NINETY-NINE additional police personnel were deployed to augment the city and municipal police stations in Negros Occidental to ensure effective implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The ECQ kicked off Monday, March 30, and will be in effect until April 14, 2020.

Executive Order 20-20 issued by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental placed the province under ECQ to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Except for those who belong to "Authorized Person Outside Residence" and those procuring essentials, all others are told to stay at home. Only those who are possessing a household quarantine pass are allowed to procure essential household commodities.

The augmentation troops came from 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office Headquarters. They will cover for the depleted police stations since the ECQ imposes a 24/7 curfew for two weeks and implementation of such will be labor intensive given that the police still continue their anti-criminality functions.

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Director Colonel Romeo Baleros assured the public that the unit is doing its best to effectively enforce the ECQ, as well as look after for the peace and order and the crime situation in the province.

"I appeal to the Negrosanons that they help us implement EO 20-20 to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by simply following the order to stay at home and be safe," he said. (PR)