By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental said commercial trips between the province and Cebu have yet to resume despite the resumption of fast craft services earlier this week between Iloilo City and Bacolod City. 

PCG-Negros Occidental chief, Lt. Commander Jansen Benjamin, said until now the province is still maintaining its travel restrictions, wherein only locally stranded individuals (LSIs), authorized persons outside residence (APORs) and essential cargoes are only allowed to cross between Negros Occidental and Cebu.

Benjamin pointed out since Negros Occidental remains under the modified general community quarantine, travelers in the province are still required to secure travel documents if they have to go to the other provinces.

Negros Occidental is connected to Cebu province via the ports in the cities of Escalante and Sagay heading towards Tabuelan town in Cebu, and San Carlos City heading to Toledo City.

The only exception to the rule is the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo, wherein there are no more restrictions and passengers only need to fill-up a health declaration form given to them before or after boarding the vessel.

Under the provincial government’s health protocols, residents of the province living outside of Bacolod are required to undergo swab testing upon arrival in Bredco port./DGB, WDJ