New Year at the Nam Can outpost

Given the ongoing and complex Covid-19 pandemic situation, in addition to coordinating with other forces to control the epidemic at the border gate area, officers and soldiers of the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station have intensified strict control of the border area under their responsibility; and strengthened coordination with all levels and sectors of the district and commune in disseminating information and mobilizing the people, reaching out to every village, every household, and every individual in the area to participate in epidemic prevention and control.

Staying awake on patrol

On the night of December 31, 2020, at checkpoint 4 of the Nậm Cắn International Border Gate Border Guard Station, after dinner, the officers and soldiers were reviewing and deploying their night patrol and control duties. At this time, the outdoor temperature was below 7 degrees Celsius. The checkpoint was located right next to the border, in the middle of a valley, and the thick fog that enveloped it made it even colder...

Nearly a year has passed since the establishment of Post 4. This New Year's Eve is just like any other night before. The border guards here have never for a moment neglected their duties. They silently march to protect sovereignty, prevent various types of crime, and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection. These nightly patrols and inspections along the border post are essential. Criminals and illegal immigrants often take advantage of the darkness, complex terrain, and unfavorable weather to infiltrate the interior. Despite slippery roads, swirling streams, and numerous dangers, the officers and soldiers continue to advance, maintaining and tightening control of the border. Light lulls ahead, darkness behind them. More than anyone else, the border guards are acutely aware of the risk of disease and their noble responsibility to "stay awake so the people can sleep peacefully."

Captain Nguyen Canh Thao, Head of the Public Relations Team and Commander of Checkpoint 4 at the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station, stated: “Since the beginning of the year, Checkpoint 4, responsible for COVID-19 prevention and control, at the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station, has apprehended 4 cases/7 individuals from Laos who illegally entered the country via the Nam Can stream. They were fined and sent to medical quarantine in accordance with regulations… As the year draws to a close, we recognize that the risk of illegal entry is increasing. Officers and soldiers at the checkpoint have been, are, and will continue to strengthen their patrols and guard duties 24 hours a day, ensuring no individuals or risks slip through.”

After a strenuous night patrol, the officers and soldiers returned to their temporary outpost to rest before embarking on the next patrol. They gathered around the campfire, chatting and listening to the FM radio as their comrades joyfully welcomed the new year, filled with pride in their small contribution to creating peace. Lieutenant Dinh Bat Hao shared: “Last year, when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, my comrades and I were on duty here for 4-5 months without going home. This year, we don't know what will happen, but my family and I are determined to stay at the outpost, perform our assigned duties well, and firmly protect the border, preventing the disease from entering.”

Determined to perform the task well.

At the border gate on the first morning of the new year, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the volume of people crossing and goods being cleared was low. However, the border control forces remained on duty, ensuring all operations ran smoothly. Officers and soldiers of the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station inspected trucks passing through the border gate; checked the identities and luggage of drivers entering the transshipment area, and checked for changes of personnel... On the last day of the year and the first day of the new year, the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station and border quarantine authorities processed entry procedures and quarantined 14 people returning from Laos. The total number of people entering and being quarantined over the past year was 5,982.

The officers and soldiers of the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station face the risk of infection every day, but they do not falter. Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Que, Political Officer of the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station, shared: "In the fight against Covid-19, the border guard force has been a bulwark and a forward outpost preventing danger. Besides coordinating with other forces to control the epidemic in the border gate area, in recent times, the station has comprehensively, synchronously, and decisively implemented Covid-19 prevention and control measures at the highest level, with 100% of personnel participating, in accordance with the Ministry of Health's 5K message: 'Masks - Disinfection - Distance - No gatherings - Declaration'."

Accordingly, the unit established six COVID-19 prevention and control checkpoints on border trails as per the decision of the Provincial Border Guard Command; organized patrols and strict control of the border area under its responsibility; and strengthened coordination with district and commune-level agencies in disseminating information and mobilizing the people, reaching every village, household, and individual in the area to participate in disease prevention and control through various forms and methods. These methods included public meetings, loudspeaker systems, social media, mobile outreach, and individual outreach. The unit used Vietnamese, Thai, Hmong, and Khmu languages ​​so that all residents could hear, understand, and correctly follow the instructions and directives.

Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Que stated: Thanks to intensified propaganda and mobilization efforts, the people have shown strong support, providing the unit with 45 pieces of information regarding cases of illegal entry and exit. As a result, the station has apprehended and processed 50 cases/7 individuals involved in illegal entry and exit. Of these, 47 cases/70 individuals were processed for administrative violations, with fines totaling 220 million VND; 3 cases/7 individuals received warnings; 1 case/1 individual was apprehended and recommended for administrative processing for transporting medical supplies for epidemic prevention and control through the border gate; 1 case/1 individual was prosecuted for organizing illegal entry; and 1 case/2 individuals were prosecuted for organizing illegal emigration.

Despite numerous efforts and achievements, the officers and soldiers of the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station cannot be complacent at this time. The risk of Covid-19 entering the country could occur at any moment. The lesson learned from the six people who illegally entered from Myanmar carrying Covid-19 through the southwestern border region is still fresh in our minds... It is predicted that from now until the Lunar New Year, the number of people entering the country and the situation of illegal entry will increase sharply and become more complex. Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Que affirmed: “Clearly aware of the imminent risk of the epidemic to each individual, as well as their families and communities, the officers and soldiers of the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station have anticipated all difficulties and developed detailed plans to effectively carry out the task of preventing and controlling the Covid-19 epidemic, combating and preventing various types of crimes on the border, especially crimes involving the transportation and consumption of fireworks, drug crimes, illegal immigration activities, smuggling, and commercial fraud along the border routes...”.