The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it is not yet time to implement a lockdown in Metro Manila amid the COVID-19 threat, but security forces expressed readiness once it’s ordered.
“Nasa Code Red Sub-level 1 pa lang tayo (We are still in Code Red Sub-level 1). We’ll go up to 2 kapag me (if there is) confirmed community transmission of the virus,” DILG Sec. Eduardo Año said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is set to lend assistance once the lockdown is implemented and await instructions from the health department.
“Ang lockdown kasi (When it comes to lockdown), you should get a signal from the DOH, and certain protocols must be observed; but the PNP will always be there,” PNP Chief Archie Gamboa said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also said *it is ready to help the PNP. (*Armed Forces of the Philippines as an institution or group)
“AFP will assist PNP if ever there will be one. Depends, we have forces in NCR and if needed we can have more,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos, Jr. said. – Report from Bea Bernardo
