Blue alert status declared in Negros Occidental

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  • GILBERT BAYORAN

Ahead of the observance of All Saints and All Souls’ days on Nov. 1 and 2, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) placed all city and municipal DRRMOs under a “Blue Alert” status since Oct. 25.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson ordered Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to heighten the alert status, and to intensify road safety measures and possible deployment of responders to different areas of convergence, where large number of people converges, especially in cemeteries.

Despite the lifting on the use of face masks in outdoor places, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division chief Zeaphard Gerhart Caelian encouraged the public to wear masks, particularly in crowded areas.

Caelian said they are also watchful of fire incidents.

The provincial government of Negros Occidental is anticipating thousands of people to visit their loved ones in cemeteries, and return to their home towns, because of the long weekend.

Oct. 31 has been declared by Malacañang as a special nonworking holiday to strengthen family ties and promote domestic tourism, amid the COVID-19 pandemic./GB