Strict monitoring will be observed in all borders of each city and municipality in the National Capital Region (NCR) during the implementation of two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) starting Aug. 6.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), passing through borders to enter another city to buy essential goods will not be allowed. Authorities will establish intercity checkpoints within Metro Manila.
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said this is to control movement of the public to prevent COVID-19 and Delta variant transmission.
“Kapag pumasok na tayo sa ECQ, magiging individual bubble na itong mga iba’t ibang city at municipality sa Metro Manila. Kaya ang checkpoint ay intercity na,” Eleazar said on Aug. 4.
The PNP said escorting and fetching of authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) by non-APORs will be prohibited, since public transportation will remain operational.
The PNP also clarified that there is no directive banning the conduct of humanitarian activities during the ECQ period, saying that it is only suggesting a coordination with authorities for such activities.
“Instead na papilahin natin ‘yan sa mga community pantries natin, mas maganda – let’s coordinate with the barangay, i-identify, mag-usap kung saan dadalhin ‘yan at i-house-to-house na lang natin ‘yan,” Eleazar said.
Medical supplies
The national police said it is strictly monitoring the reported hoarding of oxygen tanks and medical supplies.
Earlier, Cebu City local government sought PNP’s and Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) help due to reported oxygen tank hoarding in the city.
The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been ordered to work with the DTI on the matter. Eleazar said complaints will be filed against those engaged in such activity. – Report from Bea Bernardo/AG-rir
