By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier issuing an executive order closing the province’s borders, ports, and airports in an effort to combat the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19, the Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) has deployed personnel across the province in order to monitor the border.
“The army will render its support through the employment of its manpower to handle border controls,” explained 303IB commander, Army Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte. “The safety of personnel deployed [to] border control points/areas will be given priority by the brigade to further its service to help contain the possible spread of Covid-19.”
“Residents of Negros Occidental are encouraged to adhere to the stringent social distancing measures to help prevent the spread of the virus to other communities,” he added.
The military official also called on local residents to follow public guidelines.
“We encourage every Negrense to do their share by obeying the guidelines and safety tips set forth by our government, especially health authorities, for the common good of everyone,” Pasaporte said.
According to the governor’s order, the army and other members of the Inter-Agency Against Coronavirus Disease, Border Monitoring, and Regulation Task Force will provide support in performing security protocols at checkpoint areas within the borders of the province, especially along highways located along the borders of Mabinay-Kabankalan City, Bayawan-Hinoba-an, San Carlos City-Vallehermoso, La Castellana-Canlaon City, and other roads that may be used as entry points./DGB, WDJ