BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office has ensured that its personnel assigned to the frontlines in the battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) get ample protection.
Provincial police director Colonel Romeo Palgue said Tuesday policemen are provided with personal protective equipment, some of which were donated by patrons, while on assignment.
According to Palgue, those who come from frontline duties are required to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine and COVID-19 testing before going home to their respective families.
“Before they are allowed to go home, they should be safe. We must learn to live with COVID-19,” he said during a virtual press conference, adding that the member of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company who was infected with the virus already recovered.
Palgue said the policeman was quarantined at the Provincial Healing Center in EB Magalona town while being treated.
The police officer was among those who assisted returning Negrenses billeted in a hotel in this city.
Policemen are also currently assigned in the border control checkpoints in the boundaries of this province as part of the continuing community quarantine measures in Negros Occidental.
“They are manning the checkpoints 24/7. They will remain there until further instructions,” Palgue said.
Meanwhile, he said the provincial police office has also been instructed to apprehend Negrenses who violate COVID-19 preventive measures such as the use of face masks and safe physical distancing.
“If they have to be arrested, then they will be arrested. If they have been violating the rules repeatedly, we cannot allow that,” Palgue said.
Policemen, however, have to be humane in enforcing the laws during the health crisis, he added. (With a report from PNA/PN)
