By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Manapla town in Negros Occidental is having a hard time trying to control the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, according to Mayor Manolet Escalante.

“The town’s residents are uncooperative and they are finding it hard to reprimand them,” Escalante told Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod.

Residents were warned not to hold any mass gatherings, but some ignored it and are conducting gambling activities.

Some individuals apprehended according to the mayor, are non-residents of Manapla.

He said the public became complacent and no longer follows the health and safety protocols imposed.

In one of the churches in town, he stated that around 17 tested positive for the deadly virus.

Despite the setback they are encountering, Escalante said the public should not be complacent and should continue following the health protocols. They should also stay at home and avoid any social gatherings.

Meanwhile, the town’s barangay captains were urged to campaign and encourage residents to have themselves vaccinated against COVID-19.

The mayor said public acceptance of getting vaccinated is low, pointing out low turnout for inoculation.

This situation prompted Escalante to appeal to the Department of Health if they can start vaccinating those who are not under the A1 (frontline health workers), A2 (senior citizens), and A3 (persons with comorbidities) categories./DGB, WDJ