By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Fast craft trips between Bacolod City and Iloilo City were suspended yesterday until Sunday, August 8.

Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, station commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Bredco sub-station, said the suspension was due to Iloilo City being placed under a “hard lockdown” status.

However, roll-on/roll-off trips between Bacolod City to the town of Dumangas in Iloilo province remain normal.

Essential travelers from Panay island are also being allowed to enter Bacolod City, although they need to comply with the requirements set under Executive Order No. 42 signed by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

Under the executive order, travelers from Panay Island including authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) may be allowed to enter the city, provided they produce a negative RT-PCR test at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Bacolod City.

Travelers are also required to present an online health declaration, BacTrac registration, S-PaSS travel coordination permit, and a valid personal ID.

Meanwhile, those exempted from the rule are APORs classified employees of national government agencies such as the Department of Tourism, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Trade Industry, Department of Agriculture and so on./DGB, WDJ