The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has ensured that its personnel assigned to the front lines in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) get ample protection.
Col. Romeo Palgue, provincial police director, said Tuesday policemen are provided with personal protective equipment, some of which were donated by patrons, while on assignment.
Palgue said those who come from front-line duties are required to undergo a 14-day mandatory 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 in a virtual press conference, where he confirmed that a member of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company was infected but has recovered.
Palgue said the policeman was quarantined at the Provincial Healing Center in EB Magalona town while he was being treated, and has returned home after being free of the infection.
The police officer was among those who assisted returning Negrenses billeted in a hotel in Bacolod.
Currently, policemen are also assigned to man the border control checkpoints in the boundaries of Negros Occidental as part of continuing community quarantine measures in the province.
“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 health protocols to contain the spread of Covid-19, such as the use of face mask 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, noting, however, that policemen also have to be humane in enforcing the laws during the health crisis. (Nanette Guadalquiver NDB via PNA, photo by PNA)