MARIVELES, Bataan — The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) reminded workers inside the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) that they should not be forced to go to work due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a memorandum addressed to all FAB registered enterprises, AFAB Administrator Emmanuel Pineda reminded them the guidelines set for work-related concerns during the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon.
“Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11058 or An Act Strengthening Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof, and the Department of Labor and Employment Labor Advisory No. 1, Series of 2020, please be reminded that workers shall not be forced to work as they have the right to refuse if an imminent danger situation exists in the workplace that may result in illness, injury or death,” Pineda stated.
He also added that AFAB has already issued guidelines to ensure the safety of all employees working inside the Freeport.
“In particular, we place emphasis on the need for stringent social distancing in the workplace should the FAB registered enterprises remain operational under the community quarantine mandate, subject to prior inspection and approval of AFAB,” he said.
Moreover, the Incident Management Team of AFAB and the Bataan Inter-Agency Task Force already conducted inspection in the Freeport to ensure that business process outsourcing and export-oriented companies implemented the social distancing measures, arranged temporary accommodation for personnel, and created skeletal workforce.
Some registered enterprises have already issued temporary suspension of operations, while banks, money transfer services, power, energy, water and telecommunications supplies, and establishments providing necessities were permitted to continue operations.