By NG Seruela
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured the strengthened cooperation between the local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in implementing the community quarantine protocols amid the increase in the COVID-19 cases in the country.
DILG Sec. Eduardo Año said in President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s public address on Monday (Aug. 2) evening that he ordered the national police to intensify the implementation of the minimum health and safety protocols in the Philippines.
“Sa tumataas pong COVID cases sa bansa, lalo na dito sa NCR, pinaigting natin ang pagtutulungan ng mga LGUs at Philippine National Police sa pagpapatupad ng ating mga community quarantine protocols… Atin pong inatasan ang Philippine National Police na pag-ibayuhin ang pagpapatupad ng minimum public health and safety protocols sa bansa.”
He added that they are expecting for the PNP to ensure that the travels of the authorized persons outside residence (APORs) and cargoes including essential goods and services are not inconvenienced.
“Dapat din ay siguraduhin ng ating kapulisan na higpitan ang pagbabantay sa mga vaccination areas, sa mga pampublikong pamilihan, sa mga ayuda distribution centers ng LGUs. Inaasahan din natin ang presensya ng ating pulis sa mga quarantine at dedicated control points base sa quarantine classifications ng mga LGUs,” he said.
Año explained that once the National Capital Region (NCR) is placed under ECQ on August 6, the quarantine control points will be placed in the borders of the region.
“Para naman po sa National Capital Region na nasa interim bago po mag-ECQ, ang mga quarantine control points ay ilalagay sa mga borders ng NCR Plus bubble. Subalit pagdating po ng August 6, ang NCR ay isasailalim na sa enhanced community quarantine at ang mga quarantine control points naman ay ilalagay naman po natin sa mga borders ng National Capital Region.”
The DILG chief said the implementation of the hard lockdown is for the safety of the public. He called on the understanding and cooperation of everyone in fighting the Delta variant.
He also urged the public, especially the senior citizens and those with comorbidities, to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Tinatawagan natin ang lahat na magpabakuna lalo na ang ating mga seniors at may mga kapansanan sa lalong madaling panahon. Ang bakuna ang ating panlaban sa COVID lalo na po ang Delta variant.” -rir
