Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar tasked the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to ensure the strict implementation of curfew hours once Metro Manila is placed under enhanced community quarantine.
The implementation of longer curfew hours in Metro Manila will complement the strict border control measures that are expected to be fully implemented from August 6 to 20.
“The strict border control and the longer curfew hours are but some of the necessary interventions to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19,” Eleazar said.
According to Eleazar, the imposition of longer curfew hours would help to prevent mass gatherings in the communities. He directed police personnel to coordinate with barangay officials in enforcing the curfew.
The PNP chief pointed out, “Sa pamamagitan ng curfew, maiiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng mass gatherings, gaya ng mga inuman o iba pang mga salo-salo, na malaki ang posibilidad na maging super spreader events.”
He added that PNP personnel will also help enforce the liquor ban that will be implemented by some local government units in Metro Manila.
Starting Aug. 6, localities in NCR will impose a uniform curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairperson Benhur Abalos.
Eleazar urged the public to strictly follow minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols to prevent the spread of the more infectious Delta variant.
“Nauunawaan namin ang sinasabing quarantine burnout na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan, subalit maling-mali ang pananaw na walang epekto ang mga paghihigpit na ito, dahil ang mga public experts na mismo ang nag-rekomenda nito at kami mismo sa PNP ay napatunayan naming kung gaano ka-epektibo ito upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng virus,” he said.
“Nakita natin mismo ang epekto ng Delta variant sa India, at nababalitaan kung gaano katindi ang virus nito sa iba pang bansang tinamaan nito. Kaya nararapat lamang ang agarang aksyon ng ating pamahalaan bago pa ito mauwi sa sisihan,” he added. (PNP-PIO) – jlo
