Iloilo town to tap Army in quarantine, curfew efforts

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

The local government of Pavia, Iloilo will tap the Philippine Army as it further strengthens its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta said the presence of Army troops will help in the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) efforts of the municipality, as well as instilling discipline among residents in following the curfew.

On April 13, Gorriceta issued Executive Order No. 026-B Series of 2020 which extended the ECQ in Pavia until April 30, 2020.

On Wednesday, he signed Executive Order No. 027 Series of 2020 Implementing the Expanded Enhanced Community Quarantine in the remaining Saturdays and Sundays of April 2020. (April 18-19, 2020 and April 25-26, 2020).

The order calls for the strict implementation of the Expanded ECQ wherein all establishments and business operations of whatever nature (including public market, sari-sari stores, talipapa and convenience stores) shall be closed during the period.

The order exempted some establishments from the weekend closure – drugstores or pharmacies; medical clinics/laboratories and hospitals; funeral parlors, memorial chapels and related facilities; food processing business; and media.

The borders of Pavia shall be closed during the Expanded ECQ except for those persons working for exempted establishments.

“I know that the Philippine Army could help us intensify the implementation of the lockdown,” Gorriceta said.

Meanwhile, Gorriceta allayed fears of his constituents about unfounded reports surrounding the municipality’s fight against Covid-19.

The town has two confirmed cases, but the couple’s two family members tested negative for COVID-19.

Gorriceta has called on authorities to be also quick in releasing the results of patients who tested negative for the virus.

“I hope they would be fair sa mga nag negative nga patients because it adds to the stress of those who are waiting for the result,” he said.

As he called on for Pavianhons not to panic, Gorriceta assured that the LGU is on top of everything.

“I hope nakikita nila ang efforts natin to ensure that Pavia is safe. All I ask is for them to stay home,” he said.

Meanwhile, Captain Cenon Pancito III, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said that they are willing to extend any help to Pavia towns.

He said the LGU just needs to request for the deployment of Philippine Army soldiers before the Inter-Agency Task Force.

“We would be glad to be of help in their efforts to strengthen their defense against Covid-19,” he said.

Army personnel might also be used to patrol the area against curfew violators.

In Iloilo province, there are already 311 persons nabbed for curfew violation.

Pavia has the greatest number of violators at 144.