By Bea Bernardo
The Philippine National Police (PNP) observed that the first day of the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the NCR Plus bubble (National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal) was generally orderly and peaceful.
At today’s Laging Handa public briefing, Joint Task Force COVID Shield Commander Police Lt. Gen. Cesar Binag attributed this to the public’s compliance with the quarantine protocol and to the PNP’s preparations.
“Maganda ho na nakapaghanda ang PNP. Kasi kahapon, mga nakaraang araw pa, nag-meeting kami kasama si PNP Chief General Debold Sinas at lahat ng regional director, kasama rin po. At ‘yung apat na probinsya [Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal], nilahad po nila ‘yung kanilang plano at synchronized po ang aming plano, hinarmonize para iisa lang ‘yung klase ng pagpapatupad ng ating sinasagawa ngayon,” Binag said.
[It’s good that the PNP was able to prepare. Because yesterday, the past few days, we met with PNP Chief Debold Sinas and all the regional directors. And the four provinces (Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal), they laid out their plans and synchronized them with our plans, we harmonized them so that there is a unified implementation of what we are doing now.]
However, the adherence to the protocol on public transport capacity, especially in jeepneys and motorcycles, remains a challenge. In addition, the ID presentation of those claiming to be APOR (authorized persons outside residence) or essential workers delays the traffic flow in most areas.
Binag also said they added more quarantine control points (QCP) within the NCR Plus bubble. The QCPs are now at 1,112.
“Ang objective natin, maselyuhan ang ating NCR Plus bubble,” he added. [Our objective is to seal our NCR Plus bubble.]
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government called on barangay officials not to establish their own checkpoints in their jurisdiction without coordination with the police.
DILG Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said checkpoints should be manned by the police to avoid confusion.
“Ayaw natin maulit ‘yung nangyari nung nakaraang taon, kung saan may sariling pamantayan na ini-implement ang mga barangay na hindi naman consistent sa policy ng national government,” Malaya said.
[We don’t want a repeat of what happened last year, when the barangays had their own guidelines that were inconsistent with the policy of the national government.]
As of press time, the police have allowed the establishment of 728 barangay checkpoints.
