BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Governor Eugenio Lacson has modified certain provisions of his executive order imposing an Enhanced Community Quarantine over the province by allowing the partial return of public transport, some construction works, and a mandatory 14- day quarantine for all returning Negrenses.
Lacson, in a briefing streamed live on Facebook, said trisikads or pedicabs will be allowed to ply the streets but with one passenger only per vehicle.
Motorized tricycles will also be allowed but with only three passengers each.
Construction work will also be allowed to resume, Lacson said.
The governor stressed jeeps and buses will not be allowed to resume trips.
He also said stores selling vehicle parts and hardwares will be allowed to open.
PLEASE BE PATIENT
Lacson also appealed to Negrenses stranded in other parts of the country to be patient.
“We will schedule your coming home,” he said after Zaephard Caelian who handles the humanitarian efforts of Capitol confirmed that at least a hundred Negrenses are still in other parts of the country.
Provincial Health Officer Ernel Tumimbang said returning residents will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, and will be interned either in EB Magalona town or the Mambucal Summer Resort.
Provincial police chief, Col. Romeo Balleros said some crimes, including theft, has gone down.
“Hindi nagugutom ang mga Negrosanon dahil hindi tumaas ang pagnanakaw (Negrosanons are not hungry because theft cases have not gone up,” he said.
Lacson also appealed to Negrosanons to practice precautionary measures against the COVID spread, like handwashing and social distancing.
The modifications will take effect only in towns and cities under the Capitol’s jurisdiction.
Bacolod is a highly-urbanized city and is not under the provincial government’s authority.