JORDAN, Guimaras – The Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will tighten their watch of Guimaras’ seaports.
Rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region necessitates stricter border controls, according to GPPO’s Colonel Pablito Asmod Jr.
He recently had a meeting with Gov. Samuel Gumarin and PCG-Guimaras station commander Lieutenant Junior Grade Christian Bryan Ignacio.
Of particular concern, according to Asmod, was the Sebaste Port in Sibunag town. It’s where cargos – from Negros Occidental via Pulupandan town – pass.
Asmod said Gumarin ordered the GPPO and coastguard to make sure only cargoes from Negros Occidental enter via this port, and not people.
Other seaports of concern were those in Jordan and Buenavista towns where people and cargoes from Iloilo City enter.
Asmod said people passing through these ports must observe public health safety protocols (wearing of facemask and face shield, social distancing and proper hand washing).
“Kis-a indi malikawan, ilabi na kon peak hours, ang linya indi masunod although damo na nagabiyahe nga pump boats,” said Asmod.
At any given time, a total of four policemen are guarding Jordan and Buenavista wharves (two for cops for each). Coastguards are assisting them.
As of April 12, Guimaras’ cumulative COVID-19 cases reached 393 (since recording started in March last year). Of these, 380 recovered and eight died, leaving the province with five active cases as of Monday.
Three of the active cases were from Buenavista and two from a Valencia./PN
