Natuplag, Santig fail to go home
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 07 Jun 2021
DAVAO CITY – Featherweight KJ ‘The Ipugo’ Natuplag and his manager Brico Santig failed to go home due to the extended ban on travel from UAE to the Philippines until June 15.
The two are still staying at the Hilton Al Habtoor City in Dubai, the same place were the boxing event was also held.
Their hotel and food are being paid by the promoter DJMC Event headed by Managing Director David John.
They are frequently visited by the Filipinos, who are working in Dubai including former boxers who are now trainers - super lightweight Ricky Sismundo (35W-15L-3D, 17KOs) and super welterweight Jun ‘The Neutralizer’ Paderna (15W-13L-3D, 7KOs).
“Oo ang tagal nga. Bale boring nga. Baka wala na kaming maiuwi na pera nito (Yes it's been a while. It gets boring. We may not have any money left to take home),” said Santig.
“Libre nga food pero siyempre pag wala ka ginagawa, lalabas ka rin dahil boring ka din sa room, eh ang mahal mahal ng taxi (We have free food but of course when you're not doing anything, you also go out, the taxi is very expensive),” said Santig.
“Wait namin next week, malalaman kung open flight (We will wait next week, we will know if the flight is already open),” said Santig.
The UAE is on a list of seven countries currently excluded from touching down in the Southeast Asian country, alongside India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Oman.
Passengers who have transited through the UAE or any of the other countries in the 14 days prior to their arrival in the Philippines will also be denied entry.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has allowed all Filipino repatriates to enter the country despite the travel ban imposed on arrivals from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Prior to this, only Filipinos from these countries returning through government repatriation efforts could come home. They would, however, be quarantined for 14 days upon their arrival.
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