National Task Force for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez has stated that NTF Chairman Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered the more stringent implementation of checkpoints in Metro Manila due to constant violations of the enhanced community quarantine policy.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded more than 100,000 curfew violators a month after the declaration of the ECQ in Luzon and around 20,000 violators have been arrested thus far.
NTF Chief Implementer Sec. Galvez has also said they are coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to reinforce security in checkpoints.
“Susi sa tagumpay ang pakikiisa at kooperasyon ng bawat mamamayan, kaya ang lahat po ay pinapakiusapan na sumunod at makipagtulungan sa pamahalaan. (The key in success is unity and cooperation of each person, everyone is asked to follow and cooperate with the government.) Stay at home. Kung hindi ay masasayang lamang ang lahat ng ating pinaghirapan nitong mga nakaraang linggo. (If not, the hard work we have done for the past few weeks will just be wasted.)”
Meanwhile, the PNP will assign more police officers in public markets after news of overcrowding alarmed the authorities.
According to Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield Commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, PNP Chief General Archie Gamboa has given a directive to local police commanders to strengthen the implemented ECQ policy to cut down on people going to the market.
“Our Chief PNP, General Archie Francisco Gamboa, has already instructed local police commanders across the country to implement measures that would limit the number of people in the public markets, specifically on the matter concerning the strict observance of the social distancing rule.” Gen. Eleazar has stated. – Report from Bea Bernardo
