To prevent Covid-19 spread: RPOC to reimpose control in Quezon-Bicol border

The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Bicol will be enforcing border control anew in the Quezon-Bicol boundary following the spike in coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the region since its northern border in Del Gallego town was opened to all kinds of motorists.

In an RPOC meeting presided by Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara on Wednesday, July 8, the officers and members of the council passed a resolution for the reimposition of stricter border control in the Quezon-Bicol boundary starting this week.

The RPOC passed a resolution enforcing again the border control in Quezon-Bicol boundary starting this week after the returning locally stranded individuals (LSIs) coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Calabarzon were noted to be the cause of the increase in Covid-19 infection in the region.

“With the increasing cases of Covid-19 in Bicol, it is necessary to strengthen check point in the border located in the municipality of Del Gallego town,” the resolution said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) should check the travel passes and health certificates of passengers of colorum vans and other vehicles.

Bichara expressed alarmed over the increasing cases of Covid-19. Due to this, he asked government agencies specifically the LTO and PNP to intensify and strengthen border control checkpoint in Del Gallego.

“It will be their responsibilties to ensure the safety of their people and follow protocols. LSIs are allowed only on those coordinated travels and reguired to go directly to the respective quaratine facilities of LGUs. We need this to control the spread of virus in Bicol,” Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said.

The resolution was approved with the support of Mayor Noel Rosal, Regional Development Council (RDC) Bicol chairperson, DILG, AFP, PNP and other member agencies.