As illegal entry and exit is a threat to the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, border soldiers across Viet Nam are making efforts to prevent illegal entrance, especially in the buildup to the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, and those on duty locations in Quang Nam Province’ mountainous Tay Giang District bordering Laos is now exception.

Despite hardship, harsh weather conditions and poor living conditions facing them, the dedicated border guards have always maintained their patrols so as to keep out illegal entrants

Despite hardship, harsh weather conditions and poor living conditions facing them, the dedicated border guards have always maintained their patrols, even in odd hours, so as to keep out illegal entrants. The prevention work would be harder prior to Tet because illegal immigrants tend to increase.

The Ga Ry Border Guard Station, Ga Ry Commune, Tay Giang District, features a border gate control station, three mobile patrol teams and three COVID-19 checkpoints.

Currently, the main task of officers and men at this border guard station is to protect a stretch of 27.33 km bordering Kā Lum District, Se Kong Province, Laos, to prevent any illegal border jumpers.

In addition to guarding at the checkpoints to prevent illegal immigration, the hardworking border guards must task themselves with patrolling dozens of kilometres of unmanned mountainous paths with slippery slopes.

Worse still, they may face unexpected attacks by poisonous insects whenever and wherever during their tough patrol journeys.

Meanwhile, the A Xan Border Guard Station in Tay Giang District also boasts three key checkpoints, with each consisting of five border officers and soldiers and one militia person. The staff of this station are in charge of patrolling 18.3 km long borderline.

The Ga Ry and A Xan border guard stations’ staffers are now responsible for conducting their tasks in four of the Tay Giang District communes, namely Ga Ry, Ch'om, A Xan and Tr'Hy with a combined total of 7,318 residents, most of whom are Co tu ethnic people. 

The border guards have worked closely with district authorities to increase control over immigration, whilst residents are encouraged to inform border guards as soon as they detected illegal migrants or individuals involved in unlawful immigrant activities.

“Day and night we take turns patrolling. Everyone is aware that they have to fulfil the assigned tasks, especially the prevention and fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, to protect people and also to protect ourselves and our families,” a local border guard said.

Let's take a look at below photos, taken by our reporters, to understand how hardworking and highly dedicated the border guards are.

Officers and men from the Ga Ry Border Guard Station recently crossed a temporary bamboo bridge during their tough inspection journey

The hardworking border guards must task themselves with patrolling dozens of kilometres of unmanned mountainous paths with slippery slopes.

The soldiers must conduct patrols even in odd hours.

Those from the A Xan Border Guard Station are seen travelling along an unmanned paths and trails.

A patrol team from the A Xan Border Guard Station are on duty at an area bordering Laos.

When reaching border landmark, the team must fully perform rituals and organise cleanups in accordance with the national regulations.

Residents are encouraged to inform border guards as soon as they detected illegal migrants or individuals involved in unlawful immigrant activities.

Co Tu ethnic children on way to school in harsh weather conditions.

By XUAN DUNG, LE HUNG- Translated by A.T