BORDER CONTROL.Troops from the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) augment local authorities manning one of the checkpoints against coronavirus in Iloilo City. Some 391 Army troops were deployed in control points of Iloilo City and the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique. (PNA photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division's Public Affairs Office)
ILOILO CITY – Some 391 troops from the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) have been deployed in different quarantine control points to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Panay.
In an official statement Tuesday, Capt. Cenon Pancito III, the 3ID spokesperson, said the deployment of troops is the answer of the Army to augment the efforts of the local government units in enforcing the enhanced community quarantine.
“We always believe in the spirit of 'Bayanihan', hence we are here to do our part, and I am also urging the people of Panay to do their share by cooperating with our border authorities,” he said.
The troops augment local authorities man the border points of the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique as well as to the entry points from and to Iloilo City.
Pancito said 57 of the troops are from 301st Infantry Brigade (301st IBde); 147 from 61st Infantry Battalion, and 187 from 6th Regional Defense Community Group (6RCDG).
“We don’t ask material support from you; all we need is your cooperation. Just stay at your respective homes and pray for our safety, and together we can end this pandemic,” he added.
Aside from augmenting the force at the control points, the Army also has to safeguards its camps against the virus.
For one, 301st IBde tropers are conducting disinfection at the entrance and exit points of vehicles and individuals at Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo. They implement necessary measures as prescribed by the national guidelines and procedures.
Col. Marion Sison, 301st IBde commander, said in a statement that personnel assigned for the disinfection are protected with masks, gloves, face, and body shields, and use appropriate disinfectants.
“The Army is ready to help and assist the local government of the province in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. This can be achieved by instilling discipline and cooperation among ourselves, and following the implementing rules and guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine,” Sison said.
Despite implementing measures against Covid-19 spread, the 3ID has earlier assured that its personnel is enough to maintain the peace and order in Panay. (PNA)
