Following President Duterte’s directives, PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar issued orders preparing prisons for the upcoming arrest of facemask protocol violators last May 10 during a press conference.
Eleazar said they are now interacting with local government units and barangays in order to set up detention cells for every community for the violators of health protocols.
Eleazar also emphasized on following social distancing protocols inside the detention cells.
Violators not to be jailed
The new PNP Chief also clarified that civilians caught violating the face mask and face shield protocols won’t be arrested and added that they will even be given facemasks if needed.
While violators will not be jailed, It is possible for them to be detained for a maximum of 12 hours while undergoing investigation and booking procedure.
Violators will undergo records check to determine previous arrest record for similar offense for which appropriate penalty for repeat offenders will apply.
Those found with outstanding Warrants of Arrest will undergo further appropriate police action in coordination with judicial authorities.
Eleazar also told police to familiarize themselves with the local ordinance of their appointed areas of responsibility in order to know which punishment will be applied to violators.
Eleazar also emphasized not hurting the violators.
Intensified cleanliness policy at stations and offices
Meanwhile, Eleazar issued directives for maintaining cleanliness in police stations.
Included in his intensified cleanliness policy is the goal of public trust as well as the internal cleaning against corrupt police officers.
Surprise inspections by Eleazar will be held at police stations and offices.
New members of the PNP command group
New members of the PNP Command Group have been formally named.
Police Lieutenant General Joselito Vera Cruz is the new Number Two man of the PNP or the Deputy Chief for Administration.
Police Lieutenant General Israel Ephraim Dickson is the new Deputy Chief for Operations.
Former PNP Spokesperson Police Lieutenant General Dionardo Carlos is the new Chief of Directorial Staff.
There was also a reshuffle among several regional directors and high-positioned officials.
/PG-rir
