Negros Oriental security remains

CEBU, Philippines —  The security measures in Negros Oriental will remain as is, as the province gears up for the reopening of some establishments, said Police Colonel Arnel Banzon, Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) Director.

The Negros Oriental province was downgraded into Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) last July 1. With this, some establishments were reopening and people are expected to start going out. However, the strict security measures placed since the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) will remain as it is amidst MGCQ, Banzon said.

“Wala pa gyuy nausab no, padayon ra gihapon atong mga checkpoints ug kanang pag-monitor nato anang mga tawo nga wala mo-observe sa social distancing, naa ra gihapon, padayon ra gihapon,”said Banzon.

“Except nga ang nausab raman dira kay ang mga establishments na medyo ni open na ug anam-anam,” he added.

As to the no-backriding policy, Banzon said this will still be monitored under MGCQ since there was no guidance to lift it.

Banzon added that tourist attractions and activities will be guarded.

“Basta kato lang ni-fall sa mga guidelines nga kung unsa lang pwede nga sports, but katong mga wala na-mention, di lang gihapon pwede,” said Banzon.

In terms of the quarantine protocol violators, Banzon said they have apprehended fewer people and mostly are violators of the no-backriding policy.

Banzon said the people in Negros Oriental are now more conscious.

Banzon added they are also closely monitoring the coastal areas of the province for the possible entry of unauthorized boats.

He added that they have tapped the Bantay Dagat organizations, coastal area officials and coastguard to monitor this. At present, Banzon said they have not received any report yet with regards to unauthorized entry.

“I remind lang gyud nako ang katawhan na padayon ang pag-observe sa social distancing even though naka-MGCQ na ang Negros karon.  Naka-open na ang mga establishments, but then again, sa publiko, magmatngon lang gihapon,” Banzon said.

He added that the curfew is still in effect and he called on the public to cooperate.  GAN (FREEMAN)