Ilocos Norte PNP readies pre-election measures

If the Boracay IATF approves the use of saliva testing, they will endorse the same to the national anti-coronavirus disease body a copy of which will be forwarded to the Department of Tourism, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the De

The opening of the SFEX expansion road is a testament that under the Duterte Administration, the government is working non-stop in providing living conditions that are not just comfortable but a more efficient delivery of goods and easier access for tourists

CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union — The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-1) is now gearing up for the pre-election frenzy with 85 percent of its admin personnel to be plucked from their office duties to conduct street patrols across the region.

This was disclosed by Ilocos Norte police chief PBGen. Emmanuel Peralta during his command visit to the La Union Provincial Police Office yesterday where he was welcomed by provincial director PCol. Jay Cumigad along with the La Union Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Aside from the added police visibility in the streets, Peralta likewise reiterated there will be no ceasing in PRO-1’s efforts to track down and arrest wanted criminals to further improve the peace and order situation in the region.

Also during his command visit, Peralta led the awarding of medals to outstanding police personnel who made

significant accomplishments during the conduct of the provincial command’s Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations.

Aside from the medals, Peralta also gave them cash incentives for their exemplary performances.

He also directed all local chiefs of police to establish good rapport and coordinate with their respective local government heads and barangay officials not only to strengthen partnership but also to improve networks that would lead to the determination of possible existence of other illegal activities in their areas of responsibility.

According to NLEX Corporation President Bautista, the SFEX Capacity Expansion entails construction of two additional expressway lanes, two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut and a new tunnel.

Peralta then assured the PNP leadership’s full support and noted the allocation of one percent of the province’s annual total budget for peace and security efforts — an agreement sealed during his courtesy visit to La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III earlier in the day.

KALIBO, Aklan — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Western Visayas (PCCI-WV) is urging the Boracay Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious (IATF-Boracay) Diseases to allow the saliva testing as a requirement of tourists entering the resort island.

In a copy of the draft resolution, the PCCI-WV said that saliva testing is cheaper compared to the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction swab test currently being required. Results of the said testing method also has a shorter turnaround time of 3-4 hours compared to the 24 to 48 hours of the RT-PCR test.

Among those expected to sign the manifests were

Ronald So, regional governor of PCCI-Western Visayas, Wesley Van Der Voort, president of PCCI-Boracay; Vicente Lagunday, PCCI-Antique; Ramel Buncalan, PCCI-Aklan; Engr. Dale Bernas of PCCI-Halaran Capiz; Neptune Pittman of Guimaras and Roberto Montelibano of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“We thank and support you for the continuing and collective efforts to complete the rehabilitation of Boracay and the initiatives to boost the economic recovery of the Island,” the first part of the resolution reads.

“We would like the IATF Boracay to seriously review and consider, and if applicable and reliable, approve for the immediate use of the RT PCR saliva test as an alternative testing mode for Boracay,” the resolution said.

If the Boracay IATF approves the use of saliva testing, they will endorse the same to the national anti-coronavirus disease body a copy of which will be forwarded to the Department of Tourism, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Earlier, the local government of Malay also issued a resolution to use the saliva testing of the Philippine Red Cross in diagnosing Covid-19 among their residents to which includes Boracay.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SBG Poor Cavite residents receive aid from Kuya Bong Around 116 poor and vulnerable residents from the towns of Silang and Tanza and the cities of Dasmariñas, Tagaytay, Gen. Trias and Imus received some much-needed assistance as Sen. Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go sent his staff members to distribute food packs, meals, medicines, masks, and face shields. Selected beneficiaries also received bicycles to help them get around amid the still limited availability of public transportation. Others also received tablets to help their children adapt to blended learning in schools, while some received shoes from the lawmaker. Go also reminded the recipients to always observe the health and safety protocols laid down by the government to safeguard themselves against the coronavirus disease.