THE Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOCPPO) sent 19 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel who have medical backgrounds to augment contact tracers of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).

The personnel is made up of 18 licensed nurses and one licensed Radiologic Technologists who came from provincial headquarters and different city and municipal police stations under NOCPPO.

The move is in response to the directive of PNP Regional Director Brigadier General Rene Pamusmusan in a bid to battle the increasing number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in Bacolod City.

They will augment the contact tracing teams that BCPO currently has, following the increase of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Bacolod City after mass testings were held on August 28 and 29, 2020.

Provincial Police Director Colonel Romy Palgue said he believes the augmentation can greatly help BCPO in identifying and isolating the close contacts of positive patients since time is of the essence.

"In the fight against Covid-19, there are no territorial boundaries, thus, coordination and collaboration are important. We all should work together and be one with God to heal as one," Palgue said.