BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – As the country eases its mask mandate, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) will retain its facemask policies inside police camps and stations.
NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Judesses Catalogo, said as part of the mandate from the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) they will continue to strictly observe the facemask policy.
Catalogo pointed out they are not defying the orders made by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, but rather they want to ensure the health and safety protocols inside police camps and stations.
He also reminded the public to wear their facemasks prior to transacting inside police stations.
Over the weekend, Lacson issued Executive Order No. 22-45 series of 2022, making the wearing of facemasks in outdoor spaces optional for all persons within the territory of Negros Occidental.
On Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also released an order easing the use of facemasks nationwide.
Despite the eased protocols, however, Lacson reminded Negrenses to still use their common sense, pointing out coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still exists.
He also advised the public to ensure that they protect themselves at all times, and still actively encouraged senior citizens and persons with comorbidities to still wear facemasks./PN
