BY IME SORNITO AND RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO – Do local chief executives in Western Visayas favor the imposition of martial law to ensure everyone is following health protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic?
So as not to overwhelm hospitals and health frontliners, “okay ako nga iron fist na ang pagsaway sa tawo,” said Mayor Jaime Esmeralda of Igbaras town.
Esmeralda, also a medical doctor, said coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases are on the rise and many are dying.
Some are still vaccine-skeptics despite the presence of variants of COVID-19 in the region, according to Esmeralda.
He also noted that many people are still remiss of the minimum public health protocols, especially physical distancing and wearing of facemasks.
Esmeralda also revealed there were persons campaigning against vaccination.
According to Esmeralda, the government is only appealing for three things: self-regulation where everyone fulfills their role through self-discipline; vaccination; and following the directives of the Department of Health (DOH), Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and concerned local government units (LGUs).
As of Sunday, Sept. 19, total confirmed cases in Igbaras reached 640 of which 204 were active, 429 recovered and seven died.
The country marks the 49th anniversary of the martial law today.
Mayor Jett Rojas of Ajuy town said he was in favor of enforcing martial law.
For Rojas, the pandemic is exacerbated by people who do not follow health protocols.
Rojas specifically pointed out the executive orders issued by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and IATF issuances that are not followed by the people.
“Kon indi magsunod ang tawo nagadugang lang gid ang (COVID) cases,” Rojas told Panay News.
As of Sunday, Ajuy had 139 active coronavirus cases.
According to Mayor Eugene Reyes of Buenavista, Guimaras, some people are stubborn, especially those in far-flung barangays.
They do not wear facemasks when they go out, he said.
But despite this, Reyes said martial law is not necessary.
“Siguro dapat nga istriktuhan sang barangay officials kay may ordinansa naman. Indi naman siguro amo ‘na ka tig-a sang paminsaron sang mga tawo as long as barangay officials ang mag-implementar. Indi na kinahanglan ang pag-implement sang martial law,” Reyes said.
Buenavista had 91 active coronavirus cases as of Sunday.
Mayor Ronilo Caspe of Cabatuan, Iloilo thumbed down martial law.
According to Caspe, the LGU and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are doing their best to make people understand the importance of following the protocols.
Barangay officials in Cabatuan are also mobilizing to launch campaigns.
Caspe, however, admitted that there are residents, especially in the barangays, who still do not observe the minimum health standards.
He reminded barangay officials to tighten their campaign, especially the ban on mass gatherings.
Caspe also assigned PNP personnel in the church when there are a funerals or baptisms to ensure compliance with health protocols.
As of Sept. 19, total confirmed cases in Cabatuan reached 709 – 148 active, 540 recovered and 21 deaths.
On the part of Gov. Rhodora Cadiao of Antique, she is not in favor of enforcing martial law or any similar impositions.
According to Cadiao, the municipal border control in 18 municipalities is already “very effective”.
“Kadya nagtahaw na ang cases namon so no need to have martial law. Basta ma-cooperate lang ang tanan,” Cadiao said.
For Cadiao, the Antiqueños “already learned a lesson” when the province’s COVID-19 cases spiked.
As of Sept. 19, total confirmed cases in Antique reached 5,632, of which 577 were active.
ARMY ON MARTIAL LAW
On the other hand, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said martial law may be imposed in extreme situations, and if this is the government’s way to achieve peace and order, they will be supportive.
However, Major Cenon Pancito III, 3ID spokesperson, said soldiers will work hard to preserve peace, and “let the nation live normally without the added powers such that of the martial law”.
He added that the 3ID will continue to take its share so that people in Western and Central Visayas continue to enjoy life without fear and terror.
Pancito said the declaration of martial law solely relies on the country’s chief executive and which the legislative body has to confirm.
“There is no way that the military can declare just on its own. As an apolitical body, we leave it to the wisdom of those who run the affairs of the government. Martial law is present in our Constitution. It may be discharged in certain situations specifically provided by law,” Pancito said.
On the other hand, Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director, Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero said today’s martial law commemoration is expected to gather crowd.
The IPPO will be on a full alert status.
“We would like to remind the public that while under pandemic, social gathering has limitations,” he said.
“What is allowed by the executive order of the governor/ mayor will be strictly monitored. We further remind the public that COVID cases in the province are still high. We discourage anyone from social gathering. Let us be innovative in commemorating martial law to avoid the spread of the virus,” he added./PN
