbo said they have sent an initial 2,500 food packs to severely affected areas by the virus that have been placed under granular lockdown.

He said they have committed a total of 10,000 food packs for Wao.

Another 2,500 pieces of hygiene kits were sent to Wao by Ebrahim’s office under his TABANG (Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan) project.

For its part, the region’s Ministry of Social Services and Development has sent an initial 1,000 bags of 25 kilos of rice for the Lanao del Sur provincial government to distribute.

In a statement, Adiong said the request for assistance forms part of the provincial government’s commitment to providing social service to their constituents amid the threats of Covid-19.

“This is also a timely response to the prevailing public health emergency confronting our communities,” the governor said.

The province has imposed granular lockdowns in certain areas due to the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases over the past several weeks.

As of Sept. 2, the province of Lanao del Sur has 234 Covid-19 active cases.

The granular lockdown which took effect on Saturday will be in effect until September 13. (PNA)