The Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield is preparing its security plan for the possible lifting of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other areas in the country.
JTF COVID Shield Commander PLt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said there will be security adjustments especially in checkpoints once President Duterte decides to place some areas under general community quarantine.
Under the GCQ, more individuals will be allowed to go out and more establishments will open. Lighter security will also be in place amid continued implementation of checkpoints and dedicated control points.
Eleazar pointed out they cannot strictly enforce the checking of all vehicles since the large number of vehicles “will create monstrous traffic” and will defeat the “purpose of partially opening the economy.”
The PNP-HPG will continue its operations on unauthorized motorists while the PNP will strengthen police visibility to implement social distancing and wearing of face masks in public places.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief PGen. Archie Gamboa has ordered to maintain the low crime rate especially once the GCQ is implemented. Data from the PNP show a 61 percent decline in the crime volume in the country for the past 54 days under the ECQ. – Report from Bea Bernardo
