NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is opposing the resumption of sea travel for ports located in the province until May 31.
Lacson has written to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) for the said postponement.
Based on the letter addressed to Marina administrator retired Vice Admiral Rober Empedrad, the governor requested for implementation of a directive that would postpone sea travel in ports belonging to the province until at least June 1.
Lacson pointed out under Section 3.3.1 of Executive Order 20-23, series of 2020 issued by the Provincial Government, all borders, airports, and seaports of Negros Occidental shall remain closed until May 31, 2020.
Lacson hopes that the national government agencies, especially the National Inter-Agency Task Force, will respect the right and authority of the local government units to enact measures to protect the welfare and health of its residents.
If Marina approves the governor's request, ports in Negros Occidental with the exception of Bacolod City, will remain closed.
Under the general community quarantine guidelines, the National Inter-Agency Task Force is allowing the resumption of trips in areas covered under the general quarantine, with the exception of the National Capital Region, Laguna, and Cebu City.
Since the province of Cebu was already classified under general quarantine, Philippine Coast Guard-Negros Occidental chief, Lt. Commander Jansen Benjamin stated that passenger trips between Escalante City and Sagay City to Tabuelan, and San Carlos City-Toledo City should have also returned to service.
